Endowment Services
What is an Endowment?
The word ‘endow’ means to give,
donate, bestow or provide; endowments are simply gifts that have been given to
provide or sustain support for ministries or programs. Universities,
hospitals, museum and charitable