Smedley Fund


Smedley Fund

You Can Make a Difference


		

		

			

				
			

			

				

					Donate
						as an individual
				

			

			

				

					Donate as
						an organization
				

			

		


		

			
About the Fund

			
Nearly a century ago, Dr. Ralph Smedley had a vision of helping people learn
				communication and leadership skills in a positive and supportive environment. In 1965, the Ralph C.
				Smedley Memorial Fund® (“Smedley Fund”) was established to honor and uphold that
				legacy, and to open
				doors for the many millions of potential Toastmasters yet to come.
			

			Fifty years later, the educational needs of individuals have evolved and multiplied. Though the
			historic fund had humble beginnings with a local impact, the reinvigorated Smedley Fund retains its
			same purpose—the advancement of communication and leadership education through the research,
			development, and distribution of educational programs and materials.
			

		

	







	

		

			
Highlights of Use

			

		

	







	

	

		

			

				

					
					

						
August 2-3, 1971

						
A
							Speech Evaluation Research Grant was established.

						

						

							1971
						

					

					
					

						
August 12-13, 1991

						
The
							development of a new leadership manual, at a cost of 15,000, was completed in 1992.

						

						

							1991
						

					

					
					

						
August 21-23, 2006

						
A
							pilot to develop a new youth program (Interpersonal Communication Manuals), not to
							exceed 150,000, was introduced.

						

						

							2006
						

					

				

				

				

					View Smedley
						report
				

			

		

	






	
	

		

			
How You Can Request Funds

			

		

	

	

		
		

			

				
Young Woman Holding Books

				

					
Youth Outreach

				

				

					Programs such as the Youth Leadership Program help build the confidence of tomorrow's leaders.
					Your club or District can request funds to host a program in your local community.
				

				

					Request support
				

			

		

		
		

			

				
Open Hand on an Envelope with a Globe in the Background

				

					
Emergency Relief

				

				

					Disasters often strike without warning and can massively impact the lives and livelihoods of those
					affected. Clubs or Districts that have lost Toastmasters-related materials as a result of a
					disaster may request to be sent replacements at no charge.
				

				

					Request relief
				

			

		

		
		

			

				
 

				
“People every
					place need to grow—as speakers, as leaders, as men and women of influence—and the Fund
					is a way
					to funnel monetary resources where our organization really needs them.”
				

				

				

					Michael Notaro, DTM,
				

				
2011-2012 International President

				

			

		

	

	

	
	

		

			
Endless Ways to Give

			

		

	

	

		
		

			

				

					
Icon of a Heart and a Hand

				

				

					
Honorary or Memorial Gifts

					
Honor an
						individual or occasion by
						donating on
						another's behalf.

				

			

		

		
		

			

				

					
Icon of an Infinite Circle and a Hand

				

				

					
Recurring Gifts

					
Set up a
						convenient monthly, quarterly,
						semiannual or
						annual gift.

				

			

		

		
		

			

				

					
Icon of a Gift and a Hand

				

				

					
Planned Estate Gifts

					
Plan a future
						contribution through your
						estate plans,
						such as making a bequest by including language in your will or living trust.

				

			

		

		
		

			

				

					
Icon of Puzzle Pieces and a Hand

				

				

					
Corporate Matching Gifts

					
Ask your
						employer if they have a
						matching gift program
						to double your contribution.

				

			

		

	

	

	

	
	

		

			

				
Help make a difference today!

			

		

	

	

	

		

			

				

					Donate
						as an individual
				

			

			

				

					Donate as
						an organization
				

			

		

	

	

	

	
	

		

			
Contributor Recognition

			

		

	

	
	

		

		

		
		

			Smedley Fund Contributor Pins, Notebook and a Pen
			

				

					
Individual Contributors

				

				
All individual contributors will receive a contributor ribbon. Those
					giving $1,000 USD or more in
					cumulative lifetime gifts (accruing from January 1, 2016) will receive a contributor lapel pin.
				

			

		

		
		

			Smedley Fund Contributor Ribbon, Notebook, Documents and a Pen
			

				

					
Club Contributors

				

				
All club contributors will receive a 24-inch banner ribbon. Those giving
					$1,000 USD or more in cumulative lifetime gifts (accruing from January 1, 2016) will receive
					an
					engraved trophy.
				

			

		

		
		

			Smedley Fund Contributor Engraved Trophy, Notebook and a Pen
			

				

					
Corporate Contributors

				

				
All contributing companies, foundations and organizations will receive an
					engraved plaque. Those giving $1,000 USD or more in cumulative lifetime gifts (accruing
					from January 1, 2016) will receive an engraved crystal.
				

			

		

		

		

			View past
				contributors