GIFT - Global Investment Foundation for Tomorrow
Who started GIFT and why?
Sam Beard and John Janas started GIFT. Please see "About Us" for their biographies.
The idea began in 2000. The rationale is to use the power of compound interest over a period of years to double charity around the world.
Who picks the GIFT charities?
You do. It starts with your passion. Select any charitable cause that excites you.
Any non-profit organization of your choosing can benefit from this idea. This includes all the major non-profit purposes: education, arts, culture and humanities, health, environment, economic development, and youth leadership, among all the others.
What is new or important about this idea?
The original idea is historically based. The idea for GIFT started over 200 years ago with Ben Franklin. See "The Power of Compound Interest." What's new is the rapid growth of equities and financial assets and the spread of financial ownership to millions of individuals worldwide - in just the past 30 years.
In the past, wealth and the ability to make a difference financially was concentrated in the hands of a few. Today, millions of action agents around the world have sufficient financial assets to truly address the multiple issues that face all of us.
What is GIFT's legal structure?
GIFT is an independent 501 (c)(3) public foundation and has an independent Board of Directors.
25, 50, 100 years is a long time. Does GIFT's idea work long-term and in fluctuating economic conditions?
Yes. For example, in the United States, Ibbotson began recording rates of return on the American stock exchanges in 1880. From 1880 to the present, equities have averaged 10.19 percent annual growth. This time period includes two world wars, other notable wars, the Great Depression 1929 - 1936, as well as multiple recessions.
Our organization has limited financial experience. Where and how do we invest the money?
Talk with your financial planner and current money manager. In the future, GIFT will establish alternative investment options that you may select from. One option is to buy shares in index funds, creating a low cost option with broad investment diversity.
I don't like fund raising. What should I do?
Very few people like fund raising. However, fund raising is part of any successful non-profit. Ask yourself how important your project is, and how much you care about it. There is always money available for good and important ideas as proposed by determined proponents. With your group, determine what level of resources you need to have an impact. Don't stop fund raising until you reach that level. You can start at a low level and build on early successes.
Our organization is small. Our annual operating budget is $10,000, $50,000, $100,000 per year. Does GIFT's idea work?
Yes. Whatever level of fund raising, set aside 5% of your annual budget into a long-term fund. There are always excess demands for spending today. We recommend that you balance today's interests against future needs. Set aside a portion of your immediate funds to build an endowment to sustain your organization for the long term.