ENDOWMENT FUND

Purpose

Ensuring the survival of our organization for many years to come is the essence of the AFJ Endowment Fund. It demonstrates the long-term commitment of our organization to Jamaica. It will provide an additional source of income to help fund annual AFJ programs. The AFJ is a non-profit 501 c 3, charitable organization that serves as a conduit for tax-deductible philanthropic contributions from those who care about and want to achieve positive social & economic impact in Jamaica.

Goal

The Fund was established in 2015 with commitments of US$500,000. Our goal is to grow this initial commitment to $10,000,000 over time. Each year 5% of the Fund balance will go directly to supporting AFJ programs in Jamaica, enabling us to ensure the continuity and sustainability of AJF’s mission.

Only through your generous support will this goal be met. More importantly, it will ensure that our giving programs become stronger and increasingly impactful throughout the years.

Fund Management

The AFJ Endowment Fund is invested at Charles Schwab & Company according to direction of the AFJ Endowment Fund Trustees. Contributions to the fund are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by the law.

Giving Levels

Trustee Circle                $100,000+
Hummingbird Donor   $50,000 – $99,999
Peacock Donor              $25,000 – $49,999
Lignum Vitae Donor     $15,000 – $24,999
Royal Palm Donor         $10,000 – $14,999
Hibiscus Donor              $1,000 – $ 9,999

How to Give

All are invited to contribute to the Fund as it is only through your generous donations that our goals can be met and grow. Your tax-deductible contributions may take many forms:

• Give one-time gift by check or with stock, bonds or mutual funds
• Pledge gifts over one, two, three or more years
• Name the Fund in your will or trust, or as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy

For gifts other than checks, please contact the offices of the AFJ at 212-265-2550.

In addition, if you are at least 70 ½ years old, you may make non-taxable transfers from personal IRAs to the Fund. The maximum transfer is $100,000. The amount you transfer will be credited toward your minimum distribution requirement for the year.

Please make check payable to the American Friends of Jamaica, Inc. indicated “AFJ Endowment Fund” on the check memo line and mail to:

The American Friends of Jamaica, Inc.

1697 Broadway, Suite 502
New York, NY 10019

Questions? Contact Wendy Hart, President whart@theafj.org or Caron Chung, Executive Director cchung@theafj.org for more information.