Circle of Empowerment

For many years, EPI has relied upon a steady stream of federal and state government funding. However, this funding is diminishing, and we no longer have adequate resources to cover all critical needs. Our mission is to provide support to anyone who qualifies for EPI programs and services, which means that our population of people served continues to grow as funding shrinks.

The addition of individual and corporate philanthropy through the Circle of Empowerment provides supplemental funding for critical agency programs. Gifts made through membership in this annual leadership giving society allow EPI to augment current offerings, fund new programs and provide more certainty for year-over-year planning.

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HOW DOES IT WORK?

The Circle of Empowerment is a membership giving society that recognizes a financial level of giving over a specific time period. Members of the Circle of Empowerment agree to a minimum $1,000 annual commitment ($500 for donors under 35) for a three-year period upon which time the gift can be renewed.

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LEVELS

  • Friend: $1,000 – $4,999
  • Guide: $5,000 -$9,999
  • Advocate: $5,000 – $24,999
  • Champion: $25,000 – $99,999
  • Mentor: $10,000 – $14,999
  • Ambassador: $100,000+
  • Young Professional: $500 (for donors under 35 years old)

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WHAT KIND OF GIFTS QUALIFY?

  • Annual Gifts (response to annual campaign solicitations)
  • Event Gifts (sponsorships, ticket purchases, cash call commitments, outright donation commitments)
  • Programmatic Gifts
  • Capitol Gifts
  • Third Party Allocated Gifts (providing total amount received by EPI meets the minimum gift level)

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WHAT KIND OF IMPACT CAN MY GIFT HAVE?

Circle of Empowerment gifts will allow us to:

  • Make facility upgrades and equipment purchases for residential homes.
  • Fund entertainment and field trip options for residential and respite services.
  • Provide wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment upgrades.
  • Offer art and music opportunities for Structured Day and Evening Programs.
  • Invest in workforce development initiatives including continued education, specialized training, and specialty certifications.

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LEARN MORE & JOIN TODAY!

Please contact Jill Johnson for more information about how you can join the Circle of Empowerment, jejohnson@epiny.org or (310) 995-6810.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Does the Circle of Empowerment support a specific EPI program?
A: Unless otherwise indicated, your Circle of Empowerment gift will go into EPI’s general fund to be used in the area of greatest need.

Q: Who can join?
A: Individuals, corporations and foundations are welcome to join.

Q: Does event sponsorship count?
A: Absolutely! It’s an excellent way to calculate your annual event sponsorship commitments. For corporate entities, it offers the opportunity to make one annual check request, and gain exposure at a variety of EPI events.

Q: Is the Circle of Empowerment itself a specific program?
A: The Circle of Empowerment is a leadership giving society that supports EPI programs like Camp EAGR, Day Habilitation and Respite. Donations to specific giving opportunities, such as annual appeals, events, or capital projects, all count towards your COE annual commitment. Membership in the COE recognizes donors who are willing to make a minimum commitment of giving $1,000 each year for three consecutive years.

Q: Is a three-year commitment mandatory?
A: Signing a COE pledge agreement represents your intent to support the agency in the manner outlined in the agreement. However, all COE agreements are nonbinding understanding that unforeseen circumstances may affect future execution.

Q: When do I pay?
A: That is up to you. After completing the pledge form, you will receive an acknowledgement letter and regular membership statements that include your outstanding annual balance. The total annual amount is due by December 31 of each year. You may pay your pledge online here or send a check made out to EPI and mail it to:

EPI
Attn: Circle of Empowerment
1650 South Ave.
Rochester, NY 14620

Q: Can I pay all at once?
A: Absolutely and we can discuss how you would like your gift to be allocated.

Q: What if I’m not sure how I’ll participate each year?
A: All COE pledge agreements are nonbinding and we can change allocations at the donor’s discretion. Additionally, your COE pledge agreement does not have to outline all of your intended giving to EPI in one year.

Q: What happens at the end of 3 years?
A: You have the option to renew or increase your giving for another 3 years. At this point in time, you may be interested in supporting other areas of the agency and/or increasing your annual contributions. W will work with you to ensure your gift has the biggest possible impact.