“The power of a group of providers, plus the power of compound interest will empower the teaching staff to deliver powerful learning experiences for students.” Roger Williams, 2007

Just think if a group of 100 parents donated $10 monthly for ten months, $10,000 could be raised annually for a chosen project. For the sake of example, let’s say the group selected the art programs at your school. If the group maintained the same annual giving program for five years the investment principal would be $50,000, plus a percentage of compound interest growth, to invest in the arts.

This example illustrates a simple, effective way for parents to support school programs. The advantages are many. The group of donors controls the investment. The group participants can take a legitimate charitable deduction on their annual tax returns. These same donors can take advantage of the North Valley Community Foundation banking and investment services. This past year endowments, such as the one I’m proposing, earned 14.1%. If the group decided to donate all it’s money during the Annie B. investment period, an additional percentage of money could be added to the investment total. This year 14% was added to the investment totals.

This concept is almost too good to be true, but fortunately for the Chico High School Foundation (CHS) it is true! The CHS foundation raised approximately $50,000 in 2007 and earned an additional $6,700 from the Annie B. incentive funds.

Everything starts with a desire to support your school and a call to Alexa Valavanis, the Chief Executive Officer of NVCF. I would also be happy to help you get started.

Roger Williams

President of the Chico High School Foundation