Ralph C. Smedley Memorial Fund

The Ralph C. Smedley Memorial Fund® (“Smedley Fund”) is an opportunity for you to keep Dr. Ralph Smedley’s legacy alive. Toastmasters International established the Smedley Fund in 1965 to advance the Toastmasters International mission through the research, development and distribution of educational programs and materials relating to communication and leadership. The purpose of the Smedley Fund is to meet the educational needs of the members and community in a range of cultural, social and economic situations.

As a nonprofit organization, Toastmasters International relies on the support of its volunteers, members and contributors. Your contribution to the Smedley Fund supports research and development and guides the creation of future programs.

The 2016 Smedley Fund Annual Report is now available.

Educational Materials

Enhancing the member learning experience helps meet the needs of individuals in culturally diverse environments.

Geographic Initiatives

Investing in new and developing markets helps make the Toastmasters program accessible to more people.

Youth
Outreach

Programs such as the Youth Leadership Program help build the confidence of tomorrow’s leaders.

Hardship Assistance

People in hardship situations,
such as homelessness,
domestic abuse and
transitional living need
hope for the future.

Emergency Relief

Contributions may provide relief to those suffering losses due to extreme economic hardship or disasters.

Individual Contributors

When you donate any amount, you become a contributor, regardless if you are a member, alumni, or a friend of Toastmasters International. All contributors will receive a contributor ribbon. Contributors who give $1,000 or more in cumulative lifetime gifts (accruing from January 1, 2016) will receive a contributor lapel pin at these levels:

AMETHYST
$1,000+

SAPPHIRE
$5,000+

EMERALD
$10,000+

RUBY
$25,000+

DIAMOND
$50,000+

Club Contributors

Your Toastmasters club may make a donation by contributing from the club treasury or through a special collection. All club contributors will receive a 24" inch banner ribbon. Club contributors who give $1,000 or more in cumulative lifetime gifts (accruing from January 1, 2016) will receive an engraved trophy.

Corporate Contributors

Corporate contributors include companies, foundations or other organizations. All corporate contributors will receive an engraved plaque. Corporations who give $1,000 or more in cumulative lifetime gifts (accruing from January 1, 2016) will receive an engraved crystal.

CONTRIBUTE TODAY

Ways to Give

Honorary Gifts

You can honor an individual or occasion while also making a meaningful gift. Upon request, Toastmasters International will send a notice of the contribution to the honoree without disclosing the amount.

Memorial Gifts

You can make a gift to show how much a loved one’s life has meant to you. Upon request, Toastmasters International will send a notice to a surviving relative about the donation without disclosing the amount.

Recurring Gifts

You can set-up a convenient monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual gift as a way to make a difference year-round.

IRA Gifts

You can take a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) account in the United States, up to $100,000 annually, when you reach the age 70½. This choice allows you to make a pre-tax contribution. Please consult your financial advisor to see if this is a good option for you.

Planned Gifts

Planned giving involves providing a future contribution through your financial and/or estate plans, such as making a bequest by including language in your will or living trust. Or you can designate Toastmasters International as a beneficiary in your retirement plan or life insurance policy.

Matching Gifts

Your gift can be doubled by your employer! Many companies offer programs with matching gifts that match any charitable contribution or volunteer hours made by their employees, retirees and/or employees’ spouses. Ask your employer if they have a matching gift program.

Wire Transfer

You can wire transfer a contribution directly to the Smedley Fund. Click here to download instructions to send a contribution by wire transfer through your bank.

Mail/Fax/Phone

You can send a contribution by mail or fax by downloading the contributor form. To make a donation over the phone, please call (949) 858-8255.

AmazonSmile

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support Toastmasters International every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible purchases to the Smedley Fund.

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