PRESENTS…
ALL ABOUT…
~ FINANCES ~
Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
FINANCES
How much funding and/or in-kind support do you get from your host? Or, do you give
funds to your host? If so, what percentage of your income? Are you presently experiencing
any budget crunch?
From Pam LeMay, Executive Director of the Creative Retirement Institute (CRI) at of Edmonds
Community College, Lynnwood, WA
In-kind: One all day dedicated classroom and a second dedicated classroom for afternoon use. All
clerical/registration support and % of Director's time. Discount on use of large college auditorium
for quarterly speaker's luncheon. Account stewardship by college Foundation for donated funds.
High visibility by college president and senior management. Mentioned in college catalog. Use of
college bulk mail and mailing services.
CRI strives to give the college $20,000 to $25,000 each year to contribute to administrative services.
Approximately 30% of CRI funds go to host.
From Burnell Held, President, Front Range Forum, Fort Collins, Colorado
We pay the sponsor $15 per member per year and in the past, we have also contributed from $1,000
to $2,000 if we closed the year with a substantial surplus in the treasury. (Our membership has
fluctuated each year but tends to average out about 210 members.) In return, we receive free rent
and the use of audio-visual equipment. We reckon that renting the amount of space we use
elsewhere could cost us at least $5,000 to $8,000 a year and we would not likely have facilities
as appropriate and convenient as those which we now enjoy. Also, parking would likely be a major
problem but it is not so at our present location.
From Fiona Valentine, Lifelong Learning, Western Iowa Tech Community College
We attempt to be self-financing through fees and memberships. Finances are healthy.
From Sharon Sokoloff,Director, Brandeis Adult Learning Institute (BALI), Brandeis University, MA
BALI gives funds to Brandeis, our host university in the form or “overhead”. Our budget includes
several line items that together amount to approximately 20% of our expenses, which is what we
give the university on an annual basis. We budget for that. In addition, if we make a “profit”, that
goes to Brandeis as well. Our expenses fall in three categories: 1) personnel salary and benefits, 2)
operating expenses, and 3) overhead as mentioned above. Revenue minus expenses leaves a profit,
it is pretty small but we are required to at least break even) and that goes to the university.
We are managing financially but it is a constant challenge. The university has financial challenges
and that trickles down to us.
From Carolynn Rafman, MLLI Program Coordinator, McGill Institute for Learning in Retirement,
Quebec
MLLI is self-financed and pays 12% of gross revenue to the university. Each year generates
between a $2000 - $5000 surplus.
From Sue Pace, LLI, University of S. Mississippi
The LLI-USM contributes a $1000 annual scholarship to an adult student; we pay about $10,000 in
utilities to the University. The University covers a portion of my salary (10%) and provides
custodial and grounds services.
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Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
From Teresa Durham, Program Coordinator, LLI, Kellogg CC, MI
Our host college provides eight hours of staff support, space, graphic services support. The LLI
gives to the college an equivalent of eight hours of staff support. The college is experiencing budget
adjustments based on reduced state funding. The LLI budget is steady at this time.
From Sara Craven, Duke LLI, Duke University, NC
Yes, we are experiencing a budget crunch! We do NOT pay rent for 3 classrooms in the Continuing
Studies Building, but we are asked to return 15% of our gross revenues to the Office of CS. In
addition, we pay for part of the salaries of the registration unit and we pay part of the rent of a
computer lab.
From Carilyn Brown, Director, Lifelong Learning Program, Clemson University, SC
Our host, Clemson University, provides us with office space, access to copiers and office supplies,
some staff support. We have not been asked to give a portion of our income to the host, however,
we may be asked in the future. We are a relatively new LLI (2002).
From William J. Hooker, Executive Director, USF Senior Academy, Sarasota, FL
The University of South Florida Sarasota/Manatee provides 100% of our classroom space, but we
pay 100% of our operating expenses. We are going to a membership/course fee structure which
reflects the multiple layers of our membership: year 'round residents who attend classes most of the
time -- Annual Members; year 'round and visiting residents ("Snowbirds") who attend classes during
the 2 winter/spring terms -- Associate Members; members who take classes during 1 term.
From Linda Bailey, Bellarmine University, Veritas Society, Louisville, KY
The Veritas Society pays $1,800 a year to Bellarmine University for "overhead" expenses (room
rental, setup fees, utilities, etc). It also pays one half of a secretary's yearly salary & benefits (approx
$14,000 total). The Society had $38,000 in its bank account at the end of last fiscal year. So the
Board voted to donate $20,000 to the University for the purpose of renovating an old science lab
into a deluxe multimedia classroom. In return, that new classroom is reserved exclusively for the
Society every afternoon noon till 5:30.
Sr. Hildegard Grogan, The LINC Program, Neumann College, PA
We have our own budget line and are breaking even. That is all the college has requested.
From Betty Licht, Coordinator, College for Seniors, Ames, IA
We don't receive any funding from the university, however, office space is provided in the building
in which most of our classes are held. The Program Coordinator is a university employee and we
pay 1/3 of her salary and benefits. She spends considerably more than 1/3 of her time on College
for Seniors administration, thus, we are considering "hiring" her for 20 hours per week, which is all
we can afford at this time. The rest of her time is "volunteer". For the classes which are held in this
building, a university building managed by an outside source, we currently get a 50% discount on
room and equipment rental. This discount is expected to be eliminated because of the tight
budget. The university can no longer afford to supplement the 50% rent discount.
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Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
From Linda Crossett, Director, Dewey Institute, Indiana State University
The Dewey Institute for Lifelong Learning (DILL) at Indiana State University (ISU), Terre Haute,
IN, receives administrative support from ISU. A support staff person answers a dedicated phone
line for DILL and takes registrations for courses and events. She processes income and expenses.
ISU so far is providing the staff person's time at no cost. DILL uses office equipment (copier, fax,
computer, office supplies) at ISU and is charged for paper, toner, etc. like any other department on
campus. DILL currently has a budget surplus.
From Susan McGough, OLLI, Cal Poly State University, CA
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is part of Cal Poly Continuing Education. It is not hosted; it
is one of many programming units. The University received a $100,000 grant from the Osher
Foundation and that goes to the Institute as does in-kind for marketing, registration and office
space. The grant and the income from memberships is kept in separate accounts for the Institute.
Like all California State University units, we are experiencing a budget crunch that affects staffing.
That may affect the ability to deliver in-kind, but it has not done so yet.
From Rose Alsbury, ENCORE, Clatsop Community College, OR
Our LLI receives in kind support only, but that includes my support as liaison (about 10-15 hours
per week), use of facilities, av equipment, library, and additional clerical support. Up until last year
(only the 2nd year of our LLI), the state of Oregon provided funding for non-credit personal
enrichment courses. No more. Unfortunately, the College was depending on that when the LLI
was started, so future support is difficult without funding to pay for it. All ENCORE membership
dues go to the exclusive use of ENCORE - the College does not keep any of it. ENCORE has
agreed to fund up to $500 per year for printing and postage, and the College pays the rest.
From Sara Hardman, President, LLI at Bard, NY
We don't give or get funding from Bard but we do get free classroom space, AV usage and use of all
of the faciilities for members.
From Gloria Burke, ElderVision, Lourdes College, OH
Our host, Lourdes College, continues to give us office and meeting space. We don't specifically give
funds to the host, however, any profit goes into the big Lourdes College pot. We are not having any
budget crunch at this time. My 20-hour per week salary is paid for out of what we take in for
membership. We are self-supporting except for the few perks we get from the college. One of our
members has put our finances, enrollments, etc. into QuickBooks. This enables me to enter a name
only once unlike my "old" method when things had to be entered several times. I'm still learning the
system but do like it. We are now on the fiscal year with dues coming due July 1.
From Michael Markowitz, Institute for Retired Professionals, New School, NY
Our sponsor doesn’t charge us for space, utilities, advertising or promotion. Roughly one quarter
of our income goes to our division for tuition for our university courses and our expenses. We are
not viewed as a profit making operation. Our “crunch” results from space, space, space and its
allocation to programs generating profits.
