Depending upon your resources and where you are in your life, there are a number of strategies you can employ to invest in the workforce development work of the Foundation.


Annual Giving

When individuals and companies make annual, unrestricted gifts to support the general funds of the Foundation, they make it possible for investment earnings to be devoted to supporting our scholarships and youth programs. These gifts are the lifeblood of the organization. They allow the Board to direct resources towards the programs and activities that are most important to workforce development at any given time. Regular annual giving by SME members and friends of the Foundation is critical to our ability to operate the Foundation efficiently and effectively over the long-term.

You can make your annual gift a number of ways:

  • SME members can add a gift for the Foundation when you renew your membership in SME
  • You can make a gift on-line at any time. Just select the Donate button and you are on your way!
  • You can respond to solicitations that you receive from the Foundation. Donation cards and mailing envelopes are included.
  • You can make a gift with stock, bonds or securities.
  • You can call our office during business hours (313.425.3300) and we will help you make whatever arrangements you need for your gift!

Endowment Funds

The SME Education Foundation manages a portfolio of endowed funds. These funds were established by gifts with the intention of the donor to have an enduring impact upon manufacturing education. The earnings generated from these funds are used in perpetuity to provide either general support or designated support for the Foundation's programs.

To create a named, designated fund at the Foundation, a minimum gift of $25,000 is required. Staff can work with you to design a plan to develop a named fund.

Our named scholarship program is very popular with donors interested in helping students achieve their academic goals. This is also an excellent way to honor or memorialize a loved one who has a passionate interest in manufacturing education.

With an endowed fund, the principle of the gift is invested for long term growth and can not be invaded. A portion of the annual investment earnings is used to fund the program, project or scholarship. Currently the spending rate for the endowment fund is 5.0 percent of the average market value of the fund measured quarterly for the three-year period ending December 31 of the year preceding the budget year. This rate is set by the Foundation Board of Directors and monitored by the Board's Investment and Finance Committee.


Planned Giving Opportunities

A gift to the SME Education Foundation that is part of a thoughtful, comprehensive estate plan provides a way for you to complete a lifetime of giving or make a significant gift that was not possible at an earlier stage of life. Planned gifts also provide advantages such as a guaranteed lifetime income and tax benefits.

Please visit our planned giving page to learn more about planned gift options or contact us at 313.425.3300 or foundation@smeef.org. 


Memorial and Honorarium Gifts

The SME Education Foundation regularly works with family members and friends who want to memorialize or honor someone through gifts to the Foundation. The staff will be happy to assist you in creating a new fund or supporting an existing program fund to recognize your loved one.


Special Gifts for Projects

Besides annual operating gifts and long term investment endowment gifts, the Foundation offers donors the opportunity to invest in several special projects and managed awards programs. Numerous corporations and foundations have invested in youth outreach programs through annual grants for youth programs in areas near their major facilities. The staff would be glad to share program options with you. These restricted gifts help the Foundation run current programs and fund newly developing programs.