The Kentucky-Tennessee District Kiwanis Foundation, Inc. was founded in March of 1982 as a not-for-profit, non-political, state recognized corporation. The founders felt that Kiwanians, Kiwanis Clubs, and others should have the availability of an organization to which tax-deductible charitable contributions could be made for the benefit of the purposes in which Kiwanians believe. The Foundation's Kentucky Certificate of Incorporation states that: "The purposes for which the corporation is to be formed are scientific, educational, and charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501c3 of the IRS code 1954 and in this connection, promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school and community, to raise the standards of home life, to instill and inculcate the objects of Kiwanis International." The founders then listed the six objectives of Kiwanis International as the guidelines for the operation of the new foundation.

The foundation continues on the course set by the founders. The fund, which started with an initial funding of $700.00 now manages assets of nearly one half million dollars. The Foundation hopes to see the fund increase to more than one million dollars in the next decade.

Services Provided:

The Foundation offers up to fifteen $1,000 Scholarships to deserving high school and college students. Recipients must be either the child or grandchild of a member in good standing of a Kiwanis Club in the K-T District.

The Foundation also provides scholarships to Key Club and Circle K students as determined by the District Administrators of these sponsored youth organizations. The Foundation awards one matching scholarship each to a Key Club member and a Circle K member; matching funds are provided by the Kiwanis International Foundation. Information concerning these scholarships can be received by contacting the respective Sponsored Youth Administrators.

Matching funds for club projects dealing with hearing impaired young children are also available from the District Foundation. This is a new program which began with the inception of Bo's Buccaneers.

Member Participation:

All members of the K-T Kiwanis District are members of the District Foundation. The only source of funding for the Foundation is through the generosity of the K-T Kiwanis members, Kiwanis clubs, and other interested persons/corporations. Each year the Foundation makes an appeal to all Kiwanis Clubs to consider a club gift to the foundation. Gifts ranging from $2.00 per member to more than $10.00 per member are common. With 100% participation by the clubs in the K-T District the Foundation would be able to award up to five matching scholarships each to Key Club members and Circle K members. This appeal is made in the spring and summer so as to culminate at the annual district convention in late summer.

The Foundation is the recipient of memorial gifts from clubs and individuals in recognition of the service to Kiwanis of deceased members. The memorial tributes are welcomed by the Foundation and acknowledgments will be provided to families when appropriate.

Kiwanians are encouraged to include the Foundation in their charitable giving each year. Specific opportunities are offered to members at the K-T Kiwanis District Convention. Contributors of $100.00 or more receive a distinctive ribbon to be attached to their convention name badge. In addition, proceeds from the sale of Kiwanis merchandise, arts and crafts, and auction items benefit the Foundation.

Ted Osborn Fellowship

The Ted Osborn Fellowship has been created to honor Past International President Ted Osborn. Contributions to the Foundation's endowment in amounts of $1,000 or more, entitle the donor to membership. An attractive wall plaque, a medallion depicting the likeness of the honoree to be worn on a brightly colored neck-ribbon, and a distinctive Kiwanis lapel pin are presented to members of the Osborn Fellowship. To date more than 62 persons have been so honored.

Bo Shafer Fellowship

The Bo Shafer Fellowship - Bo's Buccaneers has been created to honor Past International President Bo Shafer. As with the Osborn Fellowship, contributions in amounts or $1,000 or more, entitle the donor to membership and a medallion. A very distinctive lapel pin will be presented to members. All donors' names will be inscribed on a permanent wall plaque or album which will be displayed at district meetings. To date 10 persons have made a commitment or pledge and half of these have already completed their commitments.

Individual Kiwanians are encouraged to include the Foundation in their individual charitable giving each year. Specific opportunities are offered to members at the K-T Kiwanis District Convention each year. Contributors of $100.00 or more at that time receive a distinctive ribbon to be attached to their name badge. In addition proceeds from the sale of Kiwanis merchandise, arts and crafts, or live and silent auction items, provided by convention attendees benefit the Foundation.