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Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
From Kali Lightfoot, OLLI, University of S. Maine, Portland
We get no funding from USM but lots of in-kind support (office space, classroom space, access to
all university services.) We pay all direct costs (copying, printing, supplies, etc.) We do receive
funding from the state of Maine which pays for our salaries and pays for all of the costs of
maintaining the statewide network; and from endowment funding which pays additional salaries,
some conference costs, research costs and scholarships. The OLLI budget is all self-generated
through tuition and fees. We have a healthy surplus.
From Gene Bammel, President, Sun City Vistoso LLI, Tucson, Arizona
All of our members are homeowners in Sun City Vistoso, so their annual homeowner fees pay for
the upkeep of all facilities.
From Edward R. Lehman, President, Continuing Education Center, San Diego State University,
Rancho Bernardo, CA
We receive zero funds from our host University. We pay them 6% of our expense budget for
accounting, insurance and legal services.
From Louisa Strock, Center for Lifelong Learning, Northwest State Community College, OH
Our organization receives no dollar amount from NSCC. We have in-kind services of meeting
room, phone, bulk mailing, space in the Adult Education bulletin. We do not have a budget crunch,
since we've always been on a pay as you go plan. On the business office computer we have two
accounts: Academic and Travel. Both are protected funds, and carry over into the next fiscal year.
From Linda Bennett, Learning Institute For Elders, Burlington County College, Pemberton, NJ
We do not receive any funds from our host. We do get in-kind in the form of space, phones,
and support services. We give back in the form of scholarships, and donations for special events.
That has been pared back and is now only about 5% of our income. We are experiencing a budget
crunch due to increasing costs and static membership.
From Joan Gamble, ElderCollege at Terra Community College, OH
Depends on the year, $26,000 last year; we are working toward self-support. Yes, the college
administration is looking at all areas of the college budget and looking at ways to reduce expenses.
From Diane Melby, College for Lifelong Learning, Shenandoah University Virginia
Trying to be self-supporting but currently course fees pay for instructor and some materials,
university pays for salary and contributes facility. Try to get to 30% over direct costs for institutional
overhead. No increase to operations budget in past 3 years, no increase expected.
Ronald J. Manheimer, Executive Director, NC Center for Creative Retirement
University of North Carolina at Asheville
We receive about 35% of our total budget in state support ($164,000) that comes to us through the
university budget. In addition, our host, UNCA, underwrites the operating cost of our building
(heat, light, electricity and custodial service), that has got to be at least $100,000 annually. The rest of
our budget (about $300,000) comes from fees and services and some grant money (less than
$20,000). We participate each year in the UNCA scholarship fundraiser and individual members
contribute about $10,000. Of course, our members donated about $2.4 million of the total $4.3
million cost of our building
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Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
From Sarah Fletcher, Furman University Learning in Retirement, Greenville, SC
Our University provides various locations for classroom space, audio-visual equipment, and office
space to our program without charge. They don't give us funding, as such, for our program. We are
expected to cover all expenses including staff salaries (director, secretary and 2 part-time student
workers @10 hours/week), materials and supplies, postage, printing, copying, etc. from the
membership fees. At the same time, they don't expect us to give them funds, either. We
are able to stay within our "shoestring" budget, that is, keep our expenses in line with our revenue by
being careful and frugal. We have also be able to slowly build up a Support Fund through fundraisers, donations and gifts as memorials to members, etc. that we could use if required to balance
our budget. We haven't had to do this, but it is a comfort to have that if needed.
From Dee Ray, LLI, Copiah-Lincoln CC, Natchez, MS
My salary (coordinator) is paid out of the membership fees. But the college gives the group lots of
in-kind support, such as office space, equipment usage, vans for trip, etc.
From Wendy Kerr, PLATO, University of Wisconsin
Our host institution provides a UW liaison/support staff person, classroom space, insurance for
equipment, a phone and phone number and voice mail, office supplies and office equipment use. In
return our LIR donates 40% of their membership fees each year to the host. We do not currently
have a budget problem and are currently enjoying a surplus each year.
From Claudia Boles, Anderson College Lifelong Learning, Anderson, SC
We return 15% of our budget to our host institution. We aren't having any particular budget
problems at this time.
From Jim McGrath, Jefferson Institute for Lifelong Learning, VA
UVA gives us an office. They bill us for any services that we might use – telephone, parking,
copying, etc. Yes, we are beginning to feel a budget crunch. We may charge a membership fee
and/or increase tuition from the $75 per semester that we now charge.
From Nancy Kress, Quest: An Institute for Learning in the Third Age, WA
We are supported by our host institution, Walla Walla Community College, to the tune of $16,000
annually that is used to pay our instructors. Only a few of our instructors are volunteers and the rest
are paid according to the State rate. Several thousand dollars are generated in Quest by the end of
the year and these funds are held in a fund that "belongs" to the Quest program. Our program
brings FTEs into the college as well and we have full endorsement by the President for the program,
something we would probably not have if we were running the program in the traditional way that
EIN has proposed. We have excellent faculty, many times from the Quest membership, and our
close ties to the college enhance the program.
From Joe Denhart, ENCORE, Glendale Community College, CA
Our host institution pays my salary. We have been giving 10% of our income back to the college.
We (the college) are presently experiencing a budget crunch but it has not impacted ENCORE yet.
The president is very supportive of this program.
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Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
From Carolyn Farnsworth, New Adventures in Learning for Seniors, Sun Lakes, Arizona
We get no funding from our host, the Sun Lakes Education Center, a part of Chandler/Gilbert
Community College. They provide classrooms for us to use and the computer we use to keep track
of membership and registrations. Their staff receives our mail and forwards it to the proper party.
They answer questions from the public and take their membership/registration forms, etc. We do
not give funds to the Education Center. We pay for our paper, stamps, and hire an hourly computer
aide to input and output our computer records. We do not have a budget crunch and have plenty of
money in our bank account.
From Marvin Schaffler, RUALL, Rutgers University, NJ
We pay no money to the school and get to use office space only. We have no budget crunch.
From Claus (Skip) Oldenburg, WCTC LIR, Pewaukee WI.
We received seed money from the college when we started 9 years ago. Our in-kind support
consists of classrooms and parking space. Our contribution to the college is a $1000 grant to a
scholarship fund.
From Paul Flaum, Berkshire Institute for Lifelong Learning, MA
We receive office space, computer assistance, and classroom space from Berkshire Community
College. We receive classroom space from William's College, the Clark Art Institute and Simon's
Rock College of Bard. Some faculty members also provide instruction for us pro bono. We make
contributions of $1,000 to each of the learning institutions with which we are involved. This is less
than 5% of our income. Our budget is doing well but we may have to consider some increase as
we have added additional office help.
From Marge Yanker, The Learning Exchange, University of South Carolina Beaufort
We get no funding help from the University at all. We pay for salaries of one full-time and one parttime office staff and 1/3 of my salary from our yearly $150 dues. We also pay for all office rent,
equipment, supplies, utilities, etc. This takes about 2/3 of our annual budget. The rest goes to pay
for our instructors who get paid. We pay $50/hour and pay about 1/2 to less of our instructors
each year. This takes care of our annual dues. We have about $100,000 in reserve but our goal had
been to have 1000 members in the next 3 years. However, that was a 5-year goal set 2 years ago
when we had 900 members. After we raised the fee from $100 to $150, we are now down to 664.
From Bob Hartmann, QUEST, New York City
We get no funding from our host institution which is The Center For Worker Education of City
College of New York. We give to our host $375 per Quest student and we retain for our usage $75.
The total fees per student are $450 per annum. In exchange for the $375 we are provided with 6
classrooms for our exclusive use from 9:30 AM to 3PM. We also are provided with conference
rooms, an auditorium, an office, one administrative assistant, and computers, telephone service, and
audio/visual equipment in all classrooms and auditorium. We are managing to break even at the
present time because our membership (about 125) are fairly generous in donating to our fund raising
drives which take place once a year. Also we have received some bequests from members who have
passed on.
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Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
From Kathleen Swan, Harper College Lifelong Learning Institute, IL
Harper College supports us through the registration help. The program is in the initial year; we did
receive a grant from the college foundation to help us get started. Our goal is to be self-supporting;
we have not met that goal yet.
