The Freeman Challenges

The Freeman Challenges is helping nonprofits increase their sustainability.

Welcome to the Richard West Freeman Endowment and Board-restricted Reserve Challenges

Please contact Kristen Craig (kristen@gnof.org) to be placed on our email list for notification of the opening of the next cycle.

About the Challenges

For the Freeman family, philanthropy is a family affair. For three generations, family members have successfully honored the philanthropic legacy of Richard West Freeman while remaining open to new ideas and experiences to address our community’s ever-changing needs.

“We’re honoring the legacy of our grandfather Richard West Freeman who would approve of our efforts to build long-term financial stability and independence for local nonprofits.”
Dr. Laura Freeman

The Freeman Endowment Challenge

The rewards of an endowment are many: it signifies a major turning point in an organization’s growth and creates an aura of permanence; it conveys a ‘seal of approval’; it can contribute to the long-term stability of an organization; it can generate income long after contributions are made; and, it’s a powerful way to pursue long-term organizational goals. But, there are some risks to establishing an endowment that you should know before embarking on a campaign. Are you ready?

The Freeman Board-restricted Reserve Challenge

The rewards of a reserve or “rainy day” fund are many: it can help with the ups-and-downs of funding; it can cover unexpected dips in revenue due to an ever-changing economic landscape; and, it can provide working capital for an unplanned opportunity. It’s the safety cushion an organization knows it needs, yet far too few organizations have in place. Creating a board-restricted cash reserve policy might be right for you, but are you ready?

Applying for a Freeman Challenge is a three-step process:

Step 1: Are You Ready?

Step 2: Application Process

Step 3: Rising to the Challenge