AAUW Wisconsin Development

Development VP: Kim Wellnitz
kimwellnitz@yahoo.com

The AAUW Wisconsin Development VP Position supports the work of AAUW by creating, supporting, and encouraging donations by AAUW Wisconsin and its members. This position was renamed in spring 2010 and was formerly called EF/LAF VP (Education Foundation and Legal Advocacy Fund). The new VP of Development title more accurately describes the philanthropic giving that supports a wide variety of AAUW initiatives and better aligns with the new organizational structure of AAUW.

States and branches have flexibility in naming their officers. None of the work or programs of the Legal Advocacy Fund or those formerly operated under the name of Educational Foundation have changed, and, of course, those programs still need our support. Keeping the LAF chair title makes sense and provides continuity, because the fund is still identified by the same name. We now have an Educational Opportunities Fund, which needs support, just as we have the Leadership Programs Fund, the Eleanor Roosevelt Fund, and the Public Policy Fund. Branches and states may want to use these fund names to determine their officers’ titles.

Some branches and states are using the titles development chair, philanthropy chair, or AAUW charitable funds chair. Such titles make it clear that member philanthropy can reach every aspect of AAUW, not just LAF or the Educational Foundation. Many EF and LAF chairs already know this and oversaw all types of giving in the past. Ultimately, the officer structure is left to the discretion of the branch and state and what works best for them. The goal is to make things as easy as possible for the branch and state leaders.

Branches receive credit for contributions made by individual members and all contributions made to AAUW Funds (#9110) are fully tax deductible. The only contributions not eligible for a tax deduction as a charitable gift are those to the AAUW Action Fund, our small 501(c)(4) entity, which operates our Lobby Corps and voter education activities. To make a gift to support these activities, you should make your check payable to AAUW Action Fund. Each quarter, a contribution report is sent to the AAUW WI President, Finance VP and Development VP. The individuals in these positions then forward them on to the appropriate person at the branch level so branches can check their contributions for accuracy.

Best Ways to Contribute:
1. Online ~ To give online, you must use a credit card. Go to http://www.aauw.org/ and click on “Give.” It’s easy and secure.

2. Mail ~ Download and print the contribution form (MSWord) at http://www.aauw.org/, log into the Member Center, then select “Officer and Member Resources,” then select “Forms.” Instructions are included with the form. Attach a check or money order made payable to AAUW Funds and mail the contribution form to:

AAUW Development Office
P.O. Box 98045
Washington, DC 20090-8045

Some of the more common FUND OPTIONS:

AAUW Funds #9110 – gifts are not restricted to a specific fund and support programs with the greatest needs.

Legal Advocacy Fund #3999

Educational Opportunities Fund #4336

Eleanor Roosevelt Fund #9170
Public Policy Fund #4337

Leadership Programs Fund #4339

Wisconsin Funds – help us complete them:
Madison Branch R&P Fund - Code 1374 As of Jan. 31, 2010, we need to raise $14,770 more!
Fort Atkinson Founder's Fund 4270 As of Jan. 31, 2010, we need to raise $32,671 more!
Katherine Teska Memorial Research and Projects Fund – Code 4320 As of Jan. 31, 2010, we need to raise $48,104 more!

For further information regarding contributions, contact:
Kim Wellnitz
kimwellnitz@yahoo.com