Donor Support Helped DAR to Rise and Shine in 2020!

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

• Donor support of DAR Constitution Hall: The Next Act is restoring DAR Constitution Hall as an epicenter of culture and thought in Washington, D.C., for decades to come. More than $8 million has been raised toward the $14 million necessary.
• Generous contributions completed the restoration of the state seals, replaced nearly 4,000 seats, renovated dressing rooms and transformed the nearly 1,000 lay light panels in the ceiling of our great hall.
• Approximately $250,000 of DAR Historic Preservation Grants were issued to support local efforts to protect and promote the history of our communities.

EDUCATION

• Contributions provided nearly 100 scholarships in 2020, totaling more than $280,000, helping talented students to achieve their dreams of a college degree.
• In 2020 more than $115,000 in assistance was provided for state-of-the-art learning materials, classroom equipment, improvements/renovations to buildings and need-based scholarships to DAR Schools because of direct donor contributions processed through the National Society. In addition, the National Society provided more than $900,000 annually to all schools supported by the National Society from various sources.

PATRIOTISM

• Donor support made possible our Society’s official sponsorship of the Mobile Education Exhibit for Wreaths Across America, which enhanced wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 2,100 locations in all 50 states, including Arlington National Cemetery, to honor our nation’s veterans.
• Because of your contributions, the DAR Project Patriot Committee provided comfort items and other direct support to active-duty military personnel, including those at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
• DAR became an official sponsor of the National World War I Memorial being built in Washington, D.C. to honor the heroism and sacrifice of the 4.7 million Americans who served-- support that was made possible because of your contributions.

DAR HEADQUARTERS GENERAL FUND

• Donations to the General Fund provided the necessary resources to continue the business of the Society during these uncertain times, granting us the means to care for and maintain the only monument to the American Revolution in Washington, D.C.: DAR Headquarters!
• General Fund donations also established the DAR Insignia Store, made important enhancements to the DAR Store, advanced the DAR membership challenge and provided for many online events, including live virtual tours of our DAR Museum and an array of virtual events during the 129th Congress. 

We are especially pleased that General Fund contributions increased during 2020, producing a record number of donors to be recognized in the 1890 Annual Giving Circle, with more than 1,400 to be recognized in the Class of 2020. DAR donors made possible much of what was accomplished during a very challenging year.

Did you know? Donor contributions account for approximately one third of the National Society’s operating budget. They are tax deductible and make it possible for DAR to support a vast array of service work and activities taking place locally and nationally; maintain a historic National Headquarters building with extraordinary collections that include a world class genealogical library and Washington, D.C.’s only decorative arts museum; and maintain the staff and operations that allow our Society to function.

Clearly, our mission cannot succeed without you!  Please accept our sincerest gratitude for all that you do to perpetuate the work of our beloved Society.  For more information about the difference you make, please visit www.dar.org/YOURimpact.

Donor Impact Statements:  All donors who contributed a total of $100 or more during the 2020 calendar year will receive a Donor Impact Statement in their mailbox during the week of February 15. Donor statements will include a list of all donations made in 2020 and are suitable for use in tax preparations.