Q Who owns Bay Cliff?
A Bay Cliff was established in 1934 as a non-profit, non-denominational, summer health camp for children. The camp is licensed by the State of Michigan and operates as a private charitable 501(C)3 organization. Bay Cliff is owned, in essence, by the people who believe in its purpose and assist with meeting its mission.

Q Who is responsible for Bay Cliff?
A Bay Cliff is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of persons from across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The Board employs an Executive Director to administer and supervise the business and operation of the camp. A major responsibility of the Board of Directors is the proper management of Bay Cliff’s resources, ensuring the most effective use of your donation, both now and for future generations.

Q Who does Bay Cliff presently serve?
A Bay Cliff’s primary mission is to serve children and adults with physical disabilities. The priority program is a two-month therapy session serving children with orthopedic, speech, hearing, and vision disabilities. The children work towards the goal of increased independence and living a fuller life. Bay Cliff also sponsors a weeklong recreation and therapy session for adults with physical disabilities.

Q Do other organizations use the Bay Cliff Facility?
A Yes. In the spring and fall schools and non-profit organizations use the Facility to conduct programs for science and outdoor education, Volunteer/Leadership training, Health and Wellness Promotion, and special programs for persons with disabilities. In 2006, twenty-four non-profit organizations other than Bay Cliff utilized the Camp Facility.

Q How is Bay Cliff funded?
A From the beginning, Bay Cliff has been funded almost entirely by charitable giving from organizations and individuals. Donations from service and fraternal organizations, United Ways, foundations, individuals, and memorials have provided the income to meet operational expenses. Through fiscal responsibility and good stewardship, Bay Cliff has been able to provide a quality program and maintain a balanced budget.

Q Does Bay Cliff have savings?
A In the early 1990’s, Bay Cliff established the Bay Cliff Development Fund to provide a source of income for operations and to ensure the financial stability of the camp. Donations to the Development Fund are made with the intention that the principle will remain intact and the income from the Fund will be used to support the summer program. In 2004, the Development Fund provided approximately 24% of the operating budget. The Development Fund must be retained to support the camp program. Other funds must be raised to pay for facility renovations.

About Building for the Future

Q Why is it necessary to renovate the Camp Facility?
A It is long overdue! The Camp Facility is old and worn out. Bay Cliff has a 73-year history that began on a dairy farm that was already 20 years old. The original buildings, many of which are still in use, were built between 1913-1918. The last major building campaign was in the early 1960’s. The buildings have outdated and inadequate plumbing, electrical and heating systems. Accessibility to many of the buildings is inadequate. Most bathrooms are not accessible or functional for persons using wheelchairs. The Facility does not comply with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) of 1990.

Q Why is it important to make improvements now?
A The children and adults who use Bay Cliff deserve better! It is time to bring the facility up to code and to the standards we would expect for our own children. Bay Cliff should be providing a living environment that equals or exceeds the quality provided at other summer camp facilities.

Q Will the Camp Facility be adequately used in the winter?
A Yes, there is a strong support for Bay Cliff to operate as a year-round facility. The Camp is currently open for only six months; May through October. Winterizing the Facility will allow Bay Cliff to plan and sponsor additional programs beyond the normal camp season. Over 100 non-profit and charitable organizations in the Upper Peninsula have expressed an interest in using the Bay Cliff Facility to conduct programs. Organizations that serve children with mental, emotional, and behavioral disabilities will have the opportunity to plan and conduct programs at Bay Cliff. We expect Bay Cliff will become a very busy place all year!

Q Will all of this change Bay Cliff?
A No, it will not. Bay Cliff is first and foremost a therapy camp for children and adults with disabilities. The primary mission for Bay Cliff, for over 60 years, has been to improve the lives of children and adults with physical disabilities. This will not change. Bay Cliff has always “opened its gate” for other organizations to use its facility. This will continue. A renovated and winterized camp facility will allow Bay Cliff to meet its mission in an even better way.

About Meeting the Need

Q How much will the renovation and winterization of the Camp Facility cost?
A The Architect’s original cost projection was $7,680,000. This includes renovation of existing buildings, new construction, accessibility to and development of the Lake Superior waterfront, creation of an accessible trail system, landscaping, and architectural fees.  Today we know that these original projections for building and renovations have increased with inflation year by year and our revised goal is $8,955,000.

Q How will the renovations be paid for?
A A “Building for the Future” capital campaign is being conducted by community volunteers throughout the Upper Peninsula. The campaign, is now in its second phase "Fulfilling the Dream" which is expected to last approximately 4 years, will raise the funds necessary to complete the entire renovation project. The campaign expenses are expected to be less than 5% of the campaign goal.

Q Can I give gifts other than cash?
A Yes. There may be tax advantages for a donor with a gift of securities, appreciated property, or stock. Even equipment or materials needed for the project may be given as a gift-in-kind. More details are available upon request.

Q Will my gift be deductible for Federal and State tax purposes?
A All gifts to the Bay Cliff Building for the Future Campaign are deductible to the extent allowable by the law. This usually includes deductions for both State and Federal income taxes for the year in which payment are made.

Q Can my gift be spread out over time?
A Yes. Pledges are accepted and encouraged over a period of five years. Allowing donors to pay over an extended period of time will hopefully encourage larger contributions than would be possible with a single cash gift.

Q How much should I give?
A Only you can determine what the amount your gift should be. We only ask that you consider the life changing experience Bay Cliff provides for the children. We hope you will view your gift as an investment in the future of both the children and our community. Please be as generous as possible.

Q Why should I give to the Campaign?
A For over 70 years Bay Cliff has been a place where children with disabilities have come to pursue their hopes and dreams for the future. Your gift will help make their dreams come true!