The Pearl Endowment Fund
The MSU Pearl program assisted rural communities in Rwanda, one of the very poorest countries in the world, in their efforts to rebuild from the devastation of the war and genocide of 1994. Combining the resources of universities, industry and the Rwandan farmers themselves, an unremarkable crop was transformed into a highly marketable specialty coffee. Today, the success of the Pearl Program can be seen in communities across Rwanda where project interventions led to higher incomes, improved community health services, resources for schools and school fees, and the emergence of small businesses.
To ensure that international development efforts such as the MSU Pearl Program in Rwanda can continue within the IIA, MSU alumnae Elizabeth Williams has helped us to establish the Pearl Endowment Fund. As additional supporters direct their contributions to the PEARL Endowment Fund it will continue to grow and provide investment income that will be used to support this and other MSU programs in Africa.
Supporting global programs: Endowments such as the Pearl Endowment Fund are an excellent way to support MSU as we work to respond to global needs. If you would like to contribute toward our global mission, you may wish to consider one of the following options for contributing to the Pearl Endowment Fund:
- A gift of cash or securities, either in full or within a pledge plan will provide immediate impact in areas of need at the same time that it can offer you tax advantages.*
- Gifts of real estate and life insurance. An outright gift of appreciated stock eliminates any capital gains tax and allows you to claim an income-tax deduction based on the full market value of long-term securities, regardless of their original cost.
- Designating a portion of your estate through your will or trust to support the Pearl Endowment Fund.
Contributions can be made on-line, by mail or in person. If you are sending a check, please make it payable to Michigan State University and include the account code “A1323” on your check.
Additional information on giving to MSU is available on the CANR External Relations website: www.canr.msu.edu/canrhome/alumniAndDonors.htm or by calling (517) 355-0284.
* This information is not intended to take the place of counsel from your tax and legal advisers, with whom any significant gift should be discussed and implemented.
