Founders Pennies FAQ
Each year, Soroptimist clubs make Founders Pennies donations to celebrate the founding of our organization and support its global Dream Programs. Founders Pennies are a classic, time-honored tradition for clubs, and a creative way to help fund life changing programs. Founders Pennies help create a local and global relationship between Soroptimist clubs and members, and the women and girls who need our support.
How are Founders Pennies used?
Founders Pennies are used to fund the Live Your Dream Awards, Dream It, Be It, and other SIA programs that improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. Founders Pennies represent approximately 7 percent of the total $1.4 million contributed to fund federation programs.
How are Founders Pennies calculated?
Founders Pennies are set at $.06 per member times the number of years that SIA has been in existence (1921). For the 2025-2026 club year, $.06 x 105 years = $6.30 per member.
2022-2023 = $6.12 per member
2023-2024 = $6.18 per member
2024-2025 = $6.24 per member
2025-2026 = $6.30 per member
Who gives Founders Pennies?
Founders Pennies are remitted to headquarters by each participating club. Clubs collect the pennies from their members in a variety of ways and usually submit them with club dues.
When are Founders Pennies due, and how do clubs give?
The recognition period for Founders Pennies is the same as the club year, running from July 1 to June 30. However, you do not need to wait to give—Founders Pennies gifts may be made at any time of year.
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OPTION 1: Give Online. Make a Founders Pennies gift online using a credit card, e-wallet, or bank transfer. After completing your gift, you will be asked to enter the Club Name.
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OPTION 2: Mail a Check. Fill out a Financial Transaction Form and send it, along with your check, to: Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. PO Box 95000 - 2553, Philadelphia, PA, USA 19195-0001
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OPTION 3: Pay with Dues. When club officers log on to the Club Portal to generate an invoice for annual member dues, the invoice will show an “optional donation” for Founders Pennies (pre-calculated based on the number of active members in your club). Check this box to have your Founders Pennies gift added to your dues invoice, allowing you to make both payments together at the same time.
When did the tradition of Founders Pennies begin?
The tradition of giving pennies began in 1943. Clubs collected one penny for each year of Soroptimist’s existence and used the money to help re‐establish clubs in Europe that had disbanded as a result of pre‐World War II political conditions and the war itself. In 1946 the fund was renamed the Founders Fund. This fund provided international fellowships, scholarships and other awards to improve the status of women. Beginning in the 1960s, Founders Pennies began funding for the Youth Citizenship Awards, and now the Live Your Dream Awards.
Are Founders Pennies mandatory?
Founders Pennies are a voluntary contribution from Soroptimist members remitted to headquarters by clubs. As with all contributions, Founders Pennies are not mandatory.
What kind of recognition is given for Founders Pennies contributions?
Clubs that participate in Founders Pennies have our deepest gratitude and are awarded a digital badge of recognition to display on their club website. Each year a new Founders Pennies virtual badge is issued.