CHRIST’S
ENDOWMENT
FUND
WHAT IS THE ENDOWMENT
FUND?
The Christ’s Lutheran Church
Endowment Fund has been established by the congregation to support the ministry
and outreach programs of our church. The
fund is managed by a five-member committee responsible for promoting the fund,
investing gifts, reporting earnings and recommending ministry programs to
support. Through this fund, we can share
the love of Christ within our community and beyond.
WHY HAVE
AN ENDOWMENT FUND?
The Endowment Fund is a means for
members to make their gifts of faith last for the life of the church. Contributions to the Endowment Fund help to
assure that our church ministry will continue to work for the glory of God’s
kingdom.
“As each
has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s
varied grace.”
I
Peter 4:10
“For
where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.”
Matthew
6:21
HOW ARE GIFTS INVESTED?
The endowment Fund Committee has
created an investment policy that sets guidelines for investment quality, asset
allocation, return benchmarks and responsibilities for administering the fund.
HOW ARE GIFTS USED?
Allocated earnings from the
Endowment Fund are to be used for mission outreach not normally included in the
Annual Operating Budget. Only a portion
of the earnings generated by Fund investments may be used to support these
approved programs. This approach helps
to ensure that the principal will continue to grow and will provide for the
mission and ministry of Christ’s
HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE?
One of the simplest ways to
contribute is by giving cash through regular offerings de4signated for the
Endowment Fund. Based on average weekly
attendance, if everyone added $1 to their weekly offering, the fund would
receive in e4xcess of $10,000 per year.
Other gifts may be in the form of
stocks, bonds or other donated property.
The Endowment Fund may also be the beneficiary of a life insurance
policy. Another way to give is to make a
bequest in your will.
In addition, there are a number of
trust arrangements that can be used to transfer donated assets to the Endowment
Fund. An attorney, CPA or other
financial advisor can explain the different advantages of each instrument.
“We
do know that inspired generosity is a fruit of the Spirit”
Galatians
5:22-25
HOW ARE GIFTS
RECOGNIZED?
Gifts will be recognized as
requested by the donor. Additionally the
committee has established a book in which all benefactors would be
included.
CAN I GIVE ANONYMOUSLY?
Yes.
ARE MY GIFTS TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
Absolutely! Your gifts to the Endowment Fund are fully
deductible.
WHO DECIDES HOW THE
MONEY IS SPENT?
The Endowment Fund Committee makes
recommendations to Church Council on how the available earnings should be spent
after the fund has reached $100,000.00.
HOW DO THE MEMORIAL FUND
AND ENDOWMENT FUND DIFFER?
The Memorial Fund is a means of
donating a gift in honor or in memory of a loved one to be used for worship
enhancement. The Endowment Fund is a
long term investment, the earnings of which can be used to assure that our
church’s ministry and development will continue to work.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE
INFORMATION?
Contact the Church Office at
412-795-1212 and the Church Administrator will put you in touch with the
Chairman of the Endowment Fund Committee.
If you need financial advice on how best to donate assets to the fund, please
contact your attorney, accountant or financial advisor.