From Therese Ruth, The Renaissance Society, California State University, Sacramento
We don't receive any financial support from the University but we do received free parking, and use
of classrooms. The Renaissance Society awards two $1,000 scholarships each year to students
majoring in a field related to Geriatrics. The CSUS Foundation handles all our bookkeeping, check
writing, etc. for a fee of 7.5% on each check written. Our budget is "healthy" at this time.
From Frank Shoring, Adult Learning Program, Hartford, CT
We get no support or funding from our host. We give them 20% of our income. We are not
experiencing any budget crunch and are presenting evaluating our fee structure.
From Shirley Hibarger, University of West Florida Center for Lifelong Learning, Fort Walton
Beach, Florida
We receive no funding from our host. We do receive A/V support, some computer support, and
assistance in scheduling of classes. Between 50 and 70 percent of our income goes back to the
school to fund items/projects not covered by state monies.
From Claire Robinson, College of Charleston, Center for Creative Retirement (CCR)
Charleston, SC
A small amount of in-kind support and availability of college faculty as lecturers at no cost
(considered part of their faculty duty), and no charge for my services. We are not experiencing a
budget crunch. CCR in the process of setting up a scholarship award ($10000.00) to college
department or student.
From Cindy Kearns, RAP (Retired Adult Program), McHenry County College, Crystal Lake IL
As the coordinator for RAP, the Retired Adult Program at MCC, I am employed by the college.
RAP is asked to cover 50% of expenses, including my salary.
From Richard Di Vecchio, Lifetime Learners Institute, Norwalk Community College, CT
We get the following at no cost to us: classrooms, all copying needs, telephones (including local and
long distance), internet and college computer services, three offices, computer labs and the use of
various meeting rooms. In return, we do some college mailings and other volunteer services when
required. We are not obligated to give the college anything in return for their generous support, but
for the last 3 years, we have given about $10,000 to the college foundation. This is about 35 to 40%
of our income
From Rita Wuehrmann, Yavapai Learning Institute, Yavapai College, Prescott, AZ
No direct funding. We pay $6 per student per year as indirect overhead to compensate for small
office space, etc. We are experiencing a bit of a crunch because of staffing needs.
From George & Jane Richards, Center for Continuing Adult learning, Hartwick College, NY
We receive only postage from our hosts. We have a token amount to them. No budget crunch.
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Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
From Lorene Porslid, Comox Valley ElderCollege, Courtenay, B.C. Canada
We present a cheque for $10,000.00 each year to our host and have been doing this since
we started. It represents most of our surplus and we designate how it is used. In the past
we have given the funds for equipment to be used by both the College and our LLI.
i.e Power Point Projector, tables and chairs for one room in a new addition to the building,
to the College Foundation to be used for Bursaries, for railings in the theater we use for
our Lecture Series.
From Jo-Ellen Unger, Academy for LIR@Saratoga Springs, SUNY Empire State College, NY
We've received $3,000 annual support each year since our inception on 1992, except for our tenth
anniversary year, when we received $5,000. We also have study group classroom, committee meeting
and office space for myself, as director, and my secretary. The college provides all our office
furniture and computers. We also have the services of the college print shop, computer services and
other college departments. We do not give funds per se to our college, but we have given several
ALR scholarships of $1,500 several years to Empire State College students. Yes, we are
experiencing a budget crunch. Because the Academy must pay staff salaries from its income,
membership fees are considerably higher than those LLIs where the college funds these positions. I
believe this is one of the reasons we do not have the large memberships of other LLIs. Although
we have a reserve fund of half of our annual budget, we expect to have a deficit in the annual budget
next year unless we take some affirmative action. We have already met with college officials to
determine what action(s) would not interfere with their fund-raising efforts. When our term begins
in April, committees will be meeting to discuss this and make some decisions.
From Sharon Simson, Legacy College for Lifelong Learning, The University of Maryland
Supported by the University of Maryland Center on Aging and membership fees.
From Diana Marsilje, Hope Academy of Senior Professionals, Hope College, Holland, MI
We receive NO funding from our college. However, they do provide us with support services AT
COST which is a considerable savings. HASP has established an Endowed Scholarship at Hope.
Beyond that we do not give funds as an organization to the college although many members
contribute on an individual basis. We are NOT experiencing any budget crunch - dues cover our
expenses.
From Sara Skaggs, Rock Valley College Center for Learning in Retirement, Rockford, IL
60% funding from college. We are part/parcel of the college - thus, do not "give funds" to our
host. Budget crunch is felt. This program expected to make more revenue and meet more
expenses. Change in college administration is currently happening.
From Sandra Kerr, LIFE Institute, Ryerson University, Ontario
Since I represent the host institution, this question is hard for me to answer. I will say, however, that
host institutions are finding it hard to rationalize 'free' space, and liaison in their very tight budgets.
It does appear to me, however, that our LLI...LIFE Institute is not experiencing a budget crunch at
this time, but as they grow, they will likely need to assess their ability to manage the organization
largely with volunteer staff and may have to consider more investment in personnel. At the moment,
the only funds they give to the host is to pay for services used (e.g. phone, copying, food, etc), but
no rent for space or payment of personnel. LIFE Institute does maintain an endowed bursary fund
for students working/studying on projects that enhance the quality of life for the aging.
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Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
From Edward N. Aqua, Institute for Learning in Retirement, Nova Southeastern U, FL
We receive funding from the host NSU to cover expenses not supported by memberships, grants,
and donations. It has been this way for many years.
From Mary Burkhart, Auburn University Academy for Lifelong Learners, Auburn University, AL
A.U. provides office space and office equipment at no charge, plus access to the services of
secretarial help (estimated at 25% of one person, or 10 hours a week). Office staff will take messages
and help people during any of the hours of the week. We do not give funds to the host, except to
reimburse the office for the salary of the part-time administrator (8.5 hours per week), copies,
telephone, and office supplies AUALL uses. In addition, we must pay for most of the classroom
space we use, at A.U.'s hotel/conference center. The money we currently pay for staff, rent, copies
and supplies is more than 90% of our annual budget. Yes, we are experiencing a budget crunch. Our
enrollment decreased by 15% this year, and expenses for rent have increased dramatically. We've
done everything we can to contain expenses, and are hoping to end our fiscal year at budget.
From Sandy Kinney, Institute for Learning in Retirement, Nicolet Area Technical College, WI
Host provides support staff work, publications production, press releases, postage and copying,
space (when available), and manages the budget. $1,000 annual contribution is given to host
foundation. This is approximately 10% of our income? We are not experiencing any budget crunch.
From Everett E. Briggs, Taconic Learning Center, Salisbury, Connecticut.
We are a stand-alone organization - no host. We pay our venues a modest amount per class session
and per attendee - the latter to defray the cost of refreshments. These are in the form of
contributions, from one non-profit to another. We also make an annual contribution to the venue
where we hold our board and membership meetings, and occasionally classes; and we donate to
a local prep school library, which provides occasional support to our instructors. Currently the
annual contributions we receive from our membership (the suggested amount is $60/member/year)
barely cover our overhead expenses - which also include one part-time secretarial assistant, mailings
and publicity. We anticipate having to raise "dues" -- all voluntary contributions. (Our courses are
free to all. A few have restricted numbers - first come/first served.)
From Anita Revelle, Senior Professionals, Illinois State University, Normal, IL
Funding for the classes comes from registration, we make it pay for itself. Funding for our Senior
Professional program, which is used mainly for interaction with the students on campus from
membership fees $ 100.00 a year for over 160 members.
From Steve Appel, Institute for Learning in Retirement, University of Cincinnati, OH
We are self-supporting and receive no funding or in-kind support from the University of Cincinnati.
We give funds to our host and generate income for them. Excluding direct expenses for services,
etc., about 20% of our revenues go to the University. The University of Cincinnati is experiencing a
severe budget crunch which will likely affect us next year. We haven’t raised our fees in six years,
but many have to in fall 2004.
