by Robert Meeropol, RFC Founder

When I retired as Executive Director of the Rosenberg Fund for Children three years ago, I started a campaign to build the RFC’s endowment. Like many others who first dreamed of and then realized a project they cared about passionately, I became focused on it surviving me. Handing the directorship over to my very capable daughter was the first step, but we needed financial, as well as staffing, stability to ensure that the RFC would endure to help the families of targeted progressive activists for generations to come.

Those who know me know that I make, and stick to, long-term plans. I envisioned a four- year effort starting in 2014 and ending at the close of 2017, the year I turn 70. I hoped to raise $3 million from slightly more than 100 donors. I created a fundraising pyramid; the capstone consisted of three $250,000 donations, with a base of 36 $5,000 donations, and the remaining 60 or so of intermediate gradations from $10,000 to $100,000.

It started well. I secured two $250,000 donations, along with over a dozen additional gifts (mostly for $5,000) during the first year. However, the pace slowed in 2015 and came close to a halt in 2016. The election year made it next to impossible to ask people who were already making substantial contributions for an additional, even bigger gift.

I start the final year of this campaign stuck at just under $1 million raised, only one third of my initial goal. Frankly, I doubt I can secure $2 million more in one year, but whatever I manage will bring us that much closer to where I’d hoped we’d be. And, what the campaign has raised so far has already strengthened the RFC’s financial stability.

Please consider making a major investment in securing the RFC’s future. This year is my final chance to bring this dream to full fruition; I’m asking you to really dig deep and make it your dream as well.

To join my effort to ensure the RFC’s future, contact me at endowment@rfc.org or call the office at 413-529-0063.