The SGAC Endowment Fund
In 2021, SGAC received incredible news that will transform SGAC for years to come. SGAC was selected to receive a $1 million grant from Blue Origin’s Club for the Future. This generous donation allowed us to kickstart our Endowment Fund to support long term growth for SGAC and sustainably provide more scholarships that increase access to international, regional, and local space events. This contribution marks a historic moment for SGAC and will build a solid base for the future as SGAC continues to provide an important, international platform as a voice for the next generation.
The creation of an SGAC endowment fund has been raised as far back as 2001. The Club for the Future donation, together with recent updates to the SGAC US governance, meant that SGAC is now well placed to establish and grow an endowment fund which has the following objectives:
- Provide long-term growth of capital at SGAC and to enable SGAC to sustainably provide scholarships and other financial support.
- Provide an emergency backup for short-term liquidity needs.
The Endowment Fund will allow SGAC to diversify our revenue streams, provide new funding opportunities, and secure long term financial growth and stability. The SGAC Endowment Fund is established since June 2022 and will be managed by the Investment Committee of the SGAC US Board of Directors, which includes the two Co-Chairs of SGAC, with the spending policy being guided by the Club for the Future Donation Task Force recommendations.
“By 2032, SGAC’s endowment fund will have been running for 10 years, providing additional revenues to finance scholarships and activities”
Asset Management
The SGAC Investment Committee unanimously agreed in March 2022 to proceed with Ironwood Investment Counsel, LLC to manage the SGAC Endowment Fund. Ironwood was selected as the best option for SGAC, based on a balance of factors including low management fees, education opportunities for SGAC, security, stability & ease of interaction, and the ability to instill donor confidence. Further information about Ironwood can be found on their website.
Investment Strategy
Ironwood is an active asset manager that is managing SGAC funds as per SGAC’s Investment Policy Statement. The Investment Committee of the SGAC US Board is responsible for authorizing and supervising the investment of the Endowment Fund.
Related links:
SGAC Announces Five New Directors of the US Board – Space Generation Advisory Council
US Governance – Space Generation Advisory Council
Donation Tiers
| Donor Level | Donation | Donor Benefit |
| Mars | $250 to $999 |
|
| Jupiter | $1000 to $2,499 |
As above plus:
|
| Kuiper | $2,500 to $9,999 |
As above plus:
|
|
Voyager |
More than $10,000 |
As above plus:
|
Legal and Governance Information
SGAC Addresses
- SGAC Austria Address: c/o ESPI, Schwarzenbergplatz 6; 1030 Vienna, Austria
- SGAC United States of America Address: Suite 520, 5335 Wisconsin Avenue N. W. 20015, Washington, D.C., USA
Governance
US Governance – Space Generation Advisory Council
Contact Details
In case you have any questions about the Endowment Fund and/or how alumni can get involved, please reach out to
Tax Deduction Disclaimer
The Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the United States of America (USA). Contributions to SGAC are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The SGAC’s tax identification number (EIN) is 45-0473253
Tax Reports (IRS Files)
All past reports for SGAC can be found on the official IRS website: Details about Space Generation Advisory Council (irs.gov)
Independent Non-Profit Profiles
SGAC is committed to an open and transparent approach in the governance and management of our non-profit organisation. We strive for independent verification of our mission, our financial information, and our governance to gain trust with our sponsors, partners, donors, and members. SGAC maintains the following US-based non-profit profiles.
FAQ
- What is the difference between the Endowment Fund and the Alumni Fund?
- The Endowment Fund is a dedicated fund that is actively managed by an investment manager (Ironwood Investment Counsel, LLC) to support the long-term financial growth of SGAC. The Endowment Fund’s primary objective is to provide long-term growth of capital and to enable SGAC to sustainably facilitate scholarships and other activities. SGAC currently intends to preserve the principal sum and that only capital gains will be withdrawn for use by SGAC. The Alumni Fund is a pathway through which alumni can support more current SGAC activities, with a focus on regional scholarships. Find more information here: The SGAC Alumni Fund
- What is SGAC doing to grow the Endowment Fund?
- SGAC allocated an initial $900,000 of funds to the Endowment Fund. SGAC will consider adding to the Endowment Fund through:
- Allocating additional budget surplus from SGAC activities if appropriate
- Allocating additional funds from the $1M donation following the completion of the donation strategy deployment review by the end of 2022.
- Development of an alumni match funding campaign enabling SGAC alumni to directly contribute to the SGAC Endowment Fund.
- SGAC allocated an initial $900,000 of funds to the Endowment Fund. SGAC will consider adding to the Endowment Fund through:
- What is the difference between the SGAC Advisory Board and the US Board of Directors?
- The US Board refers to the US Board of Directors of the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered in the USA which is a separate SGAC entity that supports SGAC operations in and from the United States. The US Board members have fiduciary duties including general oversight and guidance of the SGAC US entity and management of the Endowment Fund through the Board’s Investment Committee. Further information about the US Board of Directors can be found here.
- SGAC’s Advisory Board is designed to give strategic direction and advice to SGAC in order to help guide the organisation to fulfil its goals and objectives. The board is composed of twelve board members, each of whom serves for a one-year term. Our Advisory Board members are influential members of the international space community who have been strong supporters of the goals of SGAC and of the organisation itself. Further information about the SGAC Advisory Board can be found here.
- Are donations to SGAC tax deductible?
- The Space Generation Advisory Council is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the US. Contributions to SGAC are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The SGAC’s tax identification number is 45-0473253.
- How is the Endowment fund managed?
- The SGAC endowment fund is managed by Ironwood Investment Counsel, LLC. The Investment Committee of the SGAC US Board is responsible for authorizing and supervising the investment of the Endowment.
