About TFL

History and Milestones

In 1992, the Kentucky Association of Circuit Court Clerks successfully sponsored legislation through the Kentucky General Assembly that afforded every Kentuckian obtaining a driver’s license or ID an opportunity to donate dollars to promote organ & tissue donation. These dollar donations were put into a Trust. The Circuit Clerks called it their Trust For Life.

Since creating the Trust, the Circuit Clerks have raised more than $9 million in Kentucky’s 120 counties. In 2018, more than 45% of all Kentuckians obtaining a license contributed. The Trust uses the funds from the donations to raise public awareness and encourage organ and tissue donation throughout the Commonwealth through an extensive advertising and public relations effort.

The Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks’ Trust For Life was the first such program in the US, and since its inception, many other states have requested information about the program and a number of other states now have similar programs.

In 1999, the Trust established the Satterwhite Recipient Assistance Fund to raise money to directly aid Kentucky transplant recipients and their families. Money for this fund comes from events like an annual 5K and fundraisers conducted by the Circuit Court Clerks as well as individual donations and bequests.

In 2006, the Trust For Life was one of the organizations that encouraged the Kentucky Legislature to pass HB57, setting up the new Kentucky Organ Donor Registry. It was named to a coalition that included Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates (KODA) and other organizations, to create the state-wide, confidential registry of people who wish to help others through organ & tissue donation. Since 2006, over 2 million Kentuckians have placed their name on the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry. To add your name to the Registry, go to www.registermeky.org.

In 2010, the Trust partnered with Kosair Charities to continue raising awareness about kids in need of organ transplants. Our two organizations were originally linked by David Nicholson, Jefferson Co. Circuit Clerk, who is also a Shriner. Every person who joins the Registry gives hope to kids and families in need. Kosair Charities has also provided rent-free office space for the Trust since December 2011.

January 15, 2013, the Kentucky Circuit Clerk’s Offices launch a new Organ Donor Heart on License. Starting Jan. 23, 2013, you can now add a symbol that stands for hope and generosity on something you carry with you everywhere: your driver’s license. Like Indiana, Ohio and several other states, Kentuckians now have an organ donor heart printed on their license.

In 2016, Kentucky reached the national goal of 50% of Kentuckians registered as organ donors! Donate Life America awarded Kentucky the 2016 Donor Designation Rate award for Highest Increase at the AAMVA Region II Conference.

In July 2016, Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates formally partnered with Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks’ Trust For Life for services and provides over $300,000 in funding for community outreach efforts to increase the number of lives saved through donation and transplantation. A longtime partner, this formal strategic alliance combined the TFL and KODA Community Outreach Staff Members and promotes a singular strategic plan and leadership focus.

Community Supporters

“Our missions converge; both organizations are involved in helping save lives. It’s in our interest to help the Trust keep their message out there because often organ & tissue donations go to kids,” explains Kosair Charities Board Member H.I. Stroth.

The Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks’ Trust For Life was originally linked with Kosair Charities in 2010 by Jefferson Co. Circuit Clerk, David Nicholson, who is a Shriner. That connection led to a more formal partnership including a $150,000 grant from Kosair Charities to support the Trust’s public outreach & education efforts. Now with the generous use of office space, the Trust will save an additional $15,000 per year.

“The more awareness we extend, the more children will be saved by the miracle of transplantation. As Circuit Clerks, we spread this message in each of our offices. Thanks to Kosair Charities, our reach is even greater,” explains Linda Avery, Calloway Co. Circuit Clerk & Trust For Life Board Member.

KODA has supported the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks’ and their Trust For Life since inception in 1992. KODA leadership and board members have served on the Trust board for years. Together we promote donation throughout the state and encourage all Kentuckians to be registered organ donors to save lives.

“KODA’s support of our organization has been incredible. From supporting new ideas and initiatives, data sharing, volunteer development, training, and generous sponsorships, we cherish our partnership with such an outstanding organization,” explains Shelley Heavrin Snyder, Executive Director of KY Circuit Court Clerks’ Trust For Life.

Click here to learn more about our educational programs and events made possible by these important supporters.