Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some questions that are frequently asked about the KML Foundation. If you have another question

that you do not see below, please email your questions to Paul Snamiska, Estate and Deferred Giving Counselor, at paul.snamiska@kmlhs.org

What is the KML Foundation's legal name and tax ID number?

Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School Foundation, Inc. 3399 Division Road Jackson, WI 53037 Tax ID number: 46-0506261



What is the KMLHS Foundation?

The Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School Foundation, Inc. is a unique charity that exists to support Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School. It has been established to: - Manage an endowment fund for perpetual support of student assistance for KML. - Use the fund's earnings to assist families and advance the mission of Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School. - Demonstrate a long term commitment to Christian education for generations to come. The KMLHS Foundation manages an endowment fund for the purpose of providing tuition assistance for KML students, and supporting other efforts that enhance the ministry at KML.



Are donations to KMLHS Foundation tax-deductible?

In most cases, yes, donations to the KMLHS Foundation are tax-deductable. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the KMLHS Foundation is qualified to receive tax-deductible donations. A receipt will be issued promptly after your donation is processed. Please note that if you are setting up a repeating monthly or quarterly donation, your receipt will be sent in January of the following year. Some donations, such as a Qualified Charitable Donation from an IRA account, do not qualify for a tax deduction. To determine whether your gift is tax-deductable, contact us in advance of making the donation or talk with your financial representative or tax advisor.



May I give stock?

Yes. Doing so may allow you a tax deduction of the entire current value of the stock while avoiding capital gains taxes. Consult your broker about stock transferred as a charitable gift. The process for donating stock is simple. Contact Paul Snamiska for details.



Can I give gifts to the KMLHS Foundation over several years?

Of course! You can contribute at any time. One-time gifts and on-going commitments are always appreciated and meaningful. Many options are available for people who wish to creatively make gifts to the Foundation. In addition to current gifts, many people choose to make a deferred gift through their estate plan for the Foundation. There are various options available to make a deferred gift that provides a lasting impact for KML.



What types of contributions can be made to the KMLHS Foundation?

The Foundation is able to accept a wide variety of contributions including: - Cash or checks - Credit Card [American Express, MasterCard, VISA, or Discover] - Automatic monthly contributions through credit cards or electronic check - Securities - Shares of stocks, bonds and mutual funds - Charitable IRA rollover (as allowed by law) - Wills, bequests, trusts - Real estate - Life insurance



I'm not sure how much to give. Is there a minimum?

There is no minimum amount for a gift - it is a personal decision. Every gift is meaningful to the Foundation regardless of size. The participation in building something great together is truly appreciated.



When is the best time to give?

Donations to the KMLHS Foundation can be given at any time. All gifts will make a lasting impact regardless of the timing! Current gifts to the Foundation are made at any time throughout the year. Donors who wish to claim a charitable deduction should consider the timing of the gift to make sure it will be credited in the proper year. Many gifts to the Foundation are deferred gifts that come by making a gift through a will or trust, or by naming the Foundation as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, retirement account, bank account, or other fund.



How do I know the Foundation will use my donation for the intended purpose?

The KMLHS Foundation Board of Directors is guided by its established investment and distribution policies as well as the specific donor's intent. The Foundation Board does not write a blank check to the high school. Instead, the Foundation Board makes a commitment to provide funds for tuition assistance and specific projects or programs based on the recommendations of the Board and the intent of the donors as expressed in their estate gift instructions. Donors should meet with KML's Estate/Deferred Giving Counselor, Paul Snamiska (paul.snamiska@kmlhs.org), in advance of restricting a gift to ensure the donation will meet the requirements of the Foundation as well as the donor's wishes.



Can I give anonymously

There is no KMLHS Foundation without donors. Every donor makes a difference, and each gift deserves to be acknowledged. However, you can give anonymously by noting it on your donation. We will honor your request.



What are the steps the KMLHS Foundation takes to process a contribution?

Donations to the KMLHS Foundation are accepted by the KMLHS Foundation Board. Upon acceptance, the money will be invested in an account that is managed by the Board, and a gift receipt will be issued to the donor or the donor's estate. When we are notified that a donor has designated the KMLHS Foundation in their estate plan, the information is entered in a data base and noted by members of the Foundation Board. This process ensures the gift will be applied appropriately when it is received in the future. Gifts to the Foundation that are unrestricted are added to the general endowment fund and used for perpetual support for Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School. Gifts to the Foundation that are restricted will be used in accordance with the restriction. A common example is a named endowed fund for tuition assistance or a scholarship. In all cases, the Foundation Board oversees the actual investment of funds, chooses the professional team to manage the funds, sets the investment goals for the funds and regularly evaluates the performance of the account.



What is an endowed scholarship?

An endowed scholarship is a donor-restricted gift of at least $10,000 that is established for a specific purpose. The gift is invested and managed through the KMLHS Foundation. An annual distribution from the endowed scholarship is used to provide funding for the specific use as identified by the donor. Through the KMLHS Foundation, an individual, family, or congregation can establish an endowed scholarship, such as the Smith Family Memorial Scholarship Fund or the St. John's Scholarship Fund. Endowed scholarships can be established with current gifts or estate gifts (wills, trusts, beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, insurance policies, etc.)



Why give an endowed scholarship?

The KMLHS Foundation's endowed scholarship program has grown because of donors' interest to educate, encourage, and equip future Christian leaders. Creating an endowed scholarship is an opportunity to recognize a loved one, family, or business. All students who receive a named scholarship are made aware that others share a commitment to their education, and are given an opportunity to meet the donor when possible.



How much money does it take to establish an endowed scholarship?

Although gifts of any size can be contributed toward general tuition assistance, a named endowed scholarship that will provide an annual award requires a minimum gift of $10,000. Annual distributions are typically 5% of the fund's balance. The principal remains in the fund and ideally will grow over time, which corresponds to larger annual distributions.



Does the KMLHS Foundation Board of Directors receive compensation?

No. The KMLHS Foundation does not financially compensate its Foundation Board members. The Board members not only donate their time and talent to the KMLHS Foundation, but also donate a measure of their treasure. The motivation to serve on the Foundation board is based on their commitment and dedication to the gospel ministry of KMLHS.



Who can I contact when I have questions?

Paul Snamiska Estate and Deferred Gift Counselor paul.snamiska@kmlhs.org 414-232-2178 (cell) 262-677-4051 x1116