Frequently Asked Questions

What is the St. Louis Gift Pledge?

The St. Louis Gift Pledge is a financial commitment by successful St. Louisans to make a significant gift of at least $1 million to a St. Louis charitable organization during their lifetime or in their will.

Why is the St. Louis Gift Pledge so important?

The St. Louis economy provided all of us with a business environment, population, and culture, which contributed to our success. Making the pledge is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our gratitude and to “pay it forward” by making an investment in the future of the St. Louis region.

How did the St. Louis Gift Pledge come about?

St. Louisans have a tradition for being among the most generous citizens in America.  A good number of individuals and families have played major roles in support of St. Louis institutions and other not-for- profits over the years.  While thinking about the many remaining unfulfilled needs and challenges in our region, Gary Krosch, a businessman and private wealth advisor, came up with the idea of the St. Louis Gift Pledge as a vehicle to recognize leading donors and inspire others to make similar significant commitments. Additional recruiting and administrative support for this initiative is coming from founding pledge makers and the St. Louis Community Foundation.

What organizations are receiving contributions from the St. Louis Gift Pledge?

Quite simply, it’s up to the individual pledge participants. Those committing to the St. Louis Gift Pledge will make or have made contributions of at least $1 million to any – and as many – St. Louis area nonprofits as they like.

What if a “pledger” doesn’t follow through?

The St. Louis Gift Pledge represents a commitment – not a contract.

Do they have to follow-through during a certain time frame?

No. It is a commitment to make contributions during their lifetime or in their will.

What if I have questions about the St. Louis Gift Pledge? Who can I call?

Feel free to reach out to Amelia Bond, President & CEO of the St. Louis Community Foundation, at abond@stlgives.org or (314) 588-8200. You can also get in touch with Gary Krosch at (314) 712-3828 or garykrosch@aol.com.

Can we make the St. Louis Gift Pledge anonymously?

Yes, this is the preference of some pledge makers.  Anonymous pledge makers are able to include comments about giving on the Anonymous Donor location of the St. Louis Gift Pledge website.

Is there a partial list of organizations in St. Louis that have already benefited from St. Louis Gift Pledge participants?

BASE (Baseball and Softball Education)
COCA
College Bound
Contemporary Art Museum
Craft Alliance
Fontbonne University
Forest Park Forever
Jazz at the Bistro
Jewish Community Center
Jewish Federation
Jewish Food Pantry
KDHX Radio
Lift for Life Academy
St. Louis Art Museum
St. Louis University
St. Louis Zoo
The Sheldon
Washington University
Webster University