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Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
From Barbara Reinish, Northwestern University Institute for Learning in Retirement
Evanston and Chicago, Illinois
Our LLI is self-supporting. We pay for our staff salaries and benefits, printing, postage, supplies,
events, telephone, marketing, catalog, and literary magazine. We also provide financial aid for those
who request help to pay their fees. We also are responsible for overhead costs determined by the
University. We return a substantial percentage to the School of Continuing Studies. In order to
avoid a budget crunch, we raised our membership fee by 5.4% this year to $475.00.
From Anita Dittrich, MSU for Seniors, Mankato, MN
NO financial funding is received from the host institution, only office space and office equipment,
plus the convenience of on-campus services for printing and mailing (at our own cost). Our selfregulated/fee-generated budget has been and continues to be VERY LEAN.
From John Kane, Academy for Lifelong Learning, Ocean County College, NJ
Our funding sources are as follows: $40,000 tuition; $11,000 membership fees; and $100,000 by host
From Michelle Sierpina, UTMB Academy for Lifelong Learning, University of Texas Medical
Branch at Galveston, TX
We get salary support for a 1/2 director. Money is the overarching issue for the Academy. We
receive 3/4 of our funding from external grant support.
From John R. Loch, YSU LLI, Youngstown State University, OH
All of the space is provided as in-kind to the LLI. The LLI expends all of the income and does not
donate to the institution.
From Dave Kammer, Albion Academy for Lifelong Learning, Albion College, MI
No support from host. No payment to host. No budget crunch. We are entirely volunteer, our
host does not charge us and membership dues ($15/year including 3 free classes) is more than
enough for our LLI.
From Catherine Hollins, LLI, Miami University, Oxford, OH
Our LLI (LLI) largely supports its expenses through membership dues. "Expenses" applies to those
costs associated with printing, mailing, advertising, rent for space or transportation, food if any. We
give our institution 20% in overhead of our direct expenses, however, the institution, Miami
University, provides the LLI with me, support staff that includes a secretary and grad assistant,
phones, and all support services expected from an office and its staff. It also provides us with space
and AV equipment at no charge.
From Beverly Koutny, Chemeketa Center for Learning in Retirement (CCLR), OR
Most of our funding comes from membership dues. Our theatre group occasionally receives
donations, which are added to the treasury. Chemeketa Community College, collects the money and
pays our bills. They give us a print out each term for our treasurer. We also maintain a local account
for small items. The college gives us unlimited use of an office, computer and phone. We in turn like
to give the college donations to their scholarship fund for senior citizens and we recently purchased
an analog schoolhouse clock for the new two-story building in Woodburn. We do not have a budget
crunch. There is another senior citizen agency in town that collects money through bingo games
every week and they are generous with their gifting, also. So if we have any big plans for special
speakers, etc., we seem to have enough funds.
11
Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
From George Pettygrove, Modesto Institute for Continued Learning, Modesto, CA
We pay $40 per semester, all of which goes to the college for use of our building, heat, light,
janitorial services, etc. Theoretically we get oversight from the dean of community services, but
seldom see him. We have access to the college's duplicating services, but pay for it. Community Ed
mails out our newsletter for us. Our members pay a voluntary contribution for our internal
expenses. That seems to work OK and we have several thousand in various bank accounts
From Jennifer Mackey, Sierra Emeritus College, Rocklin, CA
Sierra Emeritus College receives in-kind support from Sierra Community College. Classroom and
office space, administrative salaries and marketing expenses are included in this support. We have
had to scale back on our administrative support, but otherwise the College is very supportive of the
program and we are not facing budget cuts at this time.
From JoAnn Freeborn, New Frontiers for Learning, Mesa Community College, AZ
Membership fee of $60.00 Is charged for Annual membership of which $8.00 is paid to MCC for
the processing of membership applications and course registrations. Semi-annual membership fee is
$45.00 and of that $4.00 is paid to MCC for the same purpose. Mesa Community College provides
no funds directly to our program, however the college provides significant in-kind support and
encouragement. Examples of in-kind support, full time liaison, partial office staff, space, printing.
From Rosemary McNerney, MALC, Middlesex Community College, CT
We do not receive dollar support from the college. We do receive space, registration, and copy
service. Our By-Laws include an annual $2,000 gift to the college, unrestricted. We are not
experiencing any financial problems - our $50 per member annual fee covers our expenses. Of
course, we are an all-volunteer program. We do not have paid help.
From Vonnie Wheeler, VIVA! University of Denver, CO
Our host university provides us with an office, accounting procedures, phone, Xerox machine at no
charge. We pay for our postage. We do not pay the university anything, in fact we have a surplus
account which is for us to use for new programming, equipment, etc.
From Helen J. Janssen, Old Dominion LLI, VA
This LLI has a Memorandum of Agreement with the sponsoring University which spells out what
each of the parties pays. We receive support in the way of free: classrooms, office, parking,
maintenance, housekeeping, use of all media in building. We give funds to the University:
$1./member as of a date + all class fees are sent to the University from which they issue checks to
speakers and the Administrator. We are holding our own monetarily.
Anne Myers, LLI, Hagerstown Community College, MD
All our programming is self-supporting. Our programming is a component of the Continuing
Education Division. I oversee LLI plus programming for all ages.
12
Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
From Janet McLean, The Round Table, Stony Brook, NY
The Round Table has its own budget and our host, The School of Professional Development,
assesses us $20,000.00 per year, which is almost 13% of our budget. (We pay no heat,a/c, light,
telephone, room fee or rent and we have two main meeting rooms and an office, and access to many
meeting rooms on campus).
From Ann Petersen, LLI, American University, Washington DC
We are affiliated with American University, not part of it. We rent office space on campus, we have
technical support, e-mail, web site, and such through the college. We just rent. No budget crunch –
membership is high so income is high, too.
From Marianne Varney, Creative Retirement Center, International College, FL
Our program is charged to break even. We eventually hope to attract donors to the College through
the CRC. That has happened twice in the history of the CRC. If we have a shortfall (15K last year)
the College covers it. I'm not sure how much longer they would do that. We should be
barely in the black this year. My office and classroom space are provided at no charge to the
program. The expense of ME is!
From Bo Loomer, Adult Learning Institute, Columbia-Greene CC, Hudson, NY
The college supports part payment for Office Assistant Salary. We have an office and phone is paid
by college
From Kathy Gratzek, Learning in Retirement, Inc., Athens, Georgia
We receive no funding from our host at the University of Georgia. However we do get in-kind
support in the form of free classroom and meeting space. We do give a nominal donation to the
University of Georgia which provides the space. In addition we hold events including classes at the
Athens Community Council on Aging and receive donated space from them. In return we give a
nominal donation to them for the use of the space. We are not presently experiencing a budget
crunch and plan to reduce our annual membership fee for next year.
From Jo Brownlie, LLI, Saginaw Valley State U, MI
Our LLI is in it's third year of operation and this year we will be self-supporting and give back a little
to the University in "overhead". By self-supporting I mean that program revenues, membership fees
and sponsorships cover all expenses, and staff salaries. In our case, this means 30% of three salaries
(two secretaries and a director). We all also work on other things. As a "profit center" for the
University, for the first year, we have been assigned an 8% of sales overhead burden. The LLI will
not generate enough to reach this 8% target - our goal will be to reach that target next year.
From Lorin Goodrich, Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia
LLI/NOVA does not transfer any of its funds to its host. The host college provides in-kind space
for an office, some classes, and rooms for meetings and events. We do not use the college's
telephone system or reproduction services. LLI/NOVA is in sound financial condition.
From Mardi McDaniel—King, Leisure Learning Society, U of West FL
The only funds we receive from our University are for the director's salary. The University provides
us with office space.
13
Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
From Patricia Limbird, Adult Learning Institute (ALI), Oakland Community College, Farmington
Hills, MI
ALI gives a gift of $2000 yearly to the Oakland Community College Foundation with no strings
attached. This amount can be changed by the Adult Learning Institute's Executive Committee.
Jon Cheston, Senior College, University Of Maine-Orono
We receive no funding or formal in-kind support from our host, the University of Maine at Orono.
