Questions and Answers for Dealers

Why was the Foundation established?

• We are a statewide community of retail auto and truck dealers who care about our customers and needed an IRS-approved way to "give back".

• As a caring community of retail business people, we can accomplish more than our own individual efforts if we do things together.

• All association members will benefit from the public goodwill as our "good works" become known.

What is the mission of the Foundation?

• The Foundation enables the Wisconsin Automobile and Truck Dealers Association (WATDA) to be responsible corporate citizens by providing philanthropic funds to worthwhile statewide causes.

How is the Foundation governed?

• A twenty-two member board of directors has been elected representing both dealer principals and public members. Public members of the Board lend significant credibility to the Foundation.

• The Foundation board of directors has statewide representation. Officers are elected within the group.

Does the Foundation employ staff?

• Yes, a full time executive director was hired in November of 1994. Part-time support staff are shared by the Foundation and WATDA existing personnel.

Where did the initial funds come from?

• The Charter Founders consisting of 30 dealers statewide contributed $300,000 for startup research and administration.

What is the Humphrey Challenge Grant?

• In November, 1994, the Humphrey Foundation in Milwaukee approved our request for a $500,000 challenge grant. For every dollar given, another dollar was placed in the Glenn Humphrey Charitable Endowment Fund. We met the $500,000 goal in December of 1996! Since then other major benefactors have contributed over $100,000 each.

Who receives Foundation grants?

• Currently, we have supported over 525 young people preparing for careers in the retail service business. Along with Snap-on Corporation we have invested $2.2 million in young people's careers.

• The award-winning children's program "Get Real!" on public television received grant funds (1994-1996).

• The Foundation also supports programs promoting careers in the retail auto and truck industry.

• The Foundation provided special benefit support for the Children's Service Society of Wisconsin, a statewide social service agency addressing children's and family needs (1994-1996).

Where will new gifts come from enabling Foundation expansion?

• Dealers, suppliers, vendors, and others who have achieved their livelihood from the transportation industry are candidates for Foundation support.

• A comprehensive fundraising strategy has been developed with over two million dollars already achieved.

What are the benefits for me and my dealership?

• You will be a responsible corporate citizen by financially supporting the Foundation.

• You will establish a partnership with one of the major philanthropic organizations in the state.

• You will have a 501(c)(3) tax exempt public foundation in place enabling you to give something back to your industry with IRS encouragement.

• You will see a positive impact on our corporate image.

• You will receive personal recognition for your help and membership.

• You will receive philanthropic program management of your charitable dollars.

What are the benefits for WATDA?

• The Foundation will help fund worthwhile public programs beyond the financial capacity of WATDA.

• The Foundation will improve our sense of community as we cooperate in supporting positive causes.

• We can develop an professional approach to our philanthropy.

For more information about The Foundation of the Wisconsin Automobile and Truck Dealers call Ray Pedersen, Executive Director, or Gary Beier, Development Director at the Foundation's Milwaukee office at (414)359-1500, or the WATDA Madison office at (608)251-5577, or visit the rest of the Foundation website at www.watda.org