There are many reasons for setting up endowment funds for your church through the Heartspring Methodist Foundation. Such funds can: :
- Â Encourage better stewardship
- Â Provide an opportunity to give
- Â Help care for facilities
- Â Enhance ministries, mission and programs
- Â Make a commitment to the future
An endowment fund, which may impose restrictions, provides a perpetual source of income for:
- Â General operations (unrestricted)
- Â Missions
- Â Scholarships
Our Guide to Establishing a Permanent Endowment Fund can provide helpful information.
What is a permanent endowment used for in a local church?
The permanent endowment fund usually supports the maintenance, beautification and expansion of the church properties.
How does a church start a permanent endowment?
The Foundation offers complimentary guidance to establish a permanent endowment according to requirements of the United Methodist Book of Discipline.
How much does it cost to start a permanent endowment?
Organizing a permanent endowment fund for your church can be accomplished without any expense.
Will gifts to the permanent endowment fund reduce the annual giving for the support of the church?
No. The church family often increases annual giving because the permanent endowment demonstrates vision and stability.
Do we need lawyers and accountants to set up and administer a permanent endowment fund?
No. A permanent endowment fund is no more complicated than a building fund, a choir fund or any other fund a church might have.
How much work is involved in starting and growing a permanent endowment fund?
A task group must spend some time preparing a governing document, but it need not be a lengthy project. The Foundation can provide assistance with this. The most important work is developing and carrying out an appropriate communications schedule.
How can we educate our church family about the permanent endowment fund?
The Foundation can provide a workshop that informs and educates everyone as well as provide communication materials.
What assistance is available for those who want to include our church in their wills or through other giving arrangements?
Heartspring Methodist Foundation provides confidential consultation and assistance to individuals considering making these kinds of gifts to your church.
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