Our Fair's Future

After 13 years working at the Foundation you might think that I would have my job down pat and have a set routine. Thankfully I am very happy to report that is far from the reality. We are always searching for new ways to increase awareness of the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and to introduce new ways to support our renovation mission.

In 19 years the Foundation has raised over $85 million for renovation and improvement projects. In this short time we've restored dignity to the Fairgrounds and increased the pride that Iowan's have in the grand event known as the Iowa State Fair. And, while there is still much to be done and several projects either underway or in the planning stage (Cultural Center, 4H Building, Expo Hill, Pioneer Hall), we started looking into the future. What was going to protect the investment made over the past 19 years? Thus, the idea of an endowment fund was born.

Over the past year we've been busy creating Our Fair's Future, our new endowment program that focuses on gift planning. Establishing an endowment fund now, one that will grow over time, will assure funding for perpetual maintenance and improvement of the Fairgrounds. This program has kept us busy as we've worked with the legislature in creating a fund separate from the State of Iowa, developed a planned giving section of our website and established a newsletter and e-news campaign to spread the word about our new program.

Donating to the endowment fund can be as easy as a direct gift of cash or something with a bit more planning such as an outright gift of stock or real estate/land, a gift of life insurance or retirement assets. The most common planned gift is through a bequest in a will but there are about as many ways to make a gift as there are needs to be met. (Believe me, I've been learning a lot this past year....annuities, charitable trusts, remainder gifts. I'm thinking Dad was right, this history major should have taken a few more financial/accounting classes!) And, as I've discovered, you don't have to be wealthy to be able to leave a lasting legacy to an organization close to your heart. It's just a bit of learning, some planning and maybe a lot of organizing of your papers; which are all good things to do anyway. And, to help you out, we've provided a variety of tools to help you learn, plan and organize. So, take a moment to explore these tools and help ensure Our Fair's Future.