Endowment – The Practice of Generosity
UUCA’s Endowment Committee – What is it?
When UUCA was established in 1956, our earliest members dreamed of a community grounded in faith, social justice and care for future generations. Their commitment ran deep – when it came time to build, several even placed liens on their homes to secure a mortgage. Their dedication is the reason we gather here today, growing in spirit and service.
About twenty years later, another generation created UUCA’s Endowment Fund: a reserve of invested money designed to support the church’s long-term future and missions. The interest from those investments continues to fund social justice efforts and special UUCA needs.
Some recent projects include:
- Seed money for CAR, the Coalition for Atonement and Repair
- Stipend for Ryan Ely, our most recent intern minister
- Loan to UUCA for building repairs and upgrades
How is the Endowment managed? Who decides where the money goes?
The Endowment Committee consists of 5-8 UUCA members appointed by the Board of Trustees and who report to the Board of Trustees. One member serves as the liaison with UUCA’s investment advisor. The Committee meets regularly to monitor the Endowment Fund’s status and to administer gifts, grants and loans from it. The Endowment Committee may authorize disbursal of up to 5% of the principle balance each year, as long as the fund has made at least 5% in interest.
Becoming a Good Ancestor
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” We are now all called to become good ancestors, building wealth that will support UUCA’s future and bolster its reach into the larger community. Planned giving is one of the most meaningful ways we can continue what our founders started. Planned giving simply means including UUCA in your long-term financial or estate plans. Bequests, or gifts from your estate, can be a way to support UUCA’s future while still taking care of the things that matter to you today. Gifts from current assets allow you to see the fruits of your gift. These can also benefit UUCA’s Endowment Fund while providing tax advantages to you today.
Just as our UUCA ancestors looked beyond their own lifetimes, planned giving invites each of us to ensure that those who follow us will have the resources to build on the spiritual and social justice work we value today.
Ways to make a Planned Gift
Many people are surprised to learn how flexible planned giving can be. Every gift, big or small, helps build our generational wealth. Some common ways to contribute to UUCA’s financial future include:
Bequests:
These are the most common ways to donate to UUCA’s Endowment Fund.
- Include a gift in your will or trust
One of the simplest ways to leave a legacy- just add the UUCA Endowment Fund as beneficiary of a specific amount, a percentage, or what remains after other gifts. - Name the UUCA Endowment Fund as a beneficiary of a retirement account
IRAs and 401(k)s are easy to update, and even a small percentage can make a meaningful future impact. - Use a life insurance policy
You can name the UUCA Endowment Fund as a full or partial beneficiary, or even donate an older policy you no longer need. - Make a gift from a donor-advised fund (DAF)
Some people choose to designate what’s left in their DAF to the UUCA Endowment Fund as part of their long-term giving
Gifts Made Today:
- Donate from the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) of a retirement account
This can benefit the Endowment Fund while giving you a tax deduction. Everyone wins, and you can witness the benefits of your gift during your lifetime. - Tribute gifts
Make a donation to the Endowment Fund in celebration of someone’s birthday, anniversary or other special occasion. Honor someone’s memory with a donation to the Endowment Fund.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is there a minimum amount for Endowment Fund donations?
No, gifts of any size, large or small, are appreciated and helpful. Throughinvestment, your gift and those of every other donor will grow over time.
What if I plan for a bequest to the Endowment Fund, but later change my mind?
You can update your will and your beneficiaries throughout your life. Your choices are never final- you can revise them at any time.
Can I designate my donation for a specific purpose?
If your proposed gift will be limited to a specific purpose, it would be useful to discuss your wishes with the Senior Minister or the Finance Officer about this. We know the world will have changed in several decades, and UUCA will change, too. Gifts to the Endowment Fund are generally given in trust that the future leaders will use them wisely based on the needs of their time. There are other UUCA funds that may be more appropriate for restricted donations.
I don’t think I’ll ever be in a financial position to donate to the Endowment Fund, but I want to support it. How can I do that?
Ask others to make a donation to the Endowment Fund in lieu of birthday or holiday gifts, or in lieu of memorial flowers.
Who should I tell about my plans?
If you’re considering a bequest, we’d be grateful to know so we can thank you and plan wisely. We encourage you to inform your heirs, as well.