The IOI Endowment fund was established in 1998 when a parent contributed $5,000 to establish the IOI Endowment Fund.  The Endowment Fund now has over $50,000.

The question is:  Why an endowment fund?  As IOI continues to grow and provide more and more services throughout our three county area, it is crucial to have a conservatively invested fund that will continue to appreciate and provide funds for IOI during difficult times.

If, for example, we should lose some of our funding, we do not want to have to cut our programs and services.  We do not want a lapse in funding to jeopardize support for vocational and recreational services or lose any of our staff members that assist clients/parents in securing needed services.  For parents of adults with disabilities. who worry about what the future holds, we want to assure them that IOI will remain a stron advocate for their children.  We want to always continue to provide the high quality services that you have come to expect from IOI.

An endowment fund takes many years to build.  It's a long, slow process.  The endowment has established an important component for our non-profit.  Your support is very important as we continue our efforts.

The bottom line is that by continuing to raise funds for the IOI endowment Fund, we are ensuring the future of IOI as it continues to expand vocational services to Cherokee, Clay and Graham Counties.

Did you know that each year over 70% of US citizens make a gift to charity?  Only six percent make a charitable bequest in their last will and testament.  Leaving a legacy is more than a promotional campaign.  Its a way to "give adults with disabilities an opportunity to receive vocational training and employment!"

For more information about the IOI Endowment Fund, please contact our President, Tom O'Brien at (828) 321-4754.