Kiwanis Public News

Matthew Morris joins Kiwanis International Foundation as Chief Fundraising Officer

Chris Hayworth — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:37:00 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS—Kiwanis International is pleased to announce that Matthew Morris has joined the Kiwanis International Foundation as its chief fundraising officer.

In this role, Morris is focusing on guiding the New Beginning Campaign—a fundraising campaign where Kiwanis International will match all gifts up to a total of $750,000—and fundraising for Kiwanis’ next Worldwide Service Project, which will be announced at the Kiwanis International Convention in Las Vegas, NV, in June. The Worldwide Service Project campaign is expected to secure approximately $100 million for a global health initiative. Visit www.kiwanis.org/wsp for more information.

“Matt’s experience securing major gifts is impressive,” said the foundation’s Chief Operating Officer Linda Brimmer. “He will be a tremendous asset to our organization and will help us reach our fundraising goals.”

Morris is responsible for the strategic direction and creation of successful major gift campaigns, providing quality and efficient donor services to members and non-members, ensuring all donor communication and information needs are implemented and serving as an advocate for the vision, mission and values of the organization and the Kiwanis International Foundation.

Morris previously served as senior development director at Indiana University Foundation, where he supported major gifts fundraising in Central Indiana, Greater Cincinnati and Washington, DC; participated on the principal gifts team, securing lead gifts for Indiana University; managed the major gifts portfolios of more than 100 individuals; and oversaw major gifts fundraising for the IU School of Journalism, during which more than $6 million was raised as part of the campus’ Matching the Promise Campaign.

A graduate of the Indiana University School of Journalism and an avid runner, Morris lives in Fishers with his wife and two daughters.

About Kiwanis International
Founded in 1915, Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Kiwanis International and its service leadership programs for young people, including Circle K International, Key Club International, Key Leader, Builders Club, Kiwanis Kids, Kiwanis Junior and Aktion Club dedicate more than 19 million volunteer hours and invest US$100 million to strengthen communities and serve children annually. The Kiwanis International family comprises 600,000 adult and youth members in 70 countries and geographic areas. For more information about Kiwanis International, please visit www.kiwanis.org.

Get set for Key Leader this spring!

Chris Hayworth — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:32:00 GMT

It may still feel like winter, but the sap is running in the trees. It's that time of year. Time to prepare for new beginnings, fresh starts and warm vibes. Make it happen in your club-and make it happen with a teen in your community. Start making plans to sponsor a Key Leader participant today! Check out this spring's offerings.

Foundation grant targets children in Haiti

Chris Hayworth — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:27:00 GMT

The Kiwanis International Foundation (KIF) has awarded a $10,000 grant from its Disaster Relief Fund to Sleeping Children Around the World to provide bed kits for children in Haiti. The grant was requested by Aktion Club, which adopted Sleeping Children Around the World as its service initiative about three years ago.

A massive earthquake struck Haiti on January 12, reducing most of its capital and the surrounding area to rubble. This most recent grant brings the amount of money the foundation has earmarked for disaster relief there to more than $40,000.

Founded in 1970, Sleeping Children Around the World has been providing bed kits to children in need around the world, mostly in underdeveloped and developing countries. Each bed kit includes a mat or mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket, mosquito net (if needed), clothes outfit, towel and school supplies. The foundation grant will be enough to provide about 300 bed kits to kids with the most needs in Haiti.

Since partnering with Sleeping Children Around the World, Aktion Clubs have raised more than $50,000, including matching funds from the foundation.

Go big in Vegas. Consider a convention sponsorship

Chris Hayworth — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:12:00 GMT

Why sponsor, exhibit or advertise at the 95th Annual Kiwanis International Convention? With nearly 6,000 attendees, your investment has the potential to see a significant return. Kiwanians have tremendous purchasing power and our membership encompasses leaders from throughout the world. Don't miss this opportunity to market to the single largest gathering of your peers!

Download the Sponsor and Exhibitor Prospectus and discover the unique opportunities to participate.

Sponsorship options include convention presenting sponsor, Internet Café, official souvenir tote bag, welcome reception, relaxation station, family lounge and the official convention program. Various budget ranges exist to suit your company's social or civic mission. Sponsorship spots are available on a first come, first served basis. Submit your interest as soon as possible for prime sponsorship spots.

