What is an Endowment Fund?
The Endowment Fund is unlike the general fund, capital appeals or designated giving which fund, respectively, day-to-day operations of Bethlehem Lutheran, brick and mortar, or specific ministries.
Instead, the Endowment Fund is a form of mutual stewardship between you and the church. By supporting the Endowment Fund, you act as stewards to and for your congregation. And, by using the income generated by the Endowment Fund to fulfill our mission, Bethlehem Lutheran Church acts as a steward to our members and the community.
The purpose of the Endowment Fund is to ensure that Bethlehem Lutheran Church has means for existence and purposeful ministry many, many years into the future. It is forward focused and intended to build upon itself so that it is eventually giving back to the mission of the congregation as much as the fund’s total principal balance. By giving to the Endowment Fund, you make a gift that keeps on giving year after year. Endowment gifts allow you to create a personal legacy that is meaningful to you and the congregation you care about deeply.
Nominating & Applying for Endowment Gifts
Bethlehem members may request a gift from the annual earnings of the Endowment Fund or a specific designated fund to be distributed to a person or group inside or outside the congregation. Gift are distributed quarterly.
Gifts to the Endowment Fund
The unique feature of the Endowment Fund is that the principal given to the fund remains intact forever and only the interest is spent each year. It is a thoughtful and caring way to remember loved ones, mark an occasion or event, honor those around you, or simply give glory to God. Gifts of any amount will be accepted and permanently tracked by Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
How does the Endowment Fund relate to regular contributions and special appeals at Bethlehem Lutheran Church?
The Endowment Fund is not intended to replace the time, talents and financial support now contributed to the operating or building budget, nor is it intended to de-emphasize the need for any contributions you are now making. Rather, the Endowment Fund provides another means to enhance the ministry of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Ways to Give
There are a number of ways to make a gift to the Endowment Fund. To give directly to fund quickly, easily, securely, and, if you choose, regularly, use the button below to go to our automated giving page. Enter all the information and be sure to select “Endowment Fund” as the designated fund from the drop-down.
As always, gifts to the endowment fund by check or directly through your financial institution are a welcomed option as well. Contact our Financial Office if you need assistance setting this up.
A Charitable Gift is Possible for Everyone
The Endowment Board is hoping you will include Bethlehem Lutheran church in your will as a way of remembering this wonderful place. Your gift will last for generations to come. We are asking every member to consider legacy planning for the future of Bethlehem by including Bethlehem in your will.
Many of you may not see yourselves as someone with the capacity to give a charitable gift to the Endowment Fund, but did you know that a charitable gift can be made as easily as designating Bethlehem Lutheran Church as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy? You do not have to have cash on hand to make a contribution, but of course, that is one option. Other vehicles for charitable giving include gifts of stock, annuities, bequests of property or assets at the time of death, gift annuities which provide you with income for the remainder of your lifetime, gifts of property or real estate which you may continue to inhabit until death.
Contact the Financial Office for assistance in planning your legacy gift.