21st Century Endowment

The 21st Century Endowment Program allows the Foundations to broaden the benefits it provides to youth and community. With giving levels of $25,000 or more, a club, individual or other legal entity may create their own "foundation within a foundation" that will pay annually, according to a prearranged percentage of interest, to a designated charitable project. All gifts and earned income related to this fund shall be and remain gifts to the Optimist International Foundations in perpetuity and shall be non-refundable. From day one of the Endowment until the fund reaches $25,000, the Foundation will provide annual income payments to the beneficiary equal to 60% of the fund's portion of the Optimist International Foundation's return on its investments. Once a total of $25,000 in gifts designated for this fund are received, the Foundation will provide annual income payments to the beneficiary equal to 75% of the fund's portion of the Optimist International Foundation's return on its investments. Once a total of $50,000 in gifts designated for the fund are received by the Foundation, the grantor shall have the one-time option of receiving thereafter annual income payments to the beneficiary of a flat percent or 90% of the fund's portion of the Optimist International Foundation's return on its investments. The flat percentage amount will be determined by an analysis of the market status at the time of the request.

Club Pass-Through Grant

Optimist Clubs can request the assistance of the Optimist International Foundation by utilizing the Foundation's 501(c)(3) charitable status to obtain tax-deductible contributions from corporations/foundations to fund charitable community projects. Specific guidelines are required to obtain a Pass-Through Grant from the Foundation. The minimum amount of funding for this program is $1,000. Optimist Clubs interested in this program should contact the Foundation office. The Club Pass-Through Grant Program is available only to U.S. clubs due to restrictions outlined by Revenue Canada.

Club Campaign Fund

To establish a Club Campaign Fund, Optimist clubs must submit a letter to the Foundation office outlining the charitable purpose of the project requiring funding. Once approved, contributions may be sent in to the Foundation designated for the club's Campaign Fund. The Fund provides a means for Optimist clubs to accumulate tax-deductible contributions for a community project. The minimum fund balance required is $1,000 before a withdrawal can be made from the club, and the funds must be held for a minimum of six months. The maximum fund balance is $10,000. Currently, this program applies in the U.S. only.