All officers and members of the Foundation are available to speak about the Foundation at club meetings, Division Council meetings, and/or any district wide meetings. Contact any of the members listed below.

The Foundation is eligible to receive charitable gifts from trusts and estates. No better legacy could be created than by ensuring the continued work of Kiwanis by making the K-T Kiwanis District Foundation the beneficiary of your will or trust. Those interested should contact the K-T Foundation President listed below.

In summary: The reason the Foundation exists is to support the needs of children and others in the K-T District. Your support through club, individual, or corporate giving will enable us to work to that end. We appreciate your continued support.

Many clubs do not sponsor any of the youth clubs ­ Circle K, Key, Builders, or K-Kids.

To help the District with the expenses of these wonderful groups as we help them throughout the year to continue to do their good work, a donation of $75 sent to the District Office will secure a banner patch and a place on the list of donors that will be recognized at the District Convention.

Every penny of your donation will go into a fund for the above four groups and our District administrators will be able to draw on the fund as needed.

Even if you already sponsor a youth program, you can still participate. This fund should be able to secure more monies than the District budget allows the youth programs.

These young people are our future. Help Them Today!

The Kiwanis International Foundation Board of Trustees created the George F. Hixson Fellowship in 1983 to honor the first Kiwanis International President. Individuals establish membership through a US$1,000 contribution. Funds received for a Hixson Fellowship can be designated for one of two programs: the Kiwanis International Foundation Endowment, or the Kiwanis International Worldwide Service Project. During the past decade, the Kiwanis family collected more than $75 million, which allowed nations to implement salt-iodization programs. Worldwide, IDD rates declined significantly. Kiwanis currently has a goal to collect a minimum $3 million in net contributions to build on and sustain this success.

At the beginning of this administrative year, Kiwanis International Foundation District Chairmen, were informed of the Kiwanis International Foundation's Board of Trustees approval to accept voluntary annual club gifts to support the grants program of Kiwanis International and Kiwanis International Foundation. A club can contribute a minimum of $5 per member or $100 per club to qualify for 100% participation awards and matching scholarships. Additionally, please understand any club contribution given to the Annual Club Gift Campaign (even if it doesn't meet the minimum for the 100% award/matching scholarship levels) qualifies for the participation patch.

As you may know, this annual campaign is the primary source of income and determines much of the Foundation's impact, particularly in the areas of supporting Kiwanis sponsored programs, meeting the needs of children around the world and assisting victims of disasters worldwide.

Each administrative year, your International Foundation hopes to encourage an increase in club contributions to this campaign by emphasizing what the Foundation has already accomplished and what it can do with additional assistance. This effort can only be realized if all of us work together as a team!

Thank you for your diligent work and extra efforts in making this year the best in your International Foundation's history.

Each Division and District may reach 100% participation by clubs contributing either $5 per member or a minimum of $100 per club.

Kiwanis International Foundation Annual Club Gift Campaign
Districts that achieve 100% of club participation in the Annual Club Gift Campaign are entitled to five district matching scholarships for both Key Club and Circle K.

Districts that achieve 95% - 99% of club participation in the Annual Club Gift Campaign are entitled to four district matching scholarships for both Key Club and Circle K.

Districts that achieve 85% - 94% of club participation in the Annual Club Gift Campaign are entitled to three district matching scholarships for both Key Club and Circle K.

Districts that achieve 75% - 84% of club participation in the Annual Club Gift Campaign are entitled to two district matching scholarships for both Key Club and Circle K.

Districts that achieve 0% - 74% of club participation in the Annual Club Gift Campaign are entitled to one district matching scholarship for both Key Club and Circle K.

Silent auctions are also held at each convention. This is a convenient and fun way to raise funds for the foundation.

Live auctions are also held during the conventions. Often Kiwanians make the items that are sold at the auctions with the proceeds going to the foundation.

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