In 2017, Women’s Foundation of Mississippi Board member, Donna Barksdale, started the Lois Kennedy, Women We Honor Endowment Fund in honor of her late mother. Lois spent her life inspiring and uplifting women. She was a working mother and had a deep faith that sustained her and all of those around her. We know that so many of you have similar stories of your mothers – sisters, aunts, daughters, and friends – and the sacrifices many of them have made. If you are inspired and interested in honoring the women in your life through a legacy that will impact Mississippi women for years to come, please consider investing in this endowment fund.

Everyone has something to give. Philanthropy has been described as private initiative for public good, focusing on quality of life. We know you have many choices when it comes to giving. Contributing to this endowment fund is one of the best ways you can ensure that the work of the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi will thrive for years to come. The Lois Kennedy, Women We Honor Endowment Fund provides donors with a means of making charitable gifts or bequests, which become a lasting source of financial support and a living memorial to the women honored. Your donation’s impact will be felt in Mississippi for generations to come!

Why Endowment Funds?

An endowment is a fund that holds its principal in perpetuity and distributes a portion each year to support the work of the organization. Endowment investments have dual goals: to grow the principal and to generate income. The principal amount invested remains intact, while investment income is available for immediate funding for use to keep the organization running efficiently.

With an endowment, facing the ups and downs of the economy and fundraising can become easier. And there’s no time like right now to get started. Why? Because donors like you can help us to become sustainable well into the future.  An endowment helps diversify our organization’s income and reduces vulnerability to economic crisis. Your investment supports the needs of the moment such as operating and grant funding, while growing for the future.

Your financial planner can help you make decisions about how to make your gift, from writing a check to transfers of securities, and planning for deferred gifts such as bequests in wills, or gifts of retirement assets or royalties.

Contribute

Have questions or would like to learn more about contributing to the Lois Kennedy, Women We Honor Endowment Fund? Please contact:

Melanie Powell, Executive Director
melanie@womensfoundationms.org
601-326-0701

Frances Croft, Director of Strategic Initiatives
frances@womensfoundationms.org