The Milwaukee Community Sailing Center established its endowment at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation in 2008 with $50,000 and a goal of reaching $1 million. By setting aside a little each year, the fund steadily grew, despite occasional setbacks.
At one point, the organization used part of the endowment to pay for a much-needed pavement project.
"It was nice to have that money for projects that are difficult to fundraise for," said Holly Church, director of the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center. "I mean, nobody wants to fund a pavement project!"
As the endowment approached $1 million, word spread and a generous donor stepped forward to help the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center reach its long-term goal, which it achieved last year.
Today, the endowment provides financial stability, demonstrates strong stewardship to donors, and gives the organization confidence as it considers future growth.
"It's worth putting in a little bit at a time," Church said. “It's not always an easy road, but it's a valuable one.”