Planned Giving
Most of us give time, talents, and money to charitable organizations during our lives because it makes a difference for someone else. We experience the joy that comes from giving to a charity that puts into action our values and priorities. Through a legacy gift, you can make a difference--now and forever. The United Way of Portage County, Inc. offers two ways to make a lasting and valuable contribution to the future of the community.
United Circle of Caring Fund
A restricted fund separate from the annual campaign in which income and principal will be used and applied to meet special needs or to fund special projects in our community as determined appropriate by approval of at least seventy-five (75%) of the Board of Directors.
United Circle of Caring Endowment
An endowment fund separate from the annual campaign where the donor's initial gift - along with similar endowment gifts by other donors - is preserved and invested, and only the income, growth and appreciation may be used and disbursed, bu approval of the Board of Directors, to match pressing community needs with donor interests.
United Way of Portage County is dedicated to finding the most efficient, personally satisfying and financially advantageous method for each donor to make his or her contribution. Your legal or financial advisor can guide you in choosing a gift that fulfills your needs, provides maximum tax benefits, and does the most good for others. Giving options include:
- Bequests
- Securities
- Gifts of property
- Life income gifts
- Life insurance
- Cash gifts
For more information about Planned Giving, please review the following documents.
United Way Case for Support
United Way Gift Acceptance Policy
How are dollars being reinvested into the community?
In October 2011, the United Circle of Caring committee approved funding of $5,489 for the installation of a Born Learning Trail in a Stevens Point park.
Ignite Leadership Network of Portage County (a partnership between the Portage County Business Council Foundation
and United Way of Portage County) proposed the creation a Born Learning Trail in May and June of 2012 as their annual community service project.
What is a Born Learning Trail?
The Born Learning Trail is a set of ten engaging signs to help parents and caregivers create learning opportunities for young children. These trails show parents and caregivers how to turn everyday activities into learning moments. Each sign displays fun and interactive games promoting physical activity that exercises a child’s mind and body. Each sign has learning activities that parents or caregivers can play with young children at different ages. Each station will have a concrete slab with paintings and activities that pertain to the sign to encourage further educational engagement.
Why is this important?
Kids are learning all the time. The idea behind the trail is to turn those everyday moments into learning experiences. Research has shown that parents who interact regularly with their young children are helping them be better prepared to start school. You can increase a child’s language skills by asking questions, using rhymes and talking about what you are doing, even if it is household tasks like talking about colors when folding laundry.
Ignite's goal is to build awareness around the importance of early childhood education for everyone in the community. This project aligns perfectly with Ignite’s mission to provide philanthropic opportunities to our members that will ensure a vibrant future for Portage County and United Way’s focus on education. There is the potential for more trails like this to be completed in the future all throughout our community.