We do receive important informal support from the staff at the Hutchinson Center, our Belfast
(Maine) Senior College location. We pay the University $3,000 annually in rent for the space we use
in the Hutchinson Center. That amounts to about 10 percent of our income. We have a healthy
budget balance; no crunch.
From Annette Lindsey, Baylor University LLI, TX
Dues and class tuition cover operating costs. Overhead and staff time receive some revenue from
our institute, but usually not enough to cover all those expense.
From Marilyn Blumsack, TILL, Tufts University, MA
My salary paid by University...Staff assistant and operating expenses from tuition....and gifts.
From Jim Lindberg, Academy for Lifetime Learning, University of Alabama-Huntsville
We get no funding from our host university. However, we do receive in-kind support of several
kinds. We have half-time services of an administrative assistant. The University pays for the
reproduction of our course catalog for three terms a year. We are now distributing over 1000
catalogs per term. We provide coffee for our students in most of our classes. The University pays
for all of our coffee supplies. They also provide us with some miscellaneous office supplies. The
University has furnished us with an office computer and we have access to the university Internet
network for no charge.
From Wichian Rojanawon, LETS Program, UMASS-Boston
LETS receives the following in-kind support from the University: Director’s salary (50% time),
office and classroom space, and free parking passes for instructors and members of the board. We
give about 18% of our annual income ($7,000 donation) to the Gerontology Institute and we
recently established a scholarship fund and a volunteer program to help the University in various
projects. No, we are not experiencing any budget crunch.
From Eileen Duggan, Learning in Retirement Institute, George Mason University, VA
LRI receives no direct funding from its host institution. However, GMU provides and maintains
housing for one of LRI’s two sites for the nominal charge of $1 per annum. This site consists of a
small building located on an outlying section of the campus. The building is comprised of a
classroom holding approximately 70 seats, a lavatory, a small office and a social facility.
Additionally, there are two modular classrooms originally purchased by LRI but now owned and
maintained by the host. GMU encourages its professors to teach pro bono at LRI. The host also
makes available ID cards through which members may use the library system, establish e-mail
accounts, and receive discounts at the University bookstore. Although there are no payments to the
host institution for services, LRI voluntarily funds $6,000 in annual scholarships to GMU in
appreciation of its support. The current annual budget is approximately $200,000. 89% of this is
funded by tuition and the shortfall has been covered by donations, primarily from members.
14
Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
From Ellen Christie, The Second Half: Lifelong Learning @ 50+, UmassDartmouth, MA
We receive no funding from UMassDartmouth, but receive in-kind services. Namely, the University
is our banker. They accept our membership fees and pay our bills at our direction. We do pay the
university rent for two classrooms and an office in a new site they have recently renovated which
houses their professional and continuing education programs. When we are on campus (one day a
week) we do not pay. The rent is approx. 10% of our budget. No, we are not experiencing a crunch
at this time.
From Jan Olson, Learning in Retirement, University of WI, LaCrosse, WI
1/3 of our budget goes to our host.
From Nancy Shepherd, Encore: The Senior College at San Juan College, NM
We are currently taking funds from the continuing education budget to pay for staffing and
supplies. Next year we will have a small amount of staffing money allocated by the institution. Our
classes are credit classes so all tuition goes to the institution and they pay for the instructors. In-kind
is provided by the institution by way of facility usage, payroll and business office services, etc. We
are very tight on budget due to not being directly funded by the college.
From Joyce Kister, LLI-NVCC-Manassas Campus, VA
Host provides meeting space for once a month speaker programs, board of directors meetings, and
limited classroom space. Also provides a phone line and a mailing address. We are a new
organization, have just elected our first permanent board of directors. Have not given any funds to
host. Are not experiencing any budget crunch.
From Lisa King, ILEAD, Dartmouth University, NH
We do not receive any funding or in-kind support from our host, nor do we give them any funds.
We are not experiencing any budget crunch.
From Maxine Gilbert, SAGE Society, University of AZ, Tucson
I believe our finances are even. We hav been paying a share of the overhead of the Extended
University. Although we made a donation last year to one of the EU's youth programs, we are not
normally offering financial support. The EU has been restructured and we are now a part of the
Office of Continuing Education and Academic Outreach and the affiliation agreement is being
reworked. It appears that financial relations will be similar.
The above survey was conducted during March, 2004
15
Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
HOST PAYMENTS
Original Query: From: R. Stark, VIVA, Denver University, Denver, CO.
Our sponsor is a private school that considers our program as an income source for the university.
Their requirement is that we pay in excess of 32% of our gross annual income to support other
university activities. In return for this we get no facilities and very little other support that we are
not required to pay separately for. Debbie Rogers could not think of any university sponsor that
takes this position. The burden damages our ability to improve and grow. Any suggestions or
comments other than the obvious?
From Polly Nelson, VIVA!, University of Denver, Denver, CO.
RStark--Your question to the Forum is misstated. Anybody reading that the University requires us
to "pay in excess of 32% of our gross annual income to support other university activities" would
conclude of course that that is all wrong. If, however, you asked a question about overheads, I think
you would find that every last one of the university-sponsored LLIs pays overhead expenses to the
sponsoring university.
Granted that there are adjustments that should be made in that 32% overhead--those are matters to
be negotiated between us and the university. Don't scuttle it before the talks even start.
Regarding our relationship to the university, we would not have succeeded as we have without them.
We would not succeed in the future without them. And with the current reorganization of the
University, VIVA! now has the opportunity to develop a broader working relationship with the
university--let them earn all of that 32%, if you will--without changing the basis of VIVA! We are a
self-governing organization with control of our own curriculum, and will remain so. Don't scuttle
that opportunity before the talks start either.
My question to the Forum has to do with surplus funds. There is a surplus after expenses (including
overheads) that presently goes into the university's general fund. Shouldn't that money go into a
reserve for VIVA! purposes only? Is there somewhere a legal requirement that a non-profit
organization such as we are can spend its money only for its own benefit? What have other LLIs
done in these circumstances?
From Dick Vernon, LLI at Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea, OH.
I am intrigued by your situation, but several questions occur to me that beg for answers before a
response is possible. Some of the questions in the order they came to me are:
1. What specific benefits does your LLI get from the sponsor?
2. What is the approximate dollar amount your LLI gives to the sponsor each year?
3. What benefit(s) other than financial does your LLI provide to the sponsor?
4. What were the expectations of your LLI founders and the sponsor in the beginning?
5. Do the LLI members independently operate the LLI program and administrative activities or are
they sponsor managed/staffed?
6. What benefits might the sponsor provide to your LLI to satisfy your expectations? Are these
compatible with the sponsor's situation and priorities? Do you think these benefits would be
reasonable to you if you imagined you were the president of the sponsor?
16
Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
I'm sure there are more factors that would be helpful to understand your situation, but these are the
ones that occur to me spontaneously.
From Robert Start, VIVA, Denver University, Denver, CO.
According to the university accounting officer we're required to pay 32% of our $18,000 gross
revenue for something like "faculty support and classroom maintenance", neither of which we use.
This totaled (rounded) $16,500, the $1500 balance was for unspecified expenses, hence the
description of "in excess". I have talked to programs at Duke, American University, U. of
Minnesota (Duluth) and have found them paying direct expenses but not general overhead
expenses of this magnitude as such. Duke (a program 3 or 4 time our size) pays the same total that
we do, but gets in return a total classroom building, the ability to keep their annual surplus, and their
own reserve fund. I would like negotiations with the university to be successful. It's a
prestigious resource. Given our successful independent operation I don't see what they can offer us
for that amount of money, and more in the future as we grow, that we need. The problem apparent
to me is that our sponsor sees us as a profit center primarily, not for our value as a highly visible
community outreach program that reflects well on them. Rather than scuttling, I'd like to achieve a
consensus for a reasonable position that will cement our relationship with relief from these
unwarranted charges and let us establish an independent reserve fund as many
other LLIs have done.
From Richard DiVecchio, Lifetime Learners Organization, Norwalk, CT
There surely must be a public institution in Denver that can accommodate your organization. I
suggest contacting a local community college as a pretty good alternative.
