VOLUNTEERING

Volunteerism is one of Garezers’ distinctive qualities and core values. Volunteers are the backbone of many of our successful projects and events. Volunteers gain a sense of shared community, create and strengthen friendships, and enjoy an increased sense of ownership in Garezers. To find out more about volunteer opportunities, please contact the Garezers office.

CASH

A gift of cash is the most common and convenient way to give to the Latvian Center Garezers. Checks should be made payable to Latvian Center Garezers, Inc. Donations can also be made by credit card via the website garezers.org

MONTHLY RECURRING DONATIONS

Please consider a monthly recurring gift, which can be made electronically by visiting our website garezers.org. This is a convenient option as it allows a small donation ($5 minimum) to be deducted automatically each month from the credit or debit card of your choice. Donors receive and electronic receipt for each monthly donation.

THE ANNUAL EDUCATION FUND

Donors who contribute to the Annual Education Fund are participating in a generations-old education campaign – “Draudzīgais aicinājums” – which was established in pre-war Latvia. All gifts made to the Annual Fund help Garezers provide excellent educational programs for Latvians of all ages.

MEMORIAL AND TRIBUTE GIFTS

One of the most meaningful ways to memorialize a loved one or pay tribute to a special person is by making a gift in his/her name to Latvian Center Garezers, Inc. Memorial Gifts can be designated for a specific program. Please contact the Garezers office if we may be of assistance.

MATCHING GIFTS

When making a gift to Latvian Center Garezers, some donors may be able to maximize their giving by taking advantage of an employer’s corporate matching gift program. Many corporations have matching gift programs, which allow employees to direct corporate gift money to Latvian Center Garezers. Donors should contact their employers’ human resources or benefits office to learn if there is a matching gift program.

RESTRICTED GIFTS

Donations received without specific designations will not be considered as restricted and will be used to meet the expenses of the operating budget. Board-approved donor restricted funds may be established with an initial investment of $10,000 or more. Garezers recommends restricted donations or gifts be made specifically to the following funds:

1) Program Support Fund (supporting GVV, GSS, GBN and GBD programs, GVV financial aid, arts and culture)
2) Capital Expense & Project Fund
3) Permanent Endowment (G50 Fund)

RETIREMENT PLAN OPTIONS

Making a gift of a qualified retirement plan asset such as a 401(K), 403(b), IRA, Keogh or pension plan is another way to benefit Garezers and receive significant tax savings. Retirement plan assets are often subject to extremely high estate taxes, and the income is fully taxable when received by an individual beneficiary. By naming the Latvian Center Garezers as the beneficiary of a retirement plan, the donor maintains complete control over the assets during his/her lifetime, but at the donor’s death the plan passes to the Latvian Center Garezers free of both estate and income taxes.

BEQUEST GIFTS

Saules Pakāpe honors those friends of Garezers who have established a gift of $1,000 or more through a bequest, a trust  arrangement or other estate plan provision. As a member of Saules Pakāpe, you can continue this important tradition. Bequests made through wills or living trusts play an important role in securing the future of Garezers programs by building the Garezers Improvement Fund. These commitments also enable individuals to make gifts that may not have been possible during their lifetimes.