One of the first questions that arises when one encounters the Drachen Foundation, is “how does it fund itself?” This is an honest inquiry—the Foundation has been fortunate recipient of a few individuals who have made it their responsibility to put the wind in our sails, providing 85% of our funding without much effort.
But this 85% is a gift based on our performance; as a private government recognized educational foundation, we must meet the guidelines and outlines established by our board of directors.
Even with this funding basis, we work to bring in more support, applying for grants that fit Drachen’s goals as an educational institution like the First Step Grant with Lockwood Elementary. As more programs get added to Drachen’s list each year, we look to writing and making more national and international solicitations for funding our archival materials, collection and projects. This outreach is time-consuming and all encompassing, and in the future will play an even more important role in what we need to do to stay in the air.
There are many, many ways we are supported. From those personal supporters (some of whom continue to give to us annually—many prefer to be anonymous and are all tax deductible) from year to year, that wonderful card and check arrives without hesitation.
- James Allen, a retired New Jersey citizen, has not forgotten us for the last three years. Although we know little about James and his interest in kiting, his personal donation comes without fail each year.
- The South Jersey Kite Club also finds it in their treasury to send a donation.
- The Historical Kite Workshop, held in Europe every year, donated the entire proceeds from their bag auction to us for use in educational programming.
The list of generous supporters goes on, and above are only a few; no donation, no support is too small or unwelcome. They are all the type of winds that fill our sails.