Services for Churches - Gift Planning and Endowment Services
Church Endowment Funds
What is an endowment fund?
An endowment fund is a permanent fund, the assets of which are held and invested to generate income and provide a long-lasting source of funds for the church. When earnings are available and distributed, they will support projects above and beyond normal budgeted items.
What kinds of gifts can be made to our endowment fund?
Gift plans, such as charitable gift annuities and wills can benefit your endowment. Cash, real estate, personal property, stocks and bonds, and life insurance are other gift examples. Often established to honor or memorialize a loved one, gifts can be established during one’s lifetime or as a bequest.
Who administers the fund?
The Endowment Fund Committee makes recommendations on how the fund’s earnings will be distributed and used. In some cases, gifts are designated for a specific need by the donor.
Why should your church have an endowment fund?
For your church, an endowment fund can mean the difference between existing or growing, simply surviving or realizing dreams for ministry. For donors, it provides a meaningful way to leave a lasting legacy. We are sustained in this world by our faith and our ability to rise to God’s call to continue to love our neighbor as ourselves. What better way to witness to God’s enduring love than with an endowment fund that shows your congregation believes in the future of the church to transform lives.
Resources for Building Your Endowment Fund
Backed by development officers and support staff with highly trained specialists in gift compliance, accounting, investment management, law, and gift administration, we offer many valuable resources for starting, promoting, and growing your endowment fund:
Do You Have a Dream for Your Church?