Donation allows 100 Men Hall to create endowment fund

100 Men Hall in Bay St. Louis announced Monday the establishment of an endowment fund to provide sustainable financial support for its mission, programs and services.

The hall received an $80,000 donation from the Bruce Foundation. Susie Bruce, with the Bruce Foundation, is a clinical social worker and patron of the arts, who has been an ardent supporter of 100 Men Hall since 2019 and was moved by its mission. Her foundation’s generous donation has helped fund the endowment, which is expected to ensure its mission impacts future generations.

This new initiative will allow the organization to expand its reach and impact by generating consistent revenue through investment returns.

“We are thrilled to launch this endowment fund, which represents a significant step towards ensuring the long-term viability of our mission,” said Rachel Dangermond, director of 100 Men Hall. “We believe this endowment makes 100 Men Hall one of the rare, if only, African American landmark to be endowed in the state of Mississippi. By building a strong endowment, we can confidently continue to serve our community and address critical needs, regardless of economic fluctuations.”

The 100 Men Hall operates under a 501c3 federal nonprofit called Hundred Members Debating Benevolent Association, Inc. Donations over $250 may be tax deductible, check with your accountant.

The endowment will primarily provide sustainable financial support for the 100 Men Hall’s vital mission, programs and services well into future operations. Donations to the endowment will be invested, with a portion of the investment returns allocated annually to support ongoing programs.

Individuals and organizations can make significant contributions to the endowment through a variety of giving options, including outright gifts, planned giving, and estate planning. In addition to a portion of the gift, the Bruce Foundation would match up to $30,000 in any further endowment donations.