Circle of Empowerment
For many years, EPI has relied upon a steady stream of federal and state government funding. However, this funding is diminishing, and we no longer have adequate resources to cover all critical needs. Our mission is to provide support to anyone who qualifies for EPI programs and services, which means that our population of people served continues to grow as funding shrinks.
The addition of individual and corporate philanthropy through the Circle of Empowerment provides supplemental funding for critical agency programs. Gifts made through membership in this annual leadership giving society allow EPI to augment current offerings, fund new programs and provide more certainty for year-over-year planning.
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HOW DOES IT WORK?
The Circle of Empowerment is a membership giving society that recognizes a financial level of giving over a specific time period. Members of the Circle of Empowerment agree to a minimum $1,000 annual commitment ($500 for donors under 35) for a three-year period upon which time the gift can be renewed.
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LEVELS
- Friend: $1,000 – $2,499
- Guide: $2,500 -$4,999
- Advocate: $5,000 – $7,499
- Champion: $7,500 – $9,999
- Mentor: $10,000 – $14,999
- Ambassador: $15,000+
- Young Professional: $500 (for donors under 35 years old)
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WHAT KIND OF GIFTS QUALIFY?
- Annual Gifts (response to annual campaign solicitations)
- Event Gifts (sponsorships, ticket purchases, cash call commitments, outright donation commitments)
- Programmatic Gifts
- Capitol Gifts
- Third Party Allocated Gifts (providing total amount received by EPI meets the minimum gift level)
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WHAT KIND OF IMPACT CAN MY GIFT HAVE?
Circle of Empowerment gifts will allow us to:
- Make facility upgrades and equipment purchases for residential homes.
- Fund entertainment and field trip options for residential and respite services.
- Provide wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment upgrades.
- Offer art and music opportunities for Structured Day and Evening Programs.
- Invest in workforce development initiatives including continued education, specialized training, and specialty certifications.
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EVENT SPONSORSHIP
Your annual event sponsorship can count towards Circle of Empowerment membership. Learn more here.
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JOIN TODAY!
Download and print a paper commitment form.
Access the online commitment form.
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LEARN MORE
Please contact Jill Johnson for more information about how you can join the Circle of Empowerment, jejohnson@epiny.org or (310) 995-6810.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Does the Circle of Empowerment support a specific EPI program?
A: Unless otherwise indicated, your Circle of Empowerment gift will go into EPI’s general fund to be used in the area of greatest need.
Q: Who can join?
A: Individuals, corporations and foundations are welcome to join.
Q: Does event sponsorship count?
A: Absolutely! It’s an excellent way to calculate your annual event sponsorship commitments. For corporate entities, it offers the opportunity to make one annual check request, and gain exposure at a variety of EPI events.
Q: Is the Circle of Empowerment itself a specific program?
A: The Circle of Empowerment is a leadership giving society that supports EPI programs like Camp EAGR, Day Habilitation and Respite. Donations to specific giving opportunities, such as annual appeal, Chocolate Ball or the One in 26 Challenge, count towards the Circle of Empowerment’s annual commitment. Membership in the COE recognizes donors who are willing to make a minimum commitment of giving $1,000 each year for 3 years. Provided you meet the giving criteria of $1,000 each year for 3 years, your giving to EPI events, capital projects, and other funding initiatives qualifies you for membership.
Q: When do I pay?
A: That is up to you. After completing the pledge form, you will receive an acknowledgement letter and regular membership statements that include your outstanding annual balance. The total annual amount is due by December 31 of each year.
Q: Can I pay all at once?
A: Absolutely and we can discuss how you would like your gift to be allocated.
Q: What happens at the end of 3 years?
A: You have the option to renew or increase your giving for another 3 years. At this point in time, you may be interested in supporting other areas of the agency and we will work with you to ensure your gift has the biggest possible impact.