Sponsorship questions? Contact Al Smith at asmith@kiwanis.org.

Booths in the exhibit hall will put your programs, services and products front and center to thousands of browsing Kiwanians over the convention's four exhibiting days (Wednesday-Saturday). Booth space must be reserved via signed contract by May 3. Space goes fast - submit your application today.

Advertising space in the official convention program sells out quickly. Reserve your ad space early (no later than April 16) to ensure your message makes it into the hands of every attendee in June. The power of your message doesn't fade at the end of convention-programs travel home with Kiwanians and are shared with club members unable to make the trip to Las Vegas.

Booth or advertising questions? Contact Kim Stephenson at advertise@kiwanis.org.

Form 990 due to IRS by February 15

Chris Hayworth — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:28:00 GMT

Reminder to U.S. clubs: February 15 is the date the United States Internal Revenue Service requires U.S. Kiwanis clubs to submit Form 990. Visit www.irs.gov/charities to learn more. See your state tax requirements (select your state from the drop-down list) and download club financial documents at www.KiwanisOne.org under Club Leader Tools, Treasurer.

Kiwanis International searches for next global cause

Chris Hayworth — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:03:00 GMT

Kiwanis International is searching for its next Worldwide Service Project, and its International Board of Trustees heard proposals this week from issue experts and advocates on four potential projects: malaria, maternal and neonatal tetanus, tropical diseases, and education and literacy.

Advocates for each cause delivered 30-minute presentations to the International Board of Trustees, Kiwanis International Past-Presidents, the Kiwanis International Foundation Board and Kiwanis staff members. Advocates included Malaria No More, UNICEF and the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Kiwanis International is scheduled to announce the official finalists later this month. The next Worldwide Service Project will be announced in June at the Kiwanis International Convention in Las Vegas, NV.

What is a Worldwide Service Project?
Children and communities worldwide have diverse needs-access to healthcare, clean water, safe shelter, safety from slavery, access to education and so many others. A Worldwide Service Project is a directed program that engages all 600,000 youth and adult Kiwanis family members to make a positive difference in the world by helping children in need.

Kiwanis successfully completed its first Worldwide Service Project, virtually eliminating iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). Kiwanis raised more than $100 million, which today is at work in more than 89 nations. The number of households estimated to be consuming iodized salt has jumped from 20 percent in 1990 to more than 70 percent, and the effort has been heralded as one of the most successful health initiatives in the world.

Join Kiwanis Haiti relief effort

Chris Hayworth — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:53:00 GMT

The Kiwanis International Foundation has provided a grant from its disaster relief fund to UNICEF to help in its effort to provide relief aid to Haiti. Contributions currently are being accepted by the foundation for its disaster relief fund, or you can send your contributions directly to UNICEF.

To contribute to the foundation, go to www.kiwanis.org/foundation and click on the "Give Now" button.

To contribute directly to UNICEF, go to www.unicef.org.

PHOTO CAPTION: January 2010: Wounded people lie in a make-shift shelter in the parking lot of the general hospital after an earthquake measuring 7 plus on the Richter scale rocked Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Tuesday, January 12. Credit: ©UN Photo/Logan Abassi

Vote for Kiwanis International Foundation to win $1 million

Chris Hayworth — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:17:00 GMT

Kiwanis International Foundation is in the running to win US$1 million as part of an online contest through Chase Community Giving. After receiving enough votes to make the top 100 charities list, the foundation won US$25,000 in the first round of voting.

But to win the US$1 million, we need your help.

Starting January 15, you can vote for Kiwanis International Foundation to win the cash. Follow these simple steps to vote and spread the word:

Go to www.facebook.com/kiwanis. Voting is through Facebook only.
If you don't have a Facebook account, please sign up. It's easy and FREE.
Vote ONCE for Kiwanis International Foundation. Spreading your votes can cancel out your other votes. Make your vote count and VOTE ONE TIME ONLY and vote for Kiwanis International Foundation.
Voting begins January 15 and ends January 22.
Use other social media outlets to spread the word as well-and don't forget to include the link to vote!

Thank you for your support as we vote for Kiwanis International Foundation to win US$1 million!

Register for convention by Jan. 31 and save

Chris Hayworth — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:14:00 GMT

Early-bird rates for the 95th Annual Kiwanis International Convention in Las Vegas end January 31. Meet the deadline and save US$55!

