Opportunities For Giving
The Annual Fund
The Annual Fund is the vehicle by which periodic gifts may be given to Sky Lake by friends and supporters. A formal fundraising drive is held each year in the spring. Unless otherwise specified by the donor the funds raised in this drive are used for current operations at Sky Lake, supplementing user fees and a limited grant form the Wyoming Annual Conference. To see information on this year's Annual Fund (including Wish List), click here.
Endowment Fund
The Sky Lake Endowment and Capital Funds are designed to provide long term, continuing support for the ministries of Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center. Gifts can be given unrestricted or earmarked for one of three sub-funds. The three special funds are: Operations and Programming Endowment, Campership Endowment, and Capital Needs Fund. An unrestricted gift may or may not be placed in the Endowment Funds and some or all could be placed in the Annual Fund.
An unrestricted gift will be used at the discretion of the Sky Lake Board of Directors.
The Operations and Programming Endowment earmarks its income to support Sky Lake operating expenses and programming. As such, it is a vital source of funds covering ongoing costs of camping and retreat activities.
The Campership Endowment Fund earmarks its income to camperships for those who can not afford to cover the full cost of participation in a Sky Lake activity. It makes the Sky Lake experience affordable for all.
In these Endowment Funds, only the earnings on the principal are available for use at Sky Lake. The principal remains intact providing permanent, perpetual support for Sky Lake.
The Capital Fund is used to accumulate monies for the future repair, replacement, or additions to facilities and equipment at Sky Lake. The Board, at its discretion, may allocate monies from this fund for improvement of the physical assets of Sky Lake. Both principal and income are available for this purpose.
The Endowment Funds are particularly attractive to those wishing to make bequests as part of their estate planning. The use of a will or living trust for this purpose is encouraged. You may also choose to donate to these funds during your lifetime because of their special dedication or because they provide perpetual support for Sky Lake.
Alternatively, gifts for Sky Lake may be made through the Wyoming Conference Foundation.
Memorial Gifts
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Opportunities exist for major gifts to be made in memory of a loved one with appropriate, permanent recognition by action of the Sky Lake Board of Directors. A list of current opportunities can be obtained by contacting us.
Information You Should Know
Types of Gifts
Sky Lake will accept gifts of cash, useable equipment, negotiable securities, and real estate. Equipment and real estate gifts require the formal acceptance by the Sky Lake Board of Directors
Tax Benefits
There are various tax benefits to gifts and bequests made to charitable organizations such as Sky Lake. For example, a highly appreciated security may be donated. This means Sky Lake receives the market value of the security and the donor's tax value is the same even though the cost basis was significantly less. Your attorney, accountant, or financial planner should be consulted about the tax benefits of any particular gift.
Sky Lake of Wyoming Conference, Inc. is a Section 501(c)3 non-profit organization under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
Provisions in Your Will
The common way to leave a legacy to Sky Lake in your will is to designate (1)a percentage of your estate; (2)a specific dollar amount; (3)specific properties--including life insurance policies or IRAs; or (4)the residual of your estate after loved ones are cared for. Your lawyer or estate planner can provide specific information on how to accomplish your intention.
The Paperwork is Simple
It is easy to provide for Sky Lake in your will. It may not even be necessary to rewrite your will. A simple amendment, legally called a "codicil", could make the change you have in mind. Ask your attorney or advisor about this. Likewise, if you change your mind about such arrangements it can be done easily again, by amendment, without completely redoing your will.
Make an Impact!
We hope you will consider making a lasting impact on Sky Lake and all those who walk its paths. What happens here certainly changes lives and helps shape a better tomorrow!
Disclaimer
Sky Lake is not engaged in rendering legal or tax advisory service. For advice and assistance in specific cases, the services of an attorney or other professional advisor should be obtained. The purpose of this publication is to provide accurate and authoritative information of a general character only. Watch for tax revisions. State laws govern wills, trusts, and charitable gifts made in a contractual agreement. Advice from legal counsel should be sought when considering these types of gifts.
