Ralph C. Smedley Memorial Fund
Keep Ralph C. Smedley’s vision alive to provide opportunities for communication and leadership education to as many as possible. Commit to giving back and help take Toastmasters into its next 100 years.
Double Your Impact
Other Ways to Give*
Honorary or Memorial Gifts
Honor an individual or occasion by donating on another’s behalf.
Honor themPlanned Estate Gifts
Plan a future contribution through your estate plans, such as making a bequest, by including language in your will or living trust.
Plan a donation*Those giving $1,000 USD or more in cumulative lifetime gifts (accruing from January 1, 2016) will be recognized.
Happy Hearts
Be inspired by this 1-minute, 8-second video.
2024 Snapshot: Smedley Fund in Action
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Covered the cost of materials and shipping to support a Youth Leadership Program in cooperation with government schools in Tamil Nadu, India
Covered the cost of materials and shipping to support a Youth Leadership Program for students at a local government secondary school in Johor, Malaysia
Covered the cost of materials and shipping to support a Youth Leadership Program in cooperation with the local branch of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. in North Carolina, United States
Covered membership dues to members affected by a flood in Nigeria (District 130)
Covered membership dues to members affected by a typhoon, Tropical Storm Kristine, in the Philippines (District 75)
Have a youth or membership need?
Here are two ways the Smedley Fund can help:
Youth Outreach
Offsets the costs of programs and materials, such as the Youth Leadership Program (for those younger than 18)
Emergency Relief
Can provide relief to those suffering losses due to extreme economic hardship or disasters by covering the costs of their Toastmasters dues and any lost materials
Fund History
Over a century ago, Dr. Ralph Smedley had a vision of helping people learn communication and leadership skills in a positive and supportive environment. In 1965, the Ralph C. Smedley Memorial Fund® (“Smedley Fund”) was established to honor and uphold that legacy, and to open doors for the many millions of potential Toastmasters yet to come.
Fifty years later, the educational needs of individuals have evolved and multiplied. Though the historic fund had humble beginnings with a local impact, the Smedley Fund retains its same purpose—the advancement of communication and leadership education through the research, development, and distribution of educational programs and materials.
Future programs are continuously being evaluated by the Board of Directors based on the organization’s mission and strategic plan.
We appreciate all donations
- $1-$999 USD - A Contributor ribbon
- $1,000+ USD - Amethyst Contributor lapel pin*
- $5,000+ USD - Sapphire Contributor lapel pin*
- $10,000+ USD - Emerald Contributor lapel pin*
- $25,000+ USD - Ruby Contributor lapel pin*
- $50,000+ USD - Diamond Contributor lapel pin*
- $1-$999 USD - A 24-inch banner ribbon
- $1,000+ USD - An engraved plaque*
*Design subject to change
- $1-$999 USD - An engraved plaque
- $1,000+ USD - An engraved crystal*
*Those giving $1,000 USD or more in cumulative lifetime gifts (accruing from January 1, 2016) will be recognized as stated above per category.