From Dick Vernon, LLI at Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea, OH.
First, Baldwin-Wallace College (BW) a small private institution, does not charge our LLI any
overhead fees. We are charged for only the services we use just as any other department is charged
those costs for printing, mailing, copying, etc. Any additional monies we give to the college are
voluntary contributions determined by our LLI organization which is independently run by our
members. We are most fortunate to have BW do our bookkeeping for us, at no fee incidentally and
they write checks to pay our bills! And we do carry over any remaining balance from year to year in
our BW account. As far as I know, we are treated the same as any academic department within the
college; this leads to your question about carry over. If you have money left over after expenses
each year, is there really a practical problem? I suspect all academic departments in your institution
also "lose" any remaining balance each year. Doesn't the problem become practical only when you
want to have some extraordinary expenses in a given year? How do the academic departments plan
for extraordinary expenses and will the sponsor treat you the same as the other departments for
such conditions? It seems to me that there are at least two workable approaches: 1) the LLI is
allowed carry over and must operate within its own account balance, or 2) the LLI does not carry
over any funds from year to year, but the sponsor then must provide for extraordinary expenses on
occasion. I imagine the second approach is much more challenging with the competition for funds
within the institution! If you have to resort to legal determinations, I suspect the relationship with
your sponsor is in serious trouble. Incidentally, I developed a new insight when the president of our
college very politely pointed out to me that our LLI's gross yearly income was some what less than
the tuition paid by two undergraduate students!
17
Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
SPONSORS CONTRIBUTION
Original Query from Natalie Bellaire, Adventures in Lifelong Learning, Glen Oaks Community
College, MI
We are just concluding our first year as an LLI and our liaison person at the college is retiring. A
mileage issue for the college was just voted down and some budget cutting is going on. They
have assured us they will continue to support our organization which has grown to 300 members in
the 1 year. We are interested in the support other LLI's receive for our future talks with the college.
From Bernard Dumoff, LLI, Albertus Magnus College, New Haven, CT.
We have been at Albertus Magnus since 1989, the college provides us with classroom space and
that's all. Actually, there is nothing else we need from them, since we are financially capable of
taking care of all other expenses, which include postage, printing, and the ordinary office expenses.
We do not ask the college to provide us with office space, we have been able to utilize space in a
member's home.
From Merle Allshouse, ASPEC, Eckerd College, FL
As we near the end of this fiscal year, ASPEC (The Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd
College) will be returning the college a net of about $300,000 in surplus funds generated through
dues, fees, and contributions (annual fund and planned giving). That is net of our operating
expenses. We also contribute a great deal of time as mentors for students and work with faculty in
the classrooms. The college contributes the overhead expenses for our building (utilities and
maintenance).
From [Neil, Bob] McCALL, Montreat College, Montreat, NC
Montreat pays my part-time salary as College Liaison, provides space for our classes, and carries our
bank account through the college system in order for us to be under their tax exemption program.
From Henry L. Schmitz Jr., Center for Lifetime Studies, Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY
From a financial point we are self-supporting. We hold two major sessions a year, one in the fall and
one in the spring. Each is eight weeks long. The majority of our classes are held on Tuesday and
Wednesday in rooms that we rent. A few classes are held on Friday in classrooms provided by our
sponsoring college. Our administrative assistant is officially a Marist employee but we pay for her
salary. We also hold a mini term in January consisting of three one-day sessions in space provided by
the college.
From Stew Engel, Mary Washington ElderStudy, Fredericksburg, VA
Mary Washington College provides classroom space & a very nice web site. We are otherwise selfsufficient. We give the college $1K in scholarships per year.
From Polly Nelson, VIVA!. University of Denver.
First, congratulations to ALL, Glen Oaks, for reaching 300 members in a year. We at VIVA!
thought we were doing very well to reach 250 in 5 years. I apologize for being a little late in
responding to your query. It is a highly important subject. Here are the results of recent talks
between VIVA! and the University of Denver-- The University provides office space, telephone
and copy machine, and they do our accounting. VIVA! pays all other expenses, including rental for
classrooms in a church and the salaries of our part-time Director and a clerical assistant.
18
Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
We make no payments to the University, either for the specific services or as overhead. The
University paid all of VIVA!'s start-up costs, and subsidized us heavily in our first year. Since then,
we have had a small but growing surplus of revenues over expenses, and until now that surplus has
gone to the University. Beginning with the current fiscal year, however, the surplus goes into a
reserve fund for VIVA!'s use only. Our Budget and Planning Committee will have the job of
recommending to the VIVA! Council specific uses of those funds for development and expansion
of the VIVA! program. Do not underestimate the non-monetary contributions of the sponsor.
Being affiliated with a major institution lends a standing we could not achieve otherwise. VIVA!
could not have succeeded as we have without the University's name on the letterhead. On the other
hand, the University looks at this the other way around-- VIVA! is a successful program, becoming
increasingly known in the community, which adds to the prestige and reputation of the University.
The connection is essential, and the goal should be a good working partnership. I hope this is
helpful to you.
ADDITIONAL LLI FUNDING SOURCES
Original Query from Jo-Ellen Unger, Academy for Learning in Retirement, Saratoga Springs, NY
Other than funds from sponsoring colleges and tuition/membership/class fees from members, how
are other LLIs funded? We wondered if any have corporate sponsors, or include a business
membership. If there is a corporate sponsor, are there any requirements attached ie. name or logo
printed on LLI brochure? Any information you can send us would be very much appreciated.
Thanks.
From Anita Revelle, Senior Professionals, IL
Yes, we have four corporate sponsors that pay $500 a year. For their funds they get recognition in
our flyers (twice a year). These go out to over 4,000 seniors, businesses and organizations in the
community. We have also made a poster that is displayed at all of our classes. The sponsors
consist of a bank, funeral home, a retirement home and a corporation that is involved in nursing
homes, assisted living and other family issue services. We find that our attendees don't seem
bothered by this and it does help our budget. Any questions please contact me.
From Jo Brownlee, Saginaw Valley LLI, MI
The Saginaw Valley State University LLI (in Michigan) does have corporate sponsorship options.
From $300 - $10,000 packages. I would be happy to send Jo-Ellen a summary of what a company
gets at the different giving levels. This year our goal is $8,000. (Our first year of operation we got
two companies to give at the $10,000 level, but the novelty has worn off.) We also solicit year-end
individual giving which filters through our advancement office. We explain the tax benefits of
giving to a state university in our letter. Our goal this year is $3,000 in individual gifts. We are doing
a one-day fundraiser through Barnes and Noble in which 20% of the proceeds from noon - 5 p.m.
on a given day go to our organization. People have to use a coupon we plan to distribute widely.
We are considering newsletter advertising, but I'm not so sure I want to go there.
From Burnell Held, Front Range Forum, Fort Collins, CO
We had an opportunity to receive sponsorship from a real estate agent but turned it down. They
wanted to display a banner showing the firm's name at some of our social gatherings. We felt
perfectly capable of supporting ourselves without selling any "naming rights."
19
Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
From Sandra Kerr, LIFE Program, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ont. Canada
This is always an ongoing issue for us. Our learning in retirement organization does not receive any
funds from corporate sponsors or donors. They do receive enough funding from their membership
dues and course fees to cover their own costs as the sponsor university (Ryerson University) covers
their space costs. However, one of our other older adult learning organizations - a theatre school for
seniors - have more problems in raising funds in particular to support their performances. They have
been investigating finding sponsors, but at the moment have not gone too far. Part of the problem is
ensuring that the corporate sponsor will be well featured ...as you have indicated...and is interested in
the mission of the organization. I do know of another seniors’ organization who have their
newsletter sponsored by a corporate donor and their logo is prominently featured on the newsletter
in every issue. Hope this helps...
From Gary Dickinson, Society for Learning in Retirement, Kelowna, BC
I'm responding to the inquiry about "extra" funding on behalf of the Society for
Learning in Retirement (formerly Okanagan Institute for Learning in Retirement, Kelowna, British
Columbia. Our key sources of funding are course fees and memberships. We have no outside
sponsorships or grants. About a year ago we started to fund-raise and have raised some $3,000 to
this point, mostly from our own members.
