The JLS Endowment Fund was begun in 1993 by a group of dedicated Sustainers in celebration of the 35th anniversary of JLS founding in 1959. Donations to the Endowment Fund are not only for Sustainers but, also a great way for Actives to celebrate an achievement, honor other Actives, and a wonderful way to say thank you!

Contributions to the Endowment Fund are gifts that will continue to support the League for generations to come. The corpus of the gift is designed to be preserved while a portion of the interest earned will eventually be used to underwrite grants to JLS for facility operations and administration expenses. It is the goal of the League that the Fund one day supports the administrative and operational expenses of the League so that all proceeds from fundraising can be given back to the community in the form of projects, discretionary grants and scholarships. The Community Foundation of the Ozarks, Inc. manages the Fund.

Endowment Program History

During the Past President's Luncheon in November 1993, Sustainer action and leadership was requested in setting up a JLS Endowment Fund. Shortly thereafter, a committee was formed under the leadership of Marie Prater. This committee, a mixture of Actives and Sustainers interested in preserving the financial security of the League, sponsored a kick-off luncheon for Sustainers in May 1994, at which time the purpose of the Endowment was explained and a plan for an auction in the fall unveiled. The goal was $35,000 in honor of the Junior League's 35 years of service to the community.

In October 1994, a very successful auction was held at Hickory Hills Country Club. The auction exceeded expectations and by the end of its first year, a balance of $36,367 launched the Junior League of Springfield's Endowment Fund.

During the 2000-2001 League year, the Community Foundation of the Ozarks introduced their Endowment Partners Phase I program. With a donation into an irrevocable fund, the Community Foundation of the Ozarks generously supported the Junior League Endowment efforts. The JLS Endowment Fund continues to grow each year with the generous donations of members and community supporters.

The JLS Endowment Fund offers a way to express appreciation for special people in our lives. A gift can remember friends or family on birthdays, promotions or any other occasion. A gift to the Fund perpetuates the memory of a loved one and honors the accomplishments and special events of others. An acknowledgement is sent to both the contributor and the person being honored. Memorial gift cards are sent to the family of the deceased.