The Friends of Lapham Peak, an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization (EIN# 39-1650068), has established an Endowment Fund. An Endowment Fund is one way that we provide a long-term funding option for the many needs and programs of this Park (Lapham Peak Unit of the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest). These funds help cover the costs of projects that are not funded by the State of Wisconsin. Giving to the Endowment Fund is a unique way for individuals to donate to this Park. If only the earnings from the Fund are used by the Friends, your gift will continue to provide into perpetuity. The Earnings will be used to help with a variety of projects with some examples: the development, expansion, and preservation/restoration of the Park’s facilities, invasive species control, wildlife management, school programs, cross country skiing, prairie and blue bird restoration, gardens, trails, etc.
The initial Endowment Fund money was managed by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, and in 2017, we changed the Endowment Fund management to the large mutual Fund Manager, Vanguard. This was done to significantly increase flexibility and reduce management fees. Future Endowment funds will all be managed by Vanguard. Gifts to the Endowment Funds should be made payable to “Vanguard for Friends of Lapham Peak”.
The current balance of our Endowment Fund is: $54,018.94 (9/30/2022)
To make a donation to the Friends of Lapham Peak:
- Gift to the “Friends of Lapham Peak”, by cash, check, or contribution of other assets, to be used for general purposes of the Friends in support of the Park. A specific purpose may be designated. Contributions should be sent to:
Friends of Lapham Peak, c/o President
W329 N846 Co. Hwy. C
Delafield, WI 53018 - Gift to the Endowment Fund, by cash, check, or contribution of other assets, for long term financial support of the Park. Contributions should be made to “The Friends of Lapham Peak Endowment Fund” and sent to the Friends of Lapham Peak at the above address.
- Estate planning designation. Either the Friends of Lapham Peak or the Friends of Lapham Peak Endowment Fund may be designated as a beneficiary under the donor’s estate plan. This type of gift is a chance to support the Park and provide a legacy for the donor. It may be the easiest way to give and have the least impact on your lifestyle today. Estate plan gifts have the potential to have the greatest impact and are strongly encouraged.
Your contributions to either the Friends of Lapham Peak or the Friends of Lapham Peak Endowment Fund may be deductible according to current tax law; however, this determination should be made in consultation with your tax advisor. Please be sure to include your address so we may send you a receipt acknowledging your gift.
If you have questions, please contact John Hillmer, President, Friends of Lapham Peak and Endowment Spokesperson (414-333-6337) or email the Lapham Peak Board of Directors: rkeber@milwpc.com.
To make an online donation, your gift will be securely processed by PayPal under their agreement for handling donations to non-profit organizations. Please note, PayPal charges us 2.2% of the gift amount (plus $0.30 per gift) to cover credit card fees, bank fees, and other processing costs. Please consider increasing your gift a little to help us cover those costs or send a check instead to the address above. You do not need a PayPal Account to use this online option.