From Norm Smith, ASPEC, Eckerd College, FL
We do have a business sponsor. While we have no specific requirements on publicity, we do have a
banner with the business name used for events they help sponsor. We actually bill them, with
specifics as to what the money will be used for. Meetings are held over the year to be certain that
both parties are content with the relationship.
From Nancy R. Schweingruber, LLI, Bluffton College, OH
Other than an occasional donation from members or their families (in honor of a 50th wedding
anniversary, in memory of a member who has died, etc.), we operate solely on tuition and
sponsorship by Bluffton College.
From Bob Manning, Unlimited Learning, MN
We are new (just over a year old) and small--so our experience may be quite limited. However, our
funding is from the methods listed below (non-member class fees and membership fees). This is our
base financial support. We have received 3 grants so far that are targeted toward specific needs.
These supplement and enrich our offerings. We chose this path because of our desire to be
financially self-sustaining. Hope this helps!
From Marge Yanker, The Learning Exchange, SC
TLX at the University of South Carolina Beaufort does accept gifts although these have been very
minimal. We sell advertising to local businesses for all our publications. We receive no money from
the University and pay for all our expenses, including indirect costs and rent to the University.
From Sara Hardman, LLI, Bard College, NY
Our membership fees cover all of our costs plus a surplus. We also make donations to our
sponsoring institutions. We don't have any need for additional funding.
20
Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
From Dr. Pauline Christensen, Learning Club, MN
The Winona State University Learning Club has been able to obtain some funding from our state
Humanities Commission in order to promote the study of the humanities. We have been able to use
the funds not only for programming, but for some infrastructure support of the organization.
From Louisa Strock, Center for Lifelong Learning, OH
For more than ten years our Center for Lifelong Learning has been the Community Service project
for Beta Zeta chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international honorary for women in education.
We are in the chapter budget, and in addition, members help me on site at our seminars. There
would be a chapter near --or several -- and they all have community outreach committees. It's the
largest of the women's education honoraries, but there are a couple of others, too. If you want to
follow up on this, I could help with some contacts. Good luck !
From Lorene Porsild, Comox Valley ElderCollege, BC
With reference to your enquiry regarding LLI.'s funding, we advise that our Comox Valley
ElderCollege is a non-profit society, and we are a program of North Island College, a
college for 2nd age learners. North Island College in turn provides the infrastructure, office help,
and resources at cost. Our instructors are volunteers, being reimbursed only for expenses incurred
in connection with teaching the course. We also receive use of the Library, Bookstore and
participation in College sponsored events. Our Membership fee is $10.00 per year and course fees
are $30.00 per course. Our fees are spent as follows: AudioVisual Equipment, Photocopying,
Advertisements/Promotion, Gifts (books) to all faculty, Volunteer Appreciation Events, Computer
Supplies, General and Office Supplies, Publications, Lecture Series Expenses, NIC Support
Personnel Expenses, Contingency Fund, Donation to NIC (any surplus goes to purchase equipment
that can be used by both C.V. ElderCollege and N.I.C. We are operating in our 5th year and to
date we have never had any need for any outside funding as we have stayed within our Budget. We
continue to work well with North Island College and we credit this to our Inter-Generational aspect
that happens when one is located at a college for second- aged students. Each semester, one of
many computer courses is taught by college computer students and ten seats are reserved for college
students who want to attend our lecture series. Some seniors who teach the ElderCollege computer
courses will in turn teach the College instructors how to operate the Power Point Projector, so they
can use it in their classes. The key to our success is that our ElderCollege is reliant on its volunteers.
Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.
From LeAnne Stuver, Rose Institute for Life Long Learning, OH
We are fortunate that our main funding comes from a family endowment through the Menorah Park
Foundation. We do list the fund on all of our course brochures and publications.
From Noreen Frye, Institute for Retired Professionals, FL
No corporate sponsors here.....But, here's an idea I'm working on and that's Friends of IRP - those
that may not have the time to do the classes, etc. but may be interested in knowing about special
events, trips, concerts, etc. - that designation has a minimal cost to cover mailings and support the
organization but allows them to be involved and participate in the extra events and
"member/student" prices.
21
Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
From Sharon Sokoloff, BALI, MA
BALI has received one "sizable" gift from a Trust for a period of 5 years, $250,000 or $50,000 for
each of the 5 years. We got this gift because of the leadership and work of our University President,
Jehuda Reinharz, who does fund raising on behalf of BALI. We did not change our name but
acknowledge the Trust when we do activities that are funded by the gift. We are in the process (an
ongoing, long process) of exploring "endowment" funds that will enable us to cover some basic,
fixed expenses, e.g., staff. It is possible if we were to receive funding of this sort, there would be a
name change or "naming opportunities" associated with the receipt of funds. This is a topic that we
don't make decisions about. Rather, the University Development Office and Brandeis President use
"conventions" to make these decisions. For example, a faculty chair that is endowed is associated
with a gift of a certain amount. That would be the same as far as BALI is concerned. I would be
open to having a phone conversation with Jo-Ellen about this...there are some things related to this
topic that are easier to talk about than write about in such as open forum as this.
From Diana Marsilje, Hope Academy for Senior Professionals,
Hope Academy of Senior Professionals (HASP) operates with a membership fee ($90.00 per person
per year) and a nominal course fee ($5 to $10 depending on the course length). We have no other
source of income and run with a positive cash flow. Our policy is that we do not pay honoraria to
speakers at our monthly program meetings or classroom instructors. To the extent possible we use
members but college faculty and other outside experts are used for specialized topics. We are
fortunate to have a wonderful relationship with our sponsoring college. We rent both office and
classroom (seats 100+) facilities from the college at their direct cost only. College services are also
provided to us at the college cost. We receive no funds from the College. Costs are kept to the
minimum by presenting our monthly newletter and classroom materials in a neat and readable
format but not flashy or high-gloss. Our emphasis is on the learning component and our members
seem to appreciate the fact that costs are kept low. Best wishes in your efforts to build and maintain
a strong institute for learning in retirement.
FUND RAISING AT LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTES
Original Query from Nancy Merz Nordstrom EIN
The Committee of Network Representatives thought it would be helpful to have input from all the
institutes regarding what kind of fund raising you do, on either a national and/or local level. For
instance –
Have you applied for grants from local or national foundations or the government?
Do you seek local sponsors for institute events?
Does your institute have an annual campaign?
Do you hold fundraisers within your membership?
Have you sought funding for research projects? Etc. Etc.
Any input you can send our way will be appreciated. Thank you.
From Emile Jansma, CALL, State College, PA
One small grant ($500) was received for CALL the Community Academy for Lifelong Learning in
State College, Pa. for our Oral History Project for equipment- a part of two classes. The
Community Foundation has given us at least one grant of $2000 for computerization project. We
are members with a fund there. The local branch of the AAUW gave us a grant, I believe $850 or so
for our scholarship fund. Sarah Benton may answer you more fully on this.
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Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
From Noreen Frye, Institute for Retired Professionals, University of Miami
Here at the University of Miami, we "fund raise" through field trips and excursions, also through
small projects that benefit the members of the organization. In the past, there was a major effort to
raise funds for a permanent home - the realization which hasn't occurred yet. I am most interested
in pursuing some grant monies for a few special projects.
From Bob Hartmann, Quest, City College of New York
Quest has done fund raising in the past, but only among our own members. We have just finished a
campaign which so far has generated over $10,000 from our members. This is an exceptional
amount considering that our membership at the present time is only 115. However, as you may
understand, half of that amount was given by one member. We are extremely interested in getting
experience in fund raising from both government (very iffy, we assume, at the moment) and private
sources outside our own membership, so we welcome any input regarding successes which our
(sister/brother?) organizations may have had. We find that our current membership is so supportive
of our efforts that they show generosity in this way. By the way, we also have many of our members
who have kindly decided to list Quest in their wills. This is a rather sorrowful but still logical way of
benefiting the work that the LLI's do for their members. Hope this helps.
