"For me Frasier Meadows Retirement Community is a loving, caring community where friends become family."
- Eula


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Thank you for your interest in Frasier Meadows Retirement Community. If you would like to talk to someone regarding a donation call the Director of Development at:
720.562.4307 or write:


      Frasier Meadows Retirement Community was once only a dream – an idea on the minds of a few persons who had a vision of a better way for elders to prosper as the years went on. Thanks to their vision, FMRC has grown to become today a premier retirement community for the larger community of Boulder.
      The legacy of giving began with the handsome gifts of twenty acres of land by Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Frasier in 1955. This gift of the Frasier’s has continued to enrich others every day for over the past fifty years. Joining it are the gifts of many others, who have given amounts large and small in assisting the growth and financial health of FMRC.
      Every gift is important – large or small, designated for a special purpose or simply given for the general benefit for all. Gifts have come to FMRC through bequests, life annuities and other special instructions as well as through simply contributing money. A donor can be assured that any gift will be an investment in the continued life of the community.
      All gifts will be promptly acknowledged, and unless the donor specifies otherwise, will be appropriately acknowledged through public recognition of the donor or of a person designated for honor or as a memorial.
      Thank you for considering FMRC as a part of your giving.         —Thurston Manning, Chair, Development Committee



Annual or year end gifts: Many people make charitable contributions near the year’s end.
“In memory of” gifts: You can make a gift in memory of a friend or loved one at the time of death, birthday or holiday.
“In Honor of” gifts: A cash contribution can be made in honor of anyone you choose on the occasion.
Gifts “In lieu of flowers”: You may make a contribution in lieu of flowers when someone you know has passed away. The family of a donor may request contributions be made instead of floral arrangements.
Life insurance: You may donate a life insurance policy no longer needed or name FMRC as beneficiary.
Continuous Giving: Continuous giving program that allows for regular monthly gifts to the purpose of your choice.
Wellness Center: Offers programs to FMRC residents and the Boulder senior community.

The Friends of Frasier Society
Membership categories are:
Friends of FMRC: Gifts of $ 100 or more
FMRC Benefactors: Gifts of $500 or more
The CEO’s Club: Gifts of $1000 or more
The President’s Circle: Gifts of $5000 or more
The Heritage Club: Designation of a bequest, trust or other deferred gift to FMRC.

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The FMRC Permanent Endowment Fund: Income of this unrestricted fund is used as a resource.
Staff Scholarship Fund for Professional Development: This fund provides educational opportunities for the FMRC staff.
The Resident Assistance Fund: This endowment fund provides financial aid to FMRC residents.
The Building Fund: Future construction can take place through gifts to this fund.
Bequests: Bequests are the most popular planned gifts which reduce the size of your taxable estate.
Emergency Medical Fund: A fund to help FMRC residents who have a temporary medical need not covered by insurance and have insufficient personal funds.
Niehaus Scholarship Fund: This fund rovides educational opportunities for FMRC staff.
Life Service Fund: A fund to provide retirement living assistance for clergy in the FMRC entrance contribution or supplemental monthly in­­come.
The Memorial/Founders’ Day Fund: Gifts are given as memorial for residents.
Chaplaincy Endowment Fund: Income provides financing for staff chaplains.
Board Designated Fund: Board makes funding choices.
Charitable Gift Annuity: A contract between you and FMRC that pays a fixed dollar amount (an annuity) for your lifetime and that of another individual, if desired. The older you are, the higher the annuity. If you use appreciated property, such as stocks, to fund the gift annuity, you escape the capital gains tax on the gift portion of the transaction and the remaining gain will be appointed over your lifetime.

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Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To assure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the not-for-profit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights:

1. To be informed of the organization’s mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.
2. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization’s board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.
3. To have access to the organization’s most recent financial statements.
4. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.
5. To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.
6. To be assured that information about their donation is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.
7. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.
8. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors.
9. To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.
10. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.

Developed By:
American Association of Fund Raising Counsel (AAFRC)
Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP)
Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
National Society of Fund Raising Executives (NSFRE)

Endorsed By:
Independent Sector National Catholic Development Conference (NCDC)
National Committee on Planned Giving (NCPG)
National Council for Resource Development (NCRD)
United Way of America

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1. Budget for giving. Plan your philanthropic activities right into your budget, just as you would other financial obligations.
2. Be an informed giver. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you’re asked to give, including: the specific name of the solicitor and his or her relationship to the organization; how much of your gift will be used for overhead; the specific project the money will go toward; and other important information. Give only when you feel comfortable that your dollars will be going to support an organization you know and believe in.
3. Keep the right records. For gifts of less than $250, a cashed check or receipt from the charitable organization is sufficient proof of contribution. For donating property, establishing a trust or an annuity, talk to your accountant. For gifts that exceed $250, the IRS requires you to have a receipt from the charity. A similar requirement applies to gifts of $75 or more if you receive a premium in exchange for your gift.
4. Be aware of how much is really tax deductible. If you receive a premium in exchange for your gift (such as a book or a dinner), the amount of your tax deduction is reduced by the fair market value of the premium. You can turn down the incentive items if you wish to claim a deduction for the full amount of your gift. Ask the receiving organization for more details.
5. Ask about matching gifts. Many employers match gifts made by their employees or make grants to organizations recommended by employees. Be sure to ask your employer how it can help your gift go even further.
6. Remember your gift can be confidential. If you prefer to have your gift remain confidential, you can ask the charitable organization to honor your request.
7. Consider alternative forms of giving. Don’t overlook the benefits to you and your cause received from bequests, charitable gift annuities, gifts in kind, endowments and many other creative forms of giving. Ask your tax advisor or attorney to help you make the best plan for you and your family.
8. Volunteer! In addition to financial support, consider giving your time and skills. Not only will you help the organization, but you’ll also make contacts, gain experience, and learn more about the charitable cause to which you’re committing your time and money.
9. Don’t forget you have the right to say no. Give generously when you can, but if you’re unsure or feel uncomfortable – or if an organization simply falls outside your plan for giving – don’t be afraid to say no. Or, ask for more information and take more time to think before making your decision.
10. Be a Proactive Giver! You don’t have to wait to be asked. Plan a giving strategy in advance. Contact the charities that you care about to discuss how your gifts can be most effectively used and help make a difference in your community.
Source: Independent Sector

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