Pearce Foundation History
Pearce Foundation was incorporated on April 10, 1995. Initially funding came from a bequest from Barb Truitt. In her will, she bequeathed one million dollars in cash and $942,081 in farmland to Pearce Community Center.
The Foundation was created to provide an endowment fund for planned gifts and donations to Pearce Community Center. The mission of the Pearce Foundation is “to attract financial resources for the purpose of providing long-term financial security to Pearce Community Center.”
Since established, Pearce Community Center membership fees have only covered day-to-day operations of the Center. The Pearce Foundation has provided needed funds for facility improvements and upgrades including our playground and camp room, gym and track, and remodeling projects throughout the building.
The Pearce Foundation is an Illinois non-profit corporation operating under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Since its inception, Pearce Foundation has distributed more than two million dollars to Pearce Community Center for all major projects, remodels, and expansions including: the half-million dollar pool renovation in 2019 that made essential repairs to the pool roof, new paint on the pool, roof, and pool interior, and provided a new sauna; second floor window replacement; second floor renovation and remodel; locker room remodel; new computers; fitness area expansion and equipment; cycling room addition and equipment; front entrance remodel; Exergame room addition and equipment; parking lot expansion; playground; women’s fitness room; and air conditioning for the new gym and track.
Pearce Foundation Memberships and Extras
Pearce Foundation Memberships have all the benefits of a regular membership plus so much more. You will enjoy all Pearce has to offer, plus savings on merchandise, programs, and tax deductibility.
Get more out of your Pearce experience by using the benefits offered through Pearce Foundation Membership. First, bring a friend with you – guest privileges are free (one guest per on-site Foundation member daily). Second, save 25% on most classes, programs, and events. Finally, enjoy a 10% discount on our Before and After School Care, Summer Camp, and Pro Shop purchases.
Tax Savings
Since part of your Pearce Foundation Membership is a donation to the Pearce Foundation, you can use this donation as a tax deduction on your income taxes if you qualify. At year end, Pearce Community Center will give you information on your tax deductible donation to Pearce Foundation. Please consult your tax professional regarding tax deduction and charitable donations.
Click here to download a PDF version of the Pearce Foundation brochure.
Planned Giving
Planned giving is not annual fund-raising. Planned giving is long-range fund-raising that, in time, could provide Pearce Community Center with a secure financial future. Simply put, Planned Giving is defined as any type of gift that has an impact on an individual’s overall estate plan. Some of the more common instruments of planned giving are:
- Lifetime Gifts
- Estate Bequests
- Life Insurance
- Charitable Gift Annuities
- Charitable Remainder Unitrusts
- Charitable Lead Trusts
The above instruments are not intended to represent an exclusive list of planned giving options. Discussions with your personal professional advisors are likely to reveal additional options that satisfy your unique financial situation.
Memorial Giving
In time of loss, it may seem no gesture is significant enough to symbolize what your loved one meant to you. But you can do something to honor their memory. You can request memorial donations be made to the Pearce Foundation to support Pearce Community Center. This is a simple and heartwarming way for others to pay tribute and a meaningful way to celebrate a loved one’s life.
Click here to download a PDF version of the Planned Giving brochure.