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PHILANTHROPY
Is Not For Anybody - IT’S FOR EVERYBODY

Among the peoples of the world, few place more emphasis on the concept of self-reliance or the sanctity of the individual than Americans. Many of the mythic figures of American history are valued because they are seen as “rugged individuals” who maintained a fierce sense of independence. At the same time, Americans have developed an equally strong sense of voluntary group action for the common good. Private support of the public good is a unique feature of American society, and one that is examined by governments and private organizations around the world.

While individualism and volunteerism may seem to be contradictory terms, taken together they have come to exert a powerful influence on the way we support private institutions that benefit the public at large. The combination of these concepts as they pertain to charitable and philanthropic giving in the United States has created a climate where millions of Americans from all economic classifications make individual and voluntary decisions to contribute to organizations that will enrich their lives and their communities. These actions are not limited to a select group of affluent individuals or a social elite-they are exercised by men and women from all walks of life.

The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors is a perfect example of how these concepts are translated into action. The Association was founded by a small number of individuals who joined together to promote a common purpose. From this initial group in 1943, the NAWCC has become a worldwide organization of 170 chapters and over 22,000 members.

Over the years, individual members, families, and chapters have contributed to the growth and strength of the Association, the Museum, the Library and Research Center, and the School of Horology in many different ways:

Planned Gifts

This term refers to gifts that are part of a donor’s estate plan. By far the most common form of planned giving is through a bequest placed in a donor’s will. The best recent example of a bequest is that of Dr. Fred A. Beeler and his wife, Mrs. Isabel Jackson Beeler. In recognition of their generous support (and the donation of escapement models Dr. Beeler made himself), NAWCC created the “Dr. Fred and Isabel Beeler Learning Center” in the Museum.

Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs) allow a donor to increase their income for life, receive tax advantages and make a gift to support the NAWCC.

Other kinds of planned gifts include irrevocable gifts that generate income during a donor’s lifetime, gifts of life insurance, or gifts of real estate.

For more Info on Planned Gifts Sign up for our eNewsletters:

Donor eNewsletter
Professional Advisor eNewsletter

See: Sample bequest provision

Gifts-in-kind

Among the displays in the Museum are numerous clocks, watches, equipment, and other materials that have been donated by individual members, or members of their family. These items form an integral part of the Museum’s collection and help make the Museum the superior facility that it is.

Project initiative: Many chapters within the Association have identified with specific projects and lent their support to the achievement of these objectives. To name just two examples: Philadelphia Chapter 1 has funded a classroom in the School of Horology, and the Oscar T. Lange Memorial Chapter 20 donated the O.B. McClintock public clock to the Museum.

See: NAWCC Gift Catalog

Endowments

Endowments are gifts that are intended to provide a source of income to an institution or organization. The gift or principal is established as a separate fund or pooled with an existing endowment fund. Income generated from the fund is used to support the general objectives of an organization or a specific program or purpose. The NAWCC has endowment funds in place to support the work of the Museum and the Library and Research Center. Endowment funds are often established to memorialize or honor a donor and his/her family.

Unrestricted support

Unrestricted support is invaluable to the operations of an organization. It offers flexibility and freedom of action and can be used for any number of purposes where the need is greatest. Unrestricted support is a mainstay of daily operations and represents a bond of confidence and trust existing between donors and the institution they support.

Gift of Securities

You can make a gift of stock in one of three ways:

1. You can wire transfer the stock to our brokerage firm, Merrill Lynch via your broker.  Two numbers you will need for the transfer are:  Merrill Lynch DTC#5198 and NAWCC federal tax number 23-2072465.  If you have any questions, please call Lori Antonetti at Merrill Lynch at 1-800-937-0905 or 1-717-295-5641. 
2. You can request that your brokerage transfer ownership of your shares to NAWCC, and then sell the shares and mail a check to NAWCC.
3. You can mail a signed stock certificate to NAWCC and in a separate envelope mail the stock power.

Please designate one of the following accounts: 

NAWCC Investment Account

Museum & Library Investment Account

Museum Endowment Account

Library Endowment Account

For questions and assistance please contact:

NAWCC Executive Director Steve Humphrey 717-684-8261 X209 shumphrey@nawcc.org

NAWCC Controller Chuck Auman 717-684-8261 X202 cauman@nawcc.org

Mailing Address: 514 Poplar Street, Columbia, PA 17512-2130 USA

Please take this opportunity to improve the NAWCC, receive a tax deduction and avoid the capital gains tax.  Please notify our office of your gift, so that we can verify the transfer have been completed.

All of these examples are part of the tradition of giving that underscores common values members of the NAWCC share. Ask any member of any chapter across the country or around the world why they belong to an NAWCC chapter and they will probably tell you of their love of collecting, building, or learning about clocks or watches, tools, or technological innovations. They will describe their curiosity and need to learn, study, and preserve all they can about the science, history, and actual timepieces that make horology the absorbing avocation that it is. These are the values and passions that philanthropic gifts will help to sustain for future generations who seek to know more about this fascinating field of study.

A copy of the official registration and financial information of the NAWCC may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling (800) 732-0999 within Pennsylvania or (717) 783-1720 outside of the State. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Last Updated:  April 26, 2007