Vogel Foundation | FAQs

What is the Vogel Foundation?

Since its formation as the Dallas Jewish Coalition for the Homeless in the late eighties, Vogel has been a safe and nurturing place for homeless parents to leave their young children while they work to rebuild their lives.

Carrying the vision of our Vogel’s founders forward, The Vogel Foundation was established in 2013 with the sole purpose of supporting Vogel’s mission with long-term resources.  Gifts to the Foundation are invested, with provisions for annual disbursements as a source of income for Vogel.

How does the Foundation strengthen Vogel?

The Foundation helps Vogel cover unexpected needs, as well as invest in new opportunities, fueling further growth and enabling innovation. 

Why does the Foundation need to grow? Why now?

Until homelessness is eradicated, Vogel will continue focusing on the mission to help young children overcome the lasting and traumatic effects of homelessness.  Change is happening at a rapid pace.  Organizations must think long-term.  As we move closer to Vogel’s 35th anniversary in 2022 and prepare for what lies ahead, we must ensure the impact of Vogel’s work will endure and resources will always be available to meet the needs of future generations.

Organizations such as ours serve people in both immediate and systemic crisis, therefore reliable and stable funding, both now and in the future, is a critical part of our ability to respond and provide solutions.  Increasing the assets of the Foundation can position Vogel to have immeasurable impact.

The Foundation Board launched a proactive effort in 2019-20 to build upon what was already good.  Our goal is to build the Foundation’s assets to $15 million by 2022, our 35th anniversary.  Of course, we want to continue the momentum past the celebration of this milestone, yet this more immediate effort provides us a significant boost in helping us meet the demands of today and for years to come.

How do I make a gift to the Foundation?

There are a number of ways to support the Foundation, dependent upon your financial and philanthropic goals – cash or other outright gifts (securities, real estate, personal property) can make an immediate impact and offer tax benefits, while gifts of retirement assets, bank or brokerage accounts or life insurance are an excellent way to support our mission in perpetuity.  Additionally, giving through a bequest is flexible, easy to arrange and may be changed with your life circumstances.  Including the Foundation in your long-term plans may also allow you to do more than you thought possible. 

For more details on both what to give and how, check out our Foundation Giving document.

Not every way to make either a current or planned gift is equally beneficial to every donor and the donor’s estate.  Charitable giving is a process.  We encourage you to seek the advice of your legal and/or tax advisors in developing your personal estate plan to ensure your unique circumstances are considered when making these important decisions.

I am updating my estate plan and beneficiary designations to include the Vogel Foundation. What is the legal name and tax identification number?

Our legal name: Vogel Foundation
Our tax ID number: 46 3970388

Our address and contact information for legacy giving:

Physical Address
1738 Gano St.
Dallas TX 75215

Mailing Address
PO Box 150948
Dallas TX 75315

What investment is required for the Foundation?  How can I participate if I don’t have substantial resources?

Any amount may be given to the Foundation, either as an outright or planned gift. Gifts of any size are welcome and appreciated; small gifts amassed with others or added to over time can become a significant part of the Foundation’s assets.  You don’t have to be a certain age or extremely wealthy to make a big difference.  Planned gifts, such as a bequest, an insurance policy, fund designation, or gift of real estate may be made now with little or no current cost to you.

How long do I have to complete the funding if I make pledge?

If you intend to make a cash or outright gift to the Foundation and desire to pay it over multiple years, pledges should be paid in five years.  Of course, you may continue to add to your initial pledge amount as long as you wish.                                                                                        
What if I want to support a number of charitable organizations, not just Vogel?
We understand you may support many different causes and welcome the opportunity to be part of your long-term plans.

Do I need to sign a gift agreement?

Yes, an agreement between the donor and the Vogel Foundation permanently defines and formally documents the intention.

What is the Legacy Society?

The Legacy Society is a means to recognize those dedicated individuals who have generously committed either outright or deferred gifts to the Vogel Foundation.  While many Foundation gifts will be realized beyond one’s lifetime, we want to celebrate their generosity now.  We look forward to providing members unique engagement opportunities with Vogel.

Does Vogel need to know my bequest intentions?

We know your bequest intentions are personal and that you may want to keep your plans confidential.  If you have already included Vogel in your estate plan, yet have not told us, we encourage you to let us know.  Sharing your plans does not obligate you or your estate in any way; it simply helps us understand your intentions and make sure your gift is ultimately used as you intend.

Notifying us of your plans also enables us to recognize you as a member of our Legacy Society and celebrate your eventual gift.

Can legacy gifts support any type of funding at Vogel?

Currently, the Foundation assets are unrestricted. This allows the Foundation Board to make distributions based on the greatest needs at that time.  If there is a specific area of interest you would like to discuss, please let us know and we will be happy to work with you to identify a mutually beneficial way to structure your gift.

How are Foundation funds invested?

The philosophy of the Foundation is to preserve and protect the corpus of its fund and optimize investment returns.  The funds are held in a professionally managed account, yet the Foundation Board is composed of sophisticated volunteers who recommend and oversee the investment of the Foundation’s assets.

What is Foundation Board’s approach to managing its funds?

The Foundation Board oversees the administration of the Foundation funds based on established policies and procedures governing transfers and determines how distributions will be made.

The current distribution policy states that the Foundation will, on an annual basis, appropriate for spending up to 5% of the 12-quarter average market value of the total fund, measured as of the previous December 31.  While the policy states – up to 5% – the Board targets and recommends a 4% distribution during a regular annual cycle.

It is understandable that unexpected and/or extraordinary needs may occur that will affect the operating budget of Vogel.  If the Vogel President and CEO deems it necessary to request a distribution of 4.5% or 5% a request is made to the Foundation Board for review, consideration and formal vote.