WHAT IS AN ENDOWMENT ?

An endowment is a permanent source of funding that is kept in a securely managed account. Throughout the year, the fund grows larger and yields from the endowment are then spent on the causes supported by the fund.

Think of it as a massive savings account with strict spending limitations, requiring a minimum balance to keep it active, so that you can benefit from its interest.

 

WHY IS ACT BUILDING AN ENDOWMENT?

We recognize the inconsistencies and burdens of aid projects that too often create external dependencies with limited impact. Civic Education, Environment, and Entrepreneurship— ACT’s three focus areas, demand long-term investment in order to transform the country toward self-sufficiency. Building an endowment will ensure that Haitian grassroots organizations have reliable, long-term funding beyond the ups and downs of foreign aid.

 

HOW MUCH IS ACT AIMING TO RAISE FOR THE ENDOWMENT?

ACT has a 20 Million Dollar endowment goal! With this amount and the current spending rate limitations on endowments (3% - 6%), the foundation would be able to provide up to one million dollars in grants per year! ACT currently receives grant applications from all ten Departments. On average, a single organization in Ayiti  receives $25,000 in grants from ACT. This means that a twenty million dollar endowment could fund up to 40 organizations per year! That is four grantees per department, per year! The foundation currently provides two grants each year.

 

HOW WILL ACT USE THE ENDOWMENT?

With an established endowment, ACT would have a presence of impact around the country. The foundation would help develop market driven economies that feed the wheel of self sufficiency across critical pillars. Here is a breakdown of what ACT will do with the funds over time as the endowment grows to twenty million.

Endowment amount	1M	10M	20M
Estimate of interest gains (5%)	50K	500K	1M
Estimated number of grants issued	2	20	40

WHERE IS THE ENDOWMENT BEING SAVED?

The Ayiti Community Trust has a securely held endowment in formation at The Miami Foundation. Established in 1967, it is Greater Miami’s largest and most impactful philanthropic organization. It is fully vested as part of their professionally managed investment portfolio. This partnership ensures long-term growth, stability, and accountability. We are formalizing perpetual and spending policies as the fund grows.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE ENDOWMENT IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO ACT?

We have established a Contingency Dissolution & Continuity Plan to ensure that the fund at the Miami Foundation continues to serve its mission even if ACT ceases to exist as a legal nonprofit. Its purpose is to preserve donor intent, safeguard the fund, and maintain long-term support for Haitian-led, community-led development. If activated, the fund will remain at the Miami Foundation, with disbursements aligned to ACT’s three founding pillars—Civic Education, Entrepreneurship, and Environment—while prioritizing organizations led and governed by Haitians.

Oversight will be managed by the Miami Foundation, with guidance from a Temporary Advisory Committee of former ACT leaders, Haitian community experts, and a Miami Foundation representative. This committee will help identify a successor organization that meets strict criteria for Haitian-led governance, accountability, mission alignment, and proven impact. Annual yields will continue to fund programs in Ayiti, with clear reporting to donors and communities. If no suitable successor exists, the Miami Foundation will hold or direct funds toward Haitian-centered initiatives that uphold ACT’s legacy and values.

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE FUND? 

There are various tools for helping ACT build an endowment. Direct donations through a giving link are the easiest and quickest; contributions from personal investment accounts for long-term growth; dedicating business proceeds or product sales quarterly; planned gifts through estate planning like wills or beneficiary designations (life insurance, retirement accounts); and donating stocks or other securities, which can also provide tax advantages.

For more information on how to give, please contact Gloria Blaise, Endowment Campaign Lead at [email protected]