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Donation Details

Support the American Sokol with an online donation or send a check made payable to American Sokol denoting the name of the fund in the check notes line and mail to: American Sokol Office, 9126 Ogden Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513. Please indicate if the donation can be published and if it is in the memory or honor of..

SOKOL SEALS

“Forward, forward, not one step back!” - Miroslav Tyrs, Co-Founder of the Sokol Movement

These words reflect our core Sokol values, and articulate the resolve of our American Sokol. Sokols have always changed and adapted to meet the needs of our community, and in these changing times we ask for your support as we look to our future.

This year, our seals campaign affirms our commitment to the future of our organization, and our efforts to re-engage our communities as we emerge from the pandemic. Our motto of “a sound mind, in a sound body,” aligns perfectly with the renewed appreciation people now have for social engagement, physical fitness, and mental well-being.

Sokol is looking to the future, and ALL are welcome. Spread the word by sharing these seals and sharing Sokol with new audiences. Your generous donation is an investment into the future of Sokol, and will be used to provide resources and support for our local Units to engage our communities. We’re looking ahead, and with your support we are moving forward. Thank you in advance for your donation and for your investment in our future!

SOKOL SEALS

GATEWAY TO THE FUTURE FUND

During the celebration of the 150th anniversary, the capital campaign developed into an internal grant program. This fund has grown through contributions from the 3-year “150 Club” campaign run by the Foundation, 2017 Slet banquet proceeds, and other grants on record which the Executive Board allowed to be moved/reallocated. The fund has awarded over $81,729 as of 2021 year end to units since its inception. Grants have assisted more than 15 different units with gymnastic equipment; energy-saving projects; assistance after tragic environment events (hurricane, flooding, etc.); fire safety; parking pavement repair; gym heaters; kitchen convection ovens; roof repair; etc. Past monetary contributors include Western Fraternal Life and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Award Program administered by the Chicago Czech Consulate. The last fundraiser for this fund was 2021. The fund is maintained by the Foundation Director and Committee (S.O.P. III. E. 1 Foundation Conduct).

GATEWAY TO THE FUTURE FUND

FUTURE SOKOL LEADERS FUND

Established in 1960, this fund provides financial assistance for the training and education of youth members to become able administrators, advocates, and instructors of American Sokol. The FSLF has contributed to the success of the American Sokol National Instructor School and has funded the annual Merit Awards through the Education Committee of American Sokol, which provides financial assistance toward College Educations. This fund also assists with the continuance of Development Conferences for our coaches. Monetary requests take place each fall and is managed by the FSLF Administrator, Sister Maryann Fiordelis (as of 7/2015 appointment through the Financial Secretary S.O.P. III. C. 1. 1/26/2016) who holds a seat on the ASO Foundation Committee with a vote. Annually close to $20,000 is utilized for Executive Board approved Board of Instructor Projects. The last fundraiser for this fund was 2021. It is a goal that enough money could be raised so the Future Sokol Leaders fund becomes endowed.

FUTURE SOKOL LEADERS FUND

AM. SOKOL LIBRARY and ARCHIVES FUND – EDUCATION COMMITTEE

In its over 150-year history, American Sokol has acquired a significant collection of treasures. With recent funding from an internal American Sokol Foundation Grant (2017-present) Past perfect software was purchased. This program stores artifacts, documents, photos, artwork, books, Slet memorabilia, Sokol manuals, and much more in a database which thus far has recorded over 3,200 items. In process is the uploading of collection pictures/ information to the website: americansokol.pastperfectonline.com. Internal grants through the American Sokol Foundation were utilized to purchase gold guard museum quality cabinets for storage and pay a part time archivist. With the 2019 Czech Ministry Grant, additional archival supplies have been purchased and a retractable banner for display has just recently been created which is available for units and districts to borrow for functions. These ongoing projects require continued financial assistance

. The fund is maintained by the Education Director and committee (S.O.P.III. L. 1. Education Conduct).

AM. SOKOL LIBRARY and ARCHIVES FUND – EDUCATION COMMITTEE

ENDOWMENT FOUNDATION FUND

Established in 1991 with monies frugally maintained by the Foundation Committee over the years from Silent Auctions, Events, Slets, etc., the Executive Board upon recommendation of the Foundation Committee allowed the fund to become an endowment for use by the American Sokol. This invested capital publishes a financial report for the Executive Board’s January meeting and the Foundation committee recommends projects, events, grants, etc. which have Executive Board approval. In 2021, $10,000 was given to the Gateway to the Future fund so the budget could go to $20,000 for grants. The Foundation does not utilize any American Sokol Operations money, but all its expenses come from the EFF. The financial reports are part of the audit and follow the S.O.P II. B. 5 e 11/2014 protocol.

ENDOWMENT FOUNDATION FUND

UNIT GROWTH FUND

Because of an anonymous trust fund donation in 2011 to assist the American Sokol in retention and increasing membership, this fund was established. Early on there were unit membership contests, and today annual grants are made to units for website design, upgrades, and presence in their communities. The grants made from this fund have gone to signage, memberships in local Chambers, booths at local fairs or parades, and even a mobile gymnastics bus! Annual budget is recommended to the Executive Board by the Foundation Committee and applications are due April 1^st and posted on the American-sokol.org website under “Backdoor”, “Administrative”. After review, the Foundation Committee recommends award participants to the Executive Board. The fund is maintained by the Foundation Director and Committee (S.O.P. III. E. 1 Foundation Conduct).

UNIT GROWTH FUND

OTHER WAYS TO ASSIST WITH THE FUTURE OF THE AMERICAN SOKOL

The American Sokol Organization regularly receives donations through the annual gift programming (“SEALS”) program; members, friends, and relatives choosing to give memorials and or tributes; Special occasion events which may be towards the merit scholarships; etc.

For further reference please consult by writing an email to the foundation@american-sokol.org or education@american-sokol.org.

GIFTS, MEMORIALS, SPECIAL TRIBUTES, MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS……………

ANNUITY GIFTS - Support the American Sokol with a Charitable Gift Annuity and receive steady income for life. You may also receive an immediate charitable income tax deduction for your gift.

IRA ROLLOVER GIFTS - The IRA Charitable Rollover provision allows those 70 ½ and older to donate as much as $100,000 of IRA account assets each year directly to one or more public charities. Your donation will count as part of your required annual IRA payout and must be made directly to a charity, not a donor-advised fund or grant-making foundation, to quality. To learn more, please contact the Foundation Director at foundation@american-sokol.org or by consulting your financial advisor or bank/investment institution. Please indicate how this type of donation can be acknowledged.

GIFT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT All donations above $25 will be acknowledged in writing for your documentation/verification. Beginning with the 1994 tax year, the Internal Revenue Service requires non-profit organizations to provide donors with a good faith estimate of the value of any benefits received as a result of their contribution. When a donor calculates a charitable contribution deduction, the value of any related benefits received by the donor must be subtracted from the amount of the contribution. If a benefit is immediately known, it is listed. Benefits considered insubstantial by the IRS (consult applicable regulations for the current year) do not need to be considered when determining the tax deductibility of a contribution. Please consult your tax advisor with any specific questions or concerns