Endowment Fund
The purpose of the Endowment Fund is to provide long term sustainability for the Association. The fund is able to receive cash gifts, but also gifts of land, stock, life insurance policies, and other financial instruments. Atla’s gift policy outlines the types of gifts accepted. Contributions are invested in a portfolio where the principal remains untouched.
All contributions are 100% tax-deductible for U.S. taxpayers.
Contribution Information
Contributions are solicited at two special times during the year:
- when membership renewal forms are distributed to Atla members
- during the annual Endowment Fund drive in winter
History of the Endowment Fund
The Atla Endowment Fund received its first major gift in 1993 when Mrs. Jean Kelly Morris gave stock shares valued at $11,600 to the Fund in memory of her late husband, Dr. Raymond P. Morris. Dr. Morris was Yale University’s Divinity Librarian from 1932 until his retirement in 1972. During his distinguished career, he served Atla as President, Executive Secretary of the Board of Microtext, Chair of the Collection Development Program, fundraiser, consultant and mentor to many generations of theological librarians. For many years, Mrs. Morris volunteered her secretarial and administrative skills to support her husband in his Atla activities.
In gratitude for what Atla has meant to me and countless others in the past, in appreciation for its vibrant program and leadership today, and to help support its mission in perpetuity, my wife Trudy and I have designated in our wills meaningful bequests to Atla. We encourage others who feel as we do to join us in this action.
John Bollier (Emeritus Member)
This lead gift (in conjunction with the charitable contributions of many individual members and friends, matching gift contributions by Atla and sound investment strategies) increased in value to more than $100,000 in fiscal year 2000 and reached the initial goal set for the Fund. A portion of the Fund’s earnings was, for the first time, allocated for Association projects and programs. Several programs were established including outreach to graduate students in theology and religion, recruitment of under-represented candidates to theological librarianship and grants for Atla Student and Individual members to attend Atla Annual.
Currently, Atla is focused on the growth of the Fund and setting the stage for supporting innovative projects in the future.