SRS Giving Options FAQ

SRS Research Education Outreach (REO) Fund

1. What is the SRS REO Fund? Why was it created? The SRS REO Fund was established in 2011 as a SRS Board of Directors directed initiative to provide SRS members and donors an alternative to the OREF giving pathway. This option was developed with International SRS Members and SRS Neurosurgeon Members in mind, but offers many advantages to all those who wish to support the SRS through their generous donations.
2. Who controls the REO Fund? The SRS REO Fund is a SRS Board Directed Fund, and is wholly owned and controlled by the SRS. Every dollar stays with the SRS to support the SRS mission, activities and programs.
3. Does the REO Fund have a recognition program? The REO Fund offers flexible giving options with recognition levels starting at $100 to encourage 100 percent membership participation! A 50 percent adjustment for corresponding recognition level was established for international members to address the inequities in tax laws and income.

   Recognition Levels

   LEVELS OF GIVING	DONATION AMOUNT
   	UNITED STATES	OUTSIDE U.S.
   CONTRIBUTING	$100 - $4,999	$50 - $2,499
   SUSTAINING	$5,000 - $9,999	$2,500 - $4,999
   BENEFACTOR	$10,000 - $19,999	$5,000 - $9,999
   PRESIDENTS	$20,000 - $39,999	$10,000 - $19,999
   PRESIDENTS ELITE	$40,000 - $99,999	$20,000 - $49,999
   FOUNDERS	$100,000 - $499,999	$50,000 - $249,999
   LEGENDS	$500,000 - $999,999	$250,000 - $499,999
   LEGENDS ELITE	$1 Million or more	$500,000 or more

   
    
4. What kinds of pledges are possible? SRS REO Fund pledges can be made, and spread over up to five years. The sum of all of your pledges and contributions to the SRS through the REO Fund and OREF determine your SRS Recognition Level. All donations made to the REO Fund accumulate over the lifetime of the donor, so even modest annual gifts allow the donor to continue climbing the recognition levels.
5. How will my donation be used? The REO Fund gives the donor the opportunity to earmark all or a portion of a donation for "current use" or "long term" funding. "Current use" gifts will be used within twenty four months to support SRS activities. "Long term" gifts will be utilized to cultivate principal and ensure financial security.
6. Can I designate what I want my donation to be directed toward? Can this donation bear someone's name? Sizable pledges or contributions of $100,000-500,000 allow the donor to designate the gift's purpose, pending BOD approval and in keeping with the SRS mission. Pledges or contributions of one million or greater may bear the name of a person chosen by the donor.
7. How do I donate to SRS REO Fund? You can donate through the SRS website, send a check, or contact the SRS office to help with setting up a payroll deduction option. We will gladly help you with your donation needs and can offer customized giving options. Deferred giving life insurance options are currently under construction and will be available starting at the September 2012 Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois, United States. A life insurance gift of $100,000 will earn the donor a place in the Founders Recognition level.
8. Why should I donate to the REO Fund? The REO Fund directly supports SRS's mission: the ability to award more research grants, provide high quality educational programs, and support service programs that serve those without access to spinal deformity care. These gifts will also go a long way to assuring the financial independence and security of the SRS for future generations of spinal deformity care givers!