Home » About » Newsletters » February 1998
1997 ACLU of Florida Annual Report
In this issue of The Torch, we said goodbye to an old friend and addressed a number of civil liberties issues that we must and will face in the coming months.
Everything you read here is also directly related to money. When we said goodbye to Allan Terl, we also noted that he was a significant fundraiser for the ACLU. When we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we also talked about the need for financial resources so our Legislative Office can combat the expected challenge to Governor Chiles' veto of the late term abortion ban.
In 1997 we had a budget of over $500,000. The entire budget was raised from gifts from individuals like yourself or from public interest Foundations like the Florida Bar Foundation. Without your membership dues and tax deductible gifts, we would not be challenging the Lee County Bible class or speaking against the Legislature's attempts to limit a woman's right of choice. Without the dedication of friends like Allan, who donate their time to necessary tasks of talking to other friends about the ACLU and asking for their support, there would not be the resources needed to support our legal program or even to print this newsletter.
The ACLU and ACLU Foundation are separately incorporated nonprofit organizations operating in Florida. The ACLU Foundation conducts litigation and public education in support of civil liberties. The Foundation is a 501 3 nonprofit corporation, contributions to which are taxdeductible in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code. The ACLU conducts membership outreach and organizing, advocacy and legislative lobbying. It is supported primarily by membership dues. It is a 501 4 organization, which is taxexempt, but membership dues are not taxdeductible.
Fundraising Campaigns and Volunteers
The ACLU Foundation of Florida operates annual fundraising campaigns. These campaigns seek support from individual donors to support the work of the organization. ACLU fundraising is founded on the firm belief that personal outreach and oneonone conversations with members and potential donors are the most effective and friendliest ways to raise the funds needed to defend civil liberties. As a result, the ACLU maintains strong ties with its members who are kept informed as to current civil liberties issues of broad concern.
Sharing
All taxdeductible gifts and membership dues are shared between the national ACLU and the ACLU of Florida according to a formula adopted by the Board of Directors. A portion of the contributions are allocated to other, smaller ACLU affiliate offices, particularly in places like the South and the Mountain States where there are insufficient financial resources to defend civil liberties.
Ways of Giving
The ACLU is as strong as the volunteer efforts and financial donations provided by our supporters. Every lawsuit and civil liberties activity is the direct result of the participation and gifts of people who care about protecting the Bill of Rights. You can make a contribution to the ACLU or ACLU Foundation in any of these ways:
Cash, check, or credit card: The organization is pleased to accept your donation at any time. Monthly, quarterly or annual pledges are welcome. We will send you reminders, if you wish. Contributions may also be made on Visa or MasterCard.
United Way or Combined Federal Campaign Donor Option Gifts.
Providing for the Longterm Defense of the Bill of Rights: The DeSilver Society
Supporters wishing to leave a lasting gift to the ACLU and our work to defend civil liberties may do so by becoming members of the DeSilver Society. By providing for the ACLU in their estate planning, they help to insure that our work in support of the Bill of Rights will continue to the next generation. Gifts to the ACLU Foundation can provide major tax benefits and can include:
Gifts of Stock or Securities, Insurance Policies, Bequests
Pooled Income Gifts: A gift of $5,000 or more can be invested in the ACLU Foundation's pooled income fund, producing annual income for you as well as an ultimate gift for the organization.
Gift Annuities: By donating cash or securities, you can receive income on the gift for your lifetime, while still providing support for the ACLU Foundation in the future. Tax advantages can be substantial, depending on your individual situation.
Charitable Trusts: Charitable trusts can be arranged to benefit the ACLU Foundation while providing tax advantages and a variety of financial planning options to you and your family.
In 1997, over 10,000 Floridians asked the ACLU for help. Our volunteer Cooperating Attorneys donated their time and talents equal to a value of over $1,000,000 in free legal aid to our clients. With your help, we will have the resources to meet the ever increasing challenges to civil liberties in Florida.
We urge you to join with us!! If you are interested in providing for a bequest to the ACLU in your will, please return the coupon on this page and if you have any questions on how you can help, contact our Development Director, CJ Fragola at (305) 576-2337.
