You Can Make a Difference

Since 1965, your donations to the Smedley Fund directly impact our members who want to improve their communication and leadership skills.

Donate as an individual Donate as an organization

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A few ways the Smedley Fund makes a difference:

Smedley Fund Contributor Engraved Trophy, Notebook and a Pen

Disaster Relief

May provide relief to those suffering losses due to extreme disasters by covering the cost of their Toastmasters dues and any lost materials

Request relief

Smedley Fund Contributor Pins, Notebook and a Pen

Youth Outreach

Offsets the costs of programs and materials, such as the Youth Leadership Program (for those younger than 18)

Request support

Future programs are continuously being evaluated by the Board of Directors based on the organization’s mission and strategic plan.

2023 Snapshot: Smedley Fund in Action

- Covered the cost of materials and shipping to support a Youth Leadership Program held in cooperation with a local library in Jacksonville, North Carolina
- Covered membership dues to members affected by an earthquake in Turkey (District 109)
- Covered the cost of materials and shipping to support a Youth Leadership Program in Raleigh, North Carolina

History of Fund Uses 2023 Annual Report

Happy Hearts

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“Thanks to the Smedley Fund, the Toastmasters community means a safe place to grow despite hardship.”

Balázs Kuzsel, 2022–2023 District Director, District 110

“After the super typhoon hit us in December 2021, the Smedley Fund approved paying the dues of around 600 members in our District covering 40 clubs. The members were so ecstatic about the news. We will surely pay this forward by sharing the gift of Toastmasters to more people.”

Richard Cua Ho, 2021-2022 District Director, District 75

“The Smedley Fund team patiently guided us to secure this valuable subsidy during our unprecedented economic crisis in the country. This is a historic decision made by our Board…one that our members will truly value and even become more loyal to our brand.”

Sudash Liyanage, DTM, 2020–2022 Region 13 Advisor

“We, the Caraga Educators Toastmasters Club, would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Smedley Fund and the Board for giving consideration to our affected club mates during Super Typhoon Odette.”

Lope C. Papeleras, 2021–2022 Club President

Other Ways to Give

Honorary or Memorial Gifts

Honor an individual or occasion by donating on another's behalf.

Recurring Gifts

Set up a convenient monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual gift.

Planned Estate Gifts

Plan a future contribution through your estate plans, such as making a bequest by including language in your will or living trust.

Corporate Matching Gifts

Ask your employer if they have a matching gift program to double your contribution.

Contribute now

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.