You don't want to miss this year's convention, full of amazing entertainment, speakers, sessions, workshops and fun. For a rundown of the schedule, ideas on what to do for fun, registration forms, hotel information and more, check out our special convention site at www.KiwanisOne.org/convention.

The convention runs June 24-27 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

We'll see YOU in Las Vegas!

World Service Medal nomination deadline approaches

Chris Hayworth — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:06:00 GMT

Kiwanis International is accepting nominations for the 2010 World Service Medal until February 1. Kiwanis clubs, past medal recipients and organizations with the endorsement of a Kiwanis club may nominate an individual, organization, or agency that enhances the quality of life for many people in a significant way.

Past International Presidents of Kiwanis International will select the recipient and present the medal during the Kiwanis International Convention in June 2010 in Las Vegas, NV.

More information and the nomination form can be found at www.kiwanis.org/wsm.

Center Stage feature: Thanks to Kiwanis

Chris Hayworth — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:02:00 GMT

Director of a shelter for teens and young adults in California shares her Kiwanis story on the latest feature to hit Center Stage. Read her story and check out the online photo gallery today!

Rate your site with a handy checklist

Chris Hayworth — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:46:00 GMT

Is your club or district Web site meeting expectations? Do members consult the site often for up-to-date project information and announcements? Or is it just serving as an electronic scrapbook for your many meeting photos?

Hmm, maybe it's time for a Web site evaluation.

Just like the Club Excellence Tool inventories your club's areas of strength and weakness, the Web site checklist inventories your Web site's properties, those worth showing off and those ready for improvement or replacement.

Use the Web site checklist, available on www.KiwanisOne.org/webtools, to evaluate your Web site's look, its compliance with Kiwanis graphic standards and its effectiveness. Bonus points are awarded for high-tech additions to your site, like use of videos, or links to your social network pages, like Twitter or Flickr. Based on your score, you'll find links to relevant resources for making needed improvements or a chance to show off your site to other clubs as a great example.

International office closed for holidays

Chris Hayworth — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:57:00 GMT

Kiwanis International will be closed for the holidays effective Thursday, December 24, at 12:00 noon EST, and will reopen Monday, January 4, at 8:30 a.m. EST. Support requests and messages will be returned as quickly as possible. The Kiwanis Community on www.KiwanisOne.org is available for peer-to-peer discussions and support at any time.

Please note that the Kiwanis Family Store will be closing at noon EST on Wednesday, December 24, and reopening Monday, January 4, at 8:30 a.m. EST. Orders received between December 24, 2009 and January 4, 2010, will be processed as quickly as possible.

Happy holidays from the Kiwanis International staff!

Check out the latest webinar topics

Chris Hayworth — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:58:00 GMT

Want to learn more about how to run a successful club? Need tips for planning a Kiwanis One Day event? Need some ideas on how to market your club?

Get training on all this and more through Kiwanis webinars.

The latest webinar topics are now posted for the next quarter. Many webinars are being offered twice, once in the day and once at night, to accommodate most schedules.

If you've never taken part in a webinar, no need to worry. It's easy! Check out the schedule and register to view the webinar live. After registering, you'll receive a confirmation e-mail that will contain a link to the webinar. This will be followed up with reminder e-mails one day and then one hour before the event. You'll need speakers or a headset on your computer to hear the presenter, and you'll also have the opportunity to type in any questions you may have.

Recorded versions of the webinars, both audio and video, become available about a week after the live event.

If you have an idea for a topic, let us know by using the link on the right side of the webinar page on KiwanisOne.

Resolutions and amendments deadline approaches

Chris Hayworth — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:20:00 GMT

The deadline to submit proposed resolutions and Kiwanis International Bylaws amendments is approaching. Proposals must be received by Kiwanis International no later than February 15, 2010.

An amendment proposes a specific change to the International Bylaws, while a resolution is a formal expression of opinion or intent on a particular topic unrelated to the Bylaws.

Proposed resolutions or bylaw amendments may be submitted by:

A club by majority vote of its membership. Proposals cannot be accepted from a club board or an individual Kiwanian
A district by a majority vote of its board of trustees or its house of delegates
The Kiwanis International Board

Guidelines for submitting proposals can be found at http://community.kiwanisone.org/media/p/1499.aspx.