New Ways To Give
By Marianne Monoc
Marsha Williams first heard about CAI from her son, an avid mountaineer who had read a magazine article about CAI founder Greg Mortenson’s climbing adventures and the harsh, often unforgiving living conditions experienced by the communities he visited in his travels.
As a high school counselor for many years who was passionate about the field of education, Marsha was immediately drawn to the story and was touched by Greg’s inexhaustible determination to build a school in the region. A lover of exotic travel who is heading to Nepal this fall, Marsha had visited many Asian and Central Asian countries and felt drawn to assist in some way. On February 1, 2011, she became a CAI donor, and has generously supported our mission and programs since that day with a monthly sustaining gift.
A few years ago, Marsha began making an extra annual donation to CAI through her retirement account’s required minimum distribution (RMD). An RMD is the amount of money that individuals with pre-tax retirement accounts must withdraw from their accounts each year once they reach age 73. RMDs are designed as a government safeguard against people using a retirement account to avoid paying taxes. If you are over age 72 and elect not to take your RMD, you can be penalized by the IRS, with the amount not withdrawn subject to a 25% tax. Making a charitable contribution with your RMD can help you avoid tax liabilities, while at the same time supporting a cause that is close to your heart.
Marsha credits her decision to become more deeply engaged with charitable work to her sister’s husband, Dave, who passed away suddenly last year. Dave, an accountant, was helping her with some financial matters and asked her a couple of questions she had never considered before, “What is your philosophy of giving? What do you care a lot about?” That conversation made her really assess what was important to her and what kind of legacy she wanted to pass on to others. Her top interests and passions immediately rose to the surface: education, reproductive rights, environmental protection, and end-of-life care.
Marsha said that Dave’s question about her philosophy of giving changed her life and she is eager to share that experience with others:
“It caused me to reflect deeply, and I ask you to do the same. For me, I realized that I have plenty in my life and so giving of my own time, talent, or finances would not detract at all from my prosperity. I became much more thoughtful about my giving and increased it in support of the causes I care about. Those causes are going to vary from person to person, but I encourage you to ask yourself that same question and then discover where you can assist others in a way that is meaningful to you, whether big or small.”
Marsha has become an important member of our global community by continuing her monthly giving and helping fund special projects with her RMD. We are immensely grateful for her ongoing belief in our mission to advance education and livelihood skills for women and girls in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan.
Marsha’s story is an excellent example of how you can make an impact in multiple ways. Read on to find out more about CAI’s new donor recognition levels that make it easier than ever to support our work.
Join Our Base Camp Society
Make a Monthly Giving Commitment Today
CAI’s monthly sustainers automatically become members of our Base Camp Society.
In the world of mountain climbing, base camps are rudimentary campsites at the base of mountains used by mountain climbers during their ascent and descent. These areas are places of rest and safety, providing critical supplies and shelter. Similarly, CAI’s Base Camp donors provide the organization with regular and dependable monthly gifts that form the core of our support.
One of the most impactful ways to make a difference is through a monthly giving commitment. Your donation helps to strengthen and sustain the day-to-day work of CAI, enabling us to both plan for the future and react in real-time to circumstances that impact the communities we serve. Monthly gifts are also easy, convenient, and can be changed or cancelled at any time.
Become a Mountaineer
Mountaineers always seek the next challenge, often climbing technically difficult rock faces that require stamina and determination. Just like CAI’s donors, they are guided by the strength of their mission. We invite you to join CAI’s Mountaineer Society today.
By making an annual gift between $1,200 – $5,000, you will gain access to exclusive Mountaineer benefits, including:
- A quarterly Mountaineer e-newsletter
- Recognition of your giving anniversary
- Invitations to virtual and in-person events
- Invitations for virtual visits with CAI staff members
CAI’s Summit Circle recognizes the generosity of individuals and families contributing at the highest levels of personal giving. Summit Circle members affirm their deep level of commitment to CAI and its mission by contributing an annual gift of at least $5,000. As a Summit Circle member, you can establish yourself as a philanthropic leader, and pave the way in our mission to improve access to education, increase financial stability, and build vibrant and equitable communities in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Pakistan.
Join a network of like-minded charitable patrons dedicated to long-lasting, positive changes in our global community and enjoy the following benefits:
- Partnership with dedicated CAI staff
- Access to special virtual events like “Tea and A Tour,” as well as in-person speaking engagements
- A personalized donor experience, based on your interests and the impact you want to make, ensuring that gifts of treasure and time are wisely invested
- Regular updates on the impact of your generosity
- Special recognition on our website and annual magazine (unless you choose to remain anonymous)
For more information about any of the levels discussed above, please contact the Development Team at info@centralasiainstitute.org.
