A Comprehensive Guide on the Optimist International Foundation. What it is, How to give, and duties of District & Club Foundation Representatives.

With just one dime a day, you can become part of the movement of “Helping Optimists Help Kids” and become part of a large group of Foundation supporters who realize what a difference they make every day in the lives of children.

The Dime-a-Day level is reached by a contribution of $36.50 to the Foundation within one Optimist Year, and is recognized by the presentation of a pin.

Join the Presidents CLub by making an initial unrestricted gift of $250, and renew your membership each year by making an annual $250 contibution. When you join, you will recieve a prestigious Presidents Club lapel pin. Each year at the International Convention, you will be recognized with a ribbon for your badge and will be invited to attend a function exclusively for members.

One of the highest honors the Optimist International Foundation gives is the honor of becoming part of an exclusive group of donors known as the Christian D. Larson Partners. Named after the aughtor of “The Optimist Creed”, this giving level was adopted to recognize donors who contribute a one-time $1,000 unrestricted gift. Participants who become members of the Christian D. Larson Partners join an elite group of individulas dedicated to following the Creed, and to helping fund the Foundation’s mission through their personal giving.

The Women’s Philanthropy Council (WPC) was formed in 2005 to support the work of the Optimist International Foundation. Members reach out to women as donors and assist in shaping their philanthropy.

Research shows that women tend to give where they believe they make a difference with their gift regardless of the amount of the gift.

Beginning October 1, 2021, all donations raised through the giving circle of the WPC will be used to underwrite World Oratorical Championship scholarships for young women that win the Regional Contest from the US and in the Caribbean.

It is important to note that your contribution to OIF designated to support the efforts of the WPC will be counted as a restricted donation and will not be credited to your annual giving or that of your District/Club. It will count towards lifetime giving.

By donating today, your Club can join others in the mission to ‘Help Optimists Help Kids’

When your Club doneas $365 unrestricted or $1 a Day, your Club will recieve a Club Banner Patch!

A Friend of Today makes a minimum unrestricted donation of $500 annually to the Foundation. Donors will recieve a plaque featuring art designed by local St. Louis artist Greg McNair.

The award goes to the District Foundation Representative and is presented at a District Conference/Convention.

To receive your Club’s Honor / Memorial / Veterans Banner Emblem and embroidered name bar of the individual, please fill out the form and send it in with your $100 donation. For subsequent $100 gifts recognizing other individuals, embroidered banner emblems will be sent upon request.

Annual Club Recognition

Year Bars and Dollar tabs are presented to Clubs who have accumulated at least $10 per member within one Optimist Year. These Year Bars and Dollar tabs are presented to Clubs during the 2nd Quarter District Conference after the close of the Optimist administrative year. (Dollar tabs are calculated based on the total amount received from the Club and its Members and then divided by the number of Club Members on October 1.)

Districts that achieve $25,000 or more at the end of the Optimist year receive an Optimist International Foundation Banner Emblem reflecting $25,000 achievement, and two banner patches embroidered with the names of the District Foundation Representative and District Governor.

Lifetime Recognition Levels:

Clubs receive Banner Emblems for each level reached.

If your Optimist Club is seeking grant funds or contributions for funding of your charitable community service projects or other charitable, literary or educational programs, you may request the assistance of Optimist International Foundation (OIF) as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. This program is only available in the United States. Please follow the guidelines below to qualify for the Club Pass Through Grant Program.

Purpose of fund must be charitable and must support literary, educational or charitable programs of the Club and Clubs must follow the guidelines to use this program.

Clubs can submit a matching grant request in the area of Childhood Health and Wellness with various areas included such as healthy lifestyles, chronic diseases, mental health and disabilities. Multiple grants are awarded each year, so pay attention to the deadlines.