Questions about the Power of Knowledge Campaign

Strengthening Local Governments in Michigan for Over a Century The Michigan Municipal League (MML) is one of the oldest, strongest and most successful organizations of its kind in the country – with an exceptionally stable legacy of leadership. Since 1899, its primary mission has been to provide elected officials in Michigan cities and villages with the specialized knowledge they need to address community issues, solve complex problems and make decisions that are wise, fair, legal and cost-effective.

The MML Foundation was formed in 1991 to help expand and subsidize educational programs for municipal officials throughout the state. As a nonprofit organization, the Foundation uses donations from individuals, civic groups, businesses and philanthropic foundations to provide community leaders with vital information on an ongoing basis and to present that information in convenient and affordable formats.

MML has accomplished a great deal in its long history. But, together, we can do even more to enhance leadership in local government.

The $1 million Power of Knowledge Campaign is a three-year fundraising effort launched by the Michigan Municipal League Foundation. The goal is to create a permanent, self-sustaining fund that will make in-service education and training available, accessible and affordable to all local officials in Michigan.

With your help, we can achieve MML’s vision of highly motivated, well-trained community leaders who have continual access to the specialized knowledge they need for sound, effective decision making.

This information is designed to answer many of your questions about the Power of Knowledge Campaign. For more detailed information, we invite you to contact the Michigan Municipal League Foundation by phone at 800-653-2483.

WHAT are some of the major accomplishments of the Michigan Municipal League to date?
The Michigan Municipal League is one of the strongest organizations of its kind in the nation, with an outstanding history of providing education to member officials. By creating a separate Foundation in 1991, MML has been able to expand its training programs and find innovative ways to make those programs accessible and affordable. In recent years, for example, the Foundation introduced a successful, state-wide pilot program known as Enhancing Local Government. This unique project uses multimedia formats, computer-based teaching modules and Internet access to reach thousands of elected officials who could not otherwise take advantage of MML training.

WHAT is the Power of Knowledge Endowment Fund and why is it necessary?
In 2005, the Michigan Municipal League Foundation launched a three-year, $1 million fundraising campaign in order to create an educational endowment fund. Once it’s up and running, interest income from this fund will be used to provide hands-on training programs for elected officials as well as ongoing educational materials via the MML website. Investment income from the endowed fund will also be used to subsidize the cost of both traditional off-site training and web program development.

WHAT kinds of training will be offered?
Plans call for a variety of courses on topics that directly impact local government. Examples of possible subjects include: Roles and Responsibilities of Office; Risk Management; Economic Development; Affordable Housing; Freedom of Information Act (FOIA); Open Meetings Act (OMA); Parliamentary Procedure; Planning and Zoning; and Retirement and Pension Fund Management. These training programs will be offered through a combination of workshops, interactive, real-time “webinars,” and computer-based learning modules.

WHY is continuing education so important for local government officials?
Most elected officials are not career politicians. They are individual citizens motivated by a desire to serve the public good who have little, if any, training in government administration. Yet the problems facing their communities are large, complicated and potentially very costly. In order to make sound decisions on a wide range of topics and to protect taxpayers from liability issues today’s elected officials require a great deal of specialized knowledge. Mistakes are not an option. As a result, they must depend on outside resources such as MML for the educational programs, research findings and professional training they need.

WHY can’t these educational programs be funded by charging all costs directly to the elected officials or their municipalities?
Most small communities don’t have the necessary funds to send their elected officials to conferences and seminars. Other cities and villages have been forced to limit the number of officials who can attend educational programs. As for the officials themselves, the majority receive monthly stipends of less than $100, making it difficult or impossible for them to pay tuition fees and travel costs. The best solution is an endowment that provides relevant, focused educational programs to all elected officials – at little or no cost.

WHY should individuals, businesses and foundations contribute to educational programs for municipal leaders?
We all have a stake in the quality of decisions made by our community leaders. For individual citizens, the judgment of elected officials has an impact on everything from waste water treatment to recreational facilities, and from policing to transportation. Likewise, business organizations benefit from a safe and orderly community that offers them good roads for customers and suppliers, safe water, efficient waste disposal systems, fire and police protection, sensible regulations and much more. The fact is: knowledgeable, well-educated officials make better decisions on every issue.

WHO will benefit?
In a word, everyone. By increasing the number of local officials who have the information they need to govern wisely and fairly, the Power of Knowledge Educational Endowment Fund will create a better business climate, a better venue for public services and a better quality of life for individual citizens throughout Michigan.

HOW will the endowment funds be managed?
The MML Foundation Board of Directors will have ultimate responsibility for the fund’s investment portfolio, with additional oversight provided by the MML Foundation financial team. A professional investment manager will administer the portfolio on a day-to-day basis, and a member of the MML Foundation financial team will serve as liaison, consulting regularly with the Board of Directors. The overall long-term investment strategy will be focused on achieving an annualized total return (net of fees and expenses) greater than the rate of inflation plus 5 percent. A complete copy of the MML Foundation Endowment Investment and Spending Policy Statement is available by calling (734) 662-3246.

WHAT form can contributions take?
Tax-deductible contributions* may be made in any combination of cash, stocks, securities, and property. In addition, gifts may be pro-rated over the three years of the fundraising campaign.

* The Michigan Municipal League Foundation is recognized by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501c(3) corporation. All gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Besides outright gifts, there are many other ways to support MML Foundation: stocks and other gifts of securities, gift annuities, charitable remainder annuity trusts and unitrusts, and through estate planning.We invite you to contact us directly for details.

HOW will donors be recognized for their contributions?
Donors – both individuals and organizations – will be recognized in various publications and press releases as well as in marketing materials and periodic reports. Major donors may work with staff members from the Michigan Municipal League to develop a unique recognition program.

To make a contribution to the Power of Knowledge Campaign, call the MML Foundation at (734) 662-3246 or print this online form.

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