A Guide to Giving - The Horticultural Research Institute Endowment Fund
Bob Terry, of Fisher Farms LLC (OR) had this to say in regards to why he contributes to HRI, "My fund was created because my wife and I felt it necessary to return some of our blessing and success to the industry. The HRI is an excellent resource for furthering our industry and its excellent commitment to our economy, business climate and environment."
The Horticultural Research Institute Endowment Fund (HRIEF) was created to be the vehicle through which individuals, businesses, associations and foundations may make important tax-deductible contributions for the support of educational and scientific research. HRIEF is an IRS-recognized 501(c) (3) tax-exempt research and education foundation.
Giving to HRI: The Importance of Annual Giving
There are many ways of providing support to HRI and each is important to HRI's continued success. A donor may be an individual, a corporation, family, and even an industry association. Gifts ensure an enduring source of capital to promote, protect and preserve the nursery and landscape industry. Donations made to HRI support HRI's efforts to fund research primarily through HRI's competitive grants program.
Annual giving to a named fund or to HRI's General Fund ensures HRI's continued progress in facilitating research endeavors as well communicating research results to you. General Fund donations go to worthy HRI projects in all areas, at the discretion of the Trustees. Click here to make a donation.
A Worthy Investment: When looking to make a charitable contribution, HRIEF is a worthy investment. HRI has supported more than $4.3 million dollars in industry research funded by the $10 million dollars committed by donors like you.
The HRI Endowment Fund has performed very well over the last several years on an absolute as well as relative basis. The portfolio has provided annualized total returns over the last 12-, 36-, 48-, and 60-month periods of 12.34%, 9.13%, 11.16%, and 7.86%, respectively (as of 12/31/06). This compares to a weighted benchmark of 11.04%, 7.43%, 10.07%, and 5.65%, respectively. (The custom benchmark is comprised of 60% S&P 500 index, 35% Lehman Intermediate G/C index, and 5% 30-day bills).
Safeguarding Your Legacy: The responsibility to execute the wishes of each donor is one that HRI takes very seriously! The Board of Trustees understand that they must continue to act in ways that gain the confidence of HRI donors and support the growth and success of HRI and the industry. The Trustees take pride in the stewardship they provide and accountability you trust in them. HRI's financial advisor is Trusco Capital Management. For more information on Trusco Capital Management products and services, please contact:
Timothy J Nash
Vice President
Institutional Sales
Trusco Capital Management
300 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 1600
Orlando, FL 32801
800-432-4760
tim.nash@truscocapital.com
Michael G. Sebesta, CFA
Managing Director
Trusco Capital Management
300 S. Orange Avenue
Suite 1600
Orlando, Florida 32801
800-432-4760
michael.sebesta@truscocapital.com
Research Stewardship: HRI funds horticultural research that meets industry-approved standards for value, impact and accountability. Industry leaders evaluate the significance and economic usefulness of projects; HRI's scientific advisory panel assesses their feasibility and methodology.
As a landscape and nursery industry information clearinghouse, we reduce research duplication by encouraging investigators to examine the same problem from different angles. This makes better information and more resources available to the researchers. And it helps our HRI dollars to go twice as far.
These are just a few of the ways that HRI increases the value of your contributions and the research grants they make possible.
Making Your Donation
Donation Form: Click here to download the HRI donation form.
Choose a Fund: HRI allows a donor to give to any of the named funds with in the endowment. The HRIEF is composed of more than 160 funds which offer diversity of choice for prospective donors. Click here for a complete listing.
HRI has several target funds that may assist you in making your donation. To
honor an individual such as business partner or spouse, we recommend you make a contribution of $1,000 or more to the Very Important Partners (VIP) Fund. Honor children and grandchildren with a donation of $1,000 per child to The Legacy Club Fund. Make a memorial contribution in honor of an industry leader or family member with a contribution to the Memorial Fund.
Types of Donations
 Gifts by cash and credit cards
Checks are always appreciated. We also accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. You may send your gift in credit card form through the mail, call the HRI office directly to make a gift. Giving with credit cards provides instant pledge fulfillment and allows HRI to put your gift to work immediately.
Pledges
Pledges are customarily made payable over a one to five-year period. A pledge form is used to express the chosen payment schedule. A pledge is deductible in the year it is paid.
How to Invest in the HRI Legacy
There are a variety of ways to make a charitable gift to HRI. While cash gifts are the most popular, there are other creative and exciting strategies available which may not only address your interest in supporting HRI but also provide you with increased income and tax benefits.
Gifts of Stock
Stock and gifts of securities provide an opportunity to support HRIEF while realizing tax savings for you. Gifts of stock allow you to save taxes twice: first, you generally deduct the full current value of the stocks (not just what you originally paid); second, you bypass capital gains taxes. Please contact HRI for the appropriate information.
Real Estate
Gifts of real estate or a bargain sale transaction may be desirable, subject to review and approval of the HRI Executive Committee and Board of Trustees. It is also possible for you to make a gift of your personal residence, farm or vacation home, reserving the right to occupy it for as long as you or your spouse lives. If this gift is irrevocable, you qualify for an immediate tax deduction for the present value of the remainder interest in the property.
Gift Annuities
HRI donors who wish to make meaningful contributions to HRI and provide for the future financial well-being of their heirs or themselves have used the charitable gift annuity. A gift annuity makes it possible to give to HRI and, in exchange, you and/or someone else you designate will receive a guaranteed income for life.
Including HRI in Your Will
Estate gifts are the ultimate expression of commitment and dedication to HRI and the green industry. Donors who provide support for HRI in their Will are accorded membership in the Heritage Circle.
Endowed Support
Many HRI donors wish to honor friends, loved ones, and industry associations by establishing a named endowment fund. Investment returns on endowed funds are awarded annually in the name of the individual(s) honored in the form of research grants. In order to maintain sufficient endowment levels, a minimum of $20,000 is required to establish a named fund. Click here for a listing of HRI's current named funds.
Life Insurance
If you own a life insurance policy which you no longer need, you might consider making HRI the sole owner and beneficiary of the policy. You would receive an income tax deduction for roughly the cash surrender value of the policy. If you give HRI a policy that is not fully paid, you may consider continuing to pay the premiums. You will receive a tax deduction for the annual premium amount.
How Can We Help You?
This information is not exhaustive and is meant to stimulate further inquiry. When contemplating a special gift to HRI, it is a good idea to notify the HRI staff or an HRI Board of Trustee of your intentions. It is expected that each donor will consult with his or her financial advisor before finalizing a major gift. We can also refer you to excellent planned giving advisors.
Closing
If your economic well-being depends on people's purchase and satisfaction with plants, it is in your own best interest - as well as the industry's - to support the HRI Endowment Fund.
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