Future Fund
"That the Dundas Community Services Future Fund be established as an endowment fund. Income of the Dundas Community Services Future Fund shall be used for new service initiatives and capital requirements of the agency." - motion establishing the Future Fund -
About the Future Fund
Dundas residents with the ability and desire to make a significant contribution to their community will be pleased to learn about the establishment of the Future Fund.
Established in 1998 to help Dundas Community Services realize its long-term goals of financial stability and independence, the fund can have important implications for potential donors and their estate planning. Contributions to DCS, a registered charity, may be an effective vehicle for managing your tax burden, and consideration of DCS in a will can be particularly advantageous to estate planners due to recent changes in the tax rules.
The Future Fund will provide support for new initiatives and capital needs. It will permit us to do the long-term planning that is vital if we are to maintain the dynamic, flexible approach to community service programs that has been the core of our operation for more than 25 years.
The Future Fund is similar to many endowments and scholarships in that your donation will exist in perpetuity. Investment income from the Fund will help provide a stable ongoing funding environment we need in order to offer the unique combination of programs and services the people of Dundas expect from us.
DCS and the Community
Dundas Community Services is proud of the contribution we've already made to the town. For more than 25 years, we have recruited, educated and placed more than 1,000 volunteers, helped elderly and disabled people maintain a high degree of independence, and much more. Our information service fields nearly 10,000 calls each year concerning everything from social services and government assistance to business and tourism queries. It is recognized throughout Ontario for its efficiency and leadership in the development of provincial services.
Our volunteer-driven organization has run free income tax clinics, served as a field placement for McMaster University's School of Social Work, and organized a variety of activities, training programs and courses for young people. We established the Joel A. Hartwell Award to encourage youth involvement in volunteer service and recognize the contributions of outstanding young volunteers.
DCS was instrumental in identifying the need for geared-to-income housing for families and seniors in the town and helping to establish many of the units currently available. DCS also helps coordinate the activities of other agencies and provides them with access to a supply of dedicated, highly-motivated volunteers.
We have offered legal aid clinics, workshops and seminars addressing community concerns, and a summer youth employment service. Seniors' service provides volunteers for friendly visits and transportation to medical appointments, a security check service, counselling, advocacy and educational seminars for care givers.
Our record is one of speedy recognition of community needs and effective response. We're proud of it. DCS is a people-first organization with close ties to local churches, service clubs and agencies. Our volunteers, board and staff are your neighbours and friends. Their expertise is an important part of our ability to put the right people where they're needed most.
More reasons for giving to DCS
Adapting to the changing needs of the community is a DCS hallmark. In order to plan for the future and respond effectively to emerging social trends, DCS must have the financial flexibility to develop and implement programs and other support services that are not part of our normal operating budget. The Future Fund will significantly help fill this need by providing a continuing source of discretionary income.
In 1996 we helped 421 seniors maintain independence with dignity by providing home support. By 1997 that had risen to 772 clients. Community information service contacts have been going up by about 200 calls per year, and similar increases have occurred in other areas. Demographic indicators and community consultations predict that demand will continue to rise in the foreseeable future. Establishment of the Future Fund is one way in which DCS is acting to maintain and improve our current level of service to the Dundas community.
Why give to DCS? In addition to the points outlined above, there are solid economic reasons why your contribution will be particularly effective: one example is the "volunteer factor".
It costs somewhere around $1,200 per month for a senior citizen to stay in a retirement home. That cost might be paid by an individual, family, government or church, but it will be paid. A regularly friendly visit or rid e to the doctor's office may allow a senior or disabled person to continue living independently in their own home. Our volunteers perform these services at minimal cost. By supporting DCS, you help us to help others, and you do it in a way that makes efficient use of limited resources.
We're cost-effective and fiscally responsible, and we have a history of annual balanced budgets. The distinct character and particular needs of the Dundas community are our concern - a concern the Future Fund will allow us to address.
Dundas Community Services has been putting people first for a quarter of a century. Your contribution will help us to keep that commitment into the next millenium.
For more information or to make a donation, please contact us.
Charitable Registration Number: 10726 9870 RR0001