American Camping Foundation: 1993 annual report.

The American Camping Foundation has completed its third year of operations subsequent to its reorganization as a "new" 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation. ACF protects and invests ACA's endowment and provides leadership in ACA's critical area of financial development. Up to 15 ACF directors meet twice a year to conduct foundation business.

Among the foundation activities are:

* initiating, coordinating and conducting a comprehensive financial development program for ACA;

* helping ACA sections and individual camps develop sound fiscal strategies that will benefit and encourage the perpetuation of camps and camping;

* helping camps, through scholarship programs, extend opportunities for camp experiences to campers of an ever wider variety of socio-economic backgrounds;

* developing strategies to build endowment for the sole purpose of strengthening the mission and charitable goals of ACA;

* acting upon grant requests to fund projects beneficial to ACA and its members.

ACF currently invests over $700,000, of which more than 50 percent is in restricted funds in the form of moneys given for specific programs or in honor of individuals.

Endowment Program Is Critical to Future of ACA

Under the remarkable leadership of Joe Kruger, the $1.2 million Endowment Campaign has been given life and direction. As this report is being written, we are nearing the $700,000 mark. We need and expect full support from all ACA sections, boards and members. To expect a national organization to have any respectability and clout, it is essential to build unrestricted endowment. With those funds, important goals can be attained.

The first $200,000 collected have been designated for an exciting and far-reaching initiative in public awareness. ACF anticipates immediate benefits from this campaign. The recent meeting of the Visionary Task Group named by ACA President Connie Coutellier has produced outcomes that underscore the need for articulating the values of the camp experience to a much more specific and targeted consumer than ever before attempted. Members of the ACF board are excited, in fact, energized by the potential outcomes of these public awareness initiatives.

One million dollars will go directly to the unrestricted endowment, the proceeds from which will ensure continued creative direction for ACA-related grants and long-term funding for important projects. Make no mistake, however, your support is significant. Think aggressively and give accordingly.

Planned Giving a Popular Option

Andrew McMullan, immediate past chair of ACF, continues in an important role as the head of planned giving and the Acorn Society. Critical elements of ACF's longterm endowment strategy, we are talking here of bequests to ACA as part of your estate planning through wills, insurance policies and other financial avenues. You are most cordially invited to join this growing number of camp professionals and interested parties from outside the field of camping. Acorn Society members meet yearly at a gala dinner held in conjunction with the annual ACA National Conference. As an additional option, consider the excitement generated by the generous gift from Bob Hansen of his beloved Mountain Camp Il just about one year ago. Simply stated, by taking advantage of a charitable remainder trust, Bob will have major tax savings for himself and receive significant income for life while giving ACF's endowment campaign a major boost

"I Believe" Stronger Than Ever

ACF continues its close working relationship with the "I Believe" fund, which continues to grow under the leadership of ACA Past President Jean McMuilan. With various section and regional events and high-profile national conference fund raisers, the |I Believe" fund is reaching toward the $300,000 mark. In fiscal year 1993, $31,684 was received, though that amount may swell as more pledges are realized. Proceeds from this important fund are used for working capital needs of ACA. Bear in mind that when ACA uses these funds for temporary cash flow needs, the funds are later returned and made available for other uses. The 1994 goal with the "We Believe" concert in Toronto is $40,000.

A Results-Oriented Foundation

As ACA members, you frequently see reference to the J. Wendell Howe Golden Quill and Lens Awards, the Otto K. Rosahn Memorial Lecture, the Elmer Ott Fund, the $1.2 million endowment campaign, the periodic challenges from ACF to the ACA National Board. All these activities are but a part of the ongoing supportive agenda of the American Camping Foundation.

To learn more about ACF or your participation in any of our varied opportunities, please call Morry Stein or the ACA National Office.

Financial Review

In its second full year of operations, the American Camping Foundation continued to build financial security for the American Camping Association. The total amount pledged to the endowment campaign continues to grow; $71,283 in pledge payments were received in fiscal 1993.

The Foundation was formed as a supporting organization for ACA, to raise additional funds and to manage the endowment funds in existence. Only interest earned on the endowment funds or current contributions can be used for expenses; the endowment principal is inviolate.

The funds that are restricted consist of the ACA life memberships and the scholarship contributions for the three accredited camps which have started scholarship endowments.

The unrestricted funds consist of the general endowment, the new endowment campaign, and a number of memorials, which were begun in memory of prominent former members.

The grants awarded in fiscal 1993 included life memberships and grants for the Rosahn lecture, the Howe Golden Quill and Lens awards for journalism, and Gwynn Valley Camp scholarships. In addition, the ACF funded the Eleanor Eels award and began payments to ACA to cover the activities of the new Public Awareness Campaign.