Facts, Fiction, and More Facts

IIMC Foundation – Fact, Fiction and More Facts

By Chris Shalby - IIMC Executive Director

I have been involved with the IIMC Foundation since 1994 when it was called the Municipal Clerks Education Foundation (MCEF). I was “recruited” to help with their marketing efforts – for no compensation, whatsoever – but as part of my IIMC connection.

As with anything related to IIMC and its members, I immediately felt a connection to its mission, purpose and, especially, the good people volunteering their efforts to help raise money. I was happy to help and felt truly appreciated by their Board.

Over the years, my involvement has grown exponentially. I have been connected to the Foundation for quite some time. As IIMC’s Executive Director, I have a thorough understanding of the ins and outs of what makes the Foundation function, how IIMC can help and how to market it to members. Therefore, over the years, I’ve heard some incredible stories regarding its Board and how it funds Clerk Education. This article is my way of incorporating those stories into a Fact and Fiction article to help you better understand the Foundation and how it operates.

FACT

The IIMC Foundation is a 501C3 (IRS tax status for fundraising nonprofits) nonprofit which is comprised of volunteers who donate their time, effort and, yes, their own money to help raise funds to create scholarships, grants, etc. to help IIMC members continue on their education path. The Foundation began in 1984 when a few incredibly passionate IIMC Past Presidents came up with the idea to create a foundation to help raise monies to use toward Clerk education. The rest is history.

FICTION

The Foundation Board gets a monthly/annual stipend for serving on the Board. Also, they travel by private planes to their Board meetings.

FACT

The Board members DO NOT receive any remuneration whatsoever. They don’t have private planes. As a matter of fact, their flights, hotel accommodations and meals come out of their own personal pockets. That’s right, as a Foundation Board member, you can actually lose money helping the Foundation raise money. It’s called being a TRUE volunteer – giving of your time without any compensation. But, if you want to get technical, one former Foundation President is a pilot.

FICTION

You must be an IIMC Past President or hand-picked by a select group to serve on this Board.

FACT

It just seems that way with some of the Past Presidents. Some Past Presidents have plenty of energy, passion and time to give to the Organization. So, why not volunteer for the Foundation Board? Also, unlike the IIMC Board, the Foundation via the IRS nonprofit laws, has the right to choose its own Board members, with policy parameters, since they’re tasked with one goal: RAISING MONEY. That’s it. Clerks can get involved at any stage of their career. They also have current and retired Clerks who sit on the Board as well as a few people from the business community. Besides, what select group entices potential “picks” by requiring them to pay for their own travel and to donate their own money?

FICTION

The Foundation now has more than $3 million in its coffers or corpus, they are always asking us for more money because they are stingy and do not want to part with any of the money they’ve raised.

FACT

It’s true the Foundation has more than $3 million in its coffers or corpus. However, it took them nearly 40 years to reach $3 million, not exactly a fund-raising machine and not all IIMC members are eager to donate. As I have mentioned, fundraising isn’t easy. It takes a special person who is comfortable with legally asking another person for a donation. And, this Board is not comprised of professional fundraising sharks. They are not! They’re Clerks just like you who enjoy helping other Clerks reach their educational goals. Besides, if it took them 40 years to get to $3 million, wouldn’t you be careful and mindful with your money?

FACT

So, how is the money used? The Foundation can only use the interest generated from its $3 million. That’s it. And, they’re bound by a certain percentage that is allocated toward scholarships/grants. There is no other way around this. And, that’s how most foundations operate. Here’s a hint, the more money they raise, the more interest they gain, and the more they can dole out for scholarships. Key words here are: more member donations equal more interest generated which equals more dollars toward Clerk education. It’s a simple formula, so let’s not complicate it. Just Give, please!

FICTION

No one is monitoring the Foundation’s spending. Who are you kidding?

FACT

Well, the IRS monitors foundations. So, are their auditors and investment managers, who do an excellent job of investing for them. Plus, the Foundation is extremely conservative in how it invests its dollars.

FICTION

I still don’t believe they’ll get in trouble with the IRS if they circumvent their policies and give us more money. The Foundation seems untouchable.

FACT

In 2020, the IRS shuttered 20,000 plus foundations/nonprofits for thinking like that. No foundation/nonprofit is untouchable.

FICTION

There’s nothing I can do to help the IIMC Foundation.

FACT

Helping the IIMC Foundation is easy, send them money. It doesn’t matter if it’s a $1, $5 or $100 or more. They’ll take anything and every bit helps. How much do you spend on coffee and lunch each day? Take a break one day, make your own coffee and lunch and donate that money to them. Better yet, call 10 of your Clerk friends and ask them to donate. See how easy that is.

Lastly, you can send them money and tell them it’s because of this article. That will help me from writing more of these and will save you valuable reading time in the future.

All fun aside, please give, regardless of the amount. And if you think asking people for money is easy, try it and let me know how that works.

Where Can I Go To Get Some Of This Money?

If you are working on your CMC or MMC, interested in an online scholarship or an IIMC Conference Grant, visit the IIMC Foundation website www.iimcfoundation.com for scholarship applications.

The Foundation does its best to fund all requests for scholarships, but you need to apply, and you need to meet the criteria.

Is There Anything Else That I Can Do To Help?

Yes! Here is a challenge: There are currently four State Associations – California; New Mexico; Oregon; and Washington and Region IV - that have created Endowments for their respective states and Region. Why not approach your State Association or Region and create your own Endowment? That’s a big help.

In conclusion, I hope this has helped shed light on the Foundation and its fundraising process. The bottom line, no pun intended, is to just give. You’ll feel good about giving and helping your colleagues continue along their education path. If you have questions, and I don’t see how after reading this, contact me at chriss@iimc.com. I’ll be happy to answer your questions.

And, remember your donations are TAX DEDUCTIBLE!