From Sarah Benton, Community Academy for Lifelong Learning (CALL), State College, PA
Our organization formed a funding committee in 1999. The first thing they did was to publicize the
need for funds and ways our members could donate funds to our organization. Now all of our
registration forms and annual membership renewal forms have a space for individuals to contribute
in addition to their fees. This was a very successful beginning. In the past year we have begun
exploring and applying for funding mostly to local funding sources (which also included our local
Walmart and Target stores). We have received approximately $1,820 thus far ($820 to start a
scholarship fund and two $500 awards for individual projects). We also had our very first
fundraising event, which we called a Treasure Auction, whereby we sought antique and collectible
donations from our membership and goods and services from the community. This was a huge
success and we raised over $9,000.00. A lot of work was put into this first event, but a lot of
groundwork is now already laid for the next Treasure Auction. The next step for our fundraising
committee is to develop a "Capital Campaign" to raise funds to build or purchase a new building.
To this end, we are striving to build "real" relationships with individuals and organizations in our
community - friends of CALL. We're just starting to lay the groundwork for how to do this so I'm
sorry I have nothing concrete to share about this idea. Finally, our organization has learned that
fundraising efforts provide an incredible amount of "exposure" for our organization. In other
words, we feel we not only benefit financially, but get a lot of public attention. I hope this helps.
From Marge Wyngaarden, Bergen Community College LLI, Paramus, NJ
From my experience as AARP's NJ State Coordinator of Tax-Aide, unless the tax laws have
changed, donation of services is not tax deductible. However, mileage to deliver those services is -at either 9 cents or 11 cents per mile and that is tax deductible. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 for
verification.
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Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
From Ruthie Carlson, The Community Academy for Lifelong Learning (CALL), State College,PA
CALL has engaged in five types of fund raising. (1) We have applied for and received grants from
local foundations; (2) we have requested and received funds from local charitable organizations; (3)
we have conducted a fund-raising "Auction of Treasures," which included members' memorabilia
and antiques, local merchants' products and services, and gifts from supportive community
members; (4) members are invited to contribute toward an endowment fund or building fund as
they register for courses; and (5) we have received gifts in honor or memory of members or their
families. None of these processes have produced large amounts of money as yet, since we have had
no compelling need for a major funding campaign. With very low fees - $40 for annual membership
and $25 per term for unlimited classes, we have been able to meet most of our needs, even without a
university sponsor. We have only 1 full time and 2 part time employees, many volunteers and all of
our instructors are unpaid. Our program is very successful, I think because we have a large group of
very committed people willing to put a lot of themselves into this organization.
From Sarah Fletcher, Furman LLI, Furman University, SC
We have had the following fund raisers: 1) evening at a local theater for desserts, coffee, cash bar,
lecture by local professor and the Shakespearean play. Tickets $20. Raised about $1,400 last year.
Repeated again this year. Relatively easy to do. 2) musical concert on campus using local professors
and FULIR members. Tickets were $15. Raised about $2,000. 3) Auction: had "silent auction" plus
5-6 large items with a "live auction" held in conjunction with our spring end-of-the-year luncheon.
Lots of effort. Raised about $5,500. All monies were put into our FULIR Support Fund for
program needs.
From Diana Marsilje, Hope Academy of Senior Professionals (HASP), Hope College, Holland, MI
We do NOT have fundraisers as such. HASP seeks to bring together people eager to learn and
discuss. We keep our costs to the barest minimum and cover expenses through our dues and small
course fees. The only campaign we have had was an attempt to raise funds for future facility needs.
The interest earned on these funds supplement the tiny rent we pay the college for the use of our
office, conference room and large classroom.
From Mary Quinn Burkhart, AUALL, Auburn University, AL
AUALL would like to do more fund-raising (or raise more funds, actually). Currently, we: -ask our
members if they would like to make an donation to our account at the Alumni Foundation each year
when they pay annual dues -maintain an account at the Foundation for memorial gifts and
Contributions. On the occasion of our 10th anniversary celebration, we requested (and received)
financial support from the office of the Vice President for Outreach (our administrative home) and
office of the dean, College of Human Sciences, to pay the expenses for having an nationally
recognized speaker. To date, that's it. I'll be interested in hearing what others are doing.
From Sarah Benton, Community Academy for Lifelong Learning, State College, PA
Our LLI formed a funding committee in 1999. The first thing they did was to begin the process of
soliciting our membership for donations. They did (and continue to do) this through constant
promotion of this concept, while providing them with many opportunities to donate (every
registration form has a space for donations and our annual renewal form also has a space for
members to include a donation). In our publicity we also discuss memorial gifts and gifts in-kind,
i.e. financial gifts from children in honor of their parents in lieu of Christmas gifts, etc.
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Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
Next, they researched local grant sources - applied to three of them and received all three.
Interestingly, one was our local Target store and the another was Walmart. Then they researched
more national grant sources, but have not yet applied to any. They are waiting until they have a
more definitive purpose for the grant. In researching national grant sources, we learned that it is
important to demonstrate that we have been working hard to raise monies ourselves, so we had our
First Annual Treasure Auction last September. Because most of our members are downsizing we
asked them to donate antiques and collectibles or any other valuable item. We then solicited our
business community for gifts to auction off as well. We were able to raise $9,000, which we applied
to a new building fund. This first fundraising event had a tremendous outreach impact on our
community - great PR. The thrust of our funding committee now is to begin an actual "campaign"
to raise funds for a new building. The campaign will officially kick off in 2004, but we are already
working on building relationships in our community to help us meet our goals (this is being done
simultaneously with formulating building plans). One of the things we want to do is to
communicate to the community why our organization is beneficial to the community as a whole.
We're hoping this will help them see our value thereby increasing the likelihood of them wanting to
help us. The bottom line is - get a good funding committee together with the right people (those
who know the right people).
From Donna Bauer, WCTC LIR, Waukesha County Technical College, WI
No fund raising has been needed.
From Agnes Tai, Learning in Retirement, UMI, Ann Arbor, MI
We raise some amount of funds through donations in honor of members' life events and by selling
greeting cards made by the Camera Club. These funds go to a scholarship fund. Lately we have
been talking about setting up an endowment to ensure our longevity as an organization. We dream
of having out own building. We get a lot of support from University of Michigan Health System's
Geriatrics Center but this may not last long if they need the space. In MI, 50% of one's $ donations
are a tax write-off from the state taxes. We need a minimum of $50K.
FUNDRAISING IDEAS for LLIs
Create an “In Honor of…” fund. Birthdays, anniversaries, special events, remembrances, all are
perfect opportunities to remember a friend or loved one with a donation to a worthy cause, in this
case your LLI. Tributes should be mentioned in the LLI newsletter of course, and tribute envelopes
can be given out in class or at registration for future use by members.
Send an Annual Appeal mailing to your members. An appeal letter is not only a great way to raise
money, it is a way to deepen members’ understanding of the LLI’s mission and its value to the
community. Besides that, it’s habit forming. Donor renewals every year can generate a stable source
of support and encourage your members to think of the LLI when planning their estates.
Offer program sponsorships to businesses. Local businesses are an excellent way to help sponsor that
special program. Financial planners, investment brokers, insurance companies, lawyers, home health
providers, supermarkets, real estate companies, assisted living facilities, travel companies and credit
unions all want their names before the public. What better way than with mention in your program
brochures? LLI Board members can help identify these businesses and make introductions.
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Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M.Ed.
Elderhostel Institute Network
March, 2004
Create an LLI Books to Business program. Develop a list of volunteers who would like to donate time
to help local businesses, perhaps during a “crunch” time. The LLI then receives a donation from
the business for each volunteer’s time. Not only does the LLI benefit financially; this program also
strengthens LLI relationships with the business community.
Start a Round Up Your Check campaign. Members round up their checks for class fees, special events,
registration, etc. All contributions of $5 or more can then be published in the LLI newsletter,
strengthening feelings of connection between the donor, the LLI and other members.
Institute a Support Your LLI ticket program. Add a $1.00 fee to all tickets purchased by LLI
members for trips, tours and events. Cultural organizations do this all the time. Group travel can
generate a lot of money every year in net revenue for an LLI, and members still get excellent value
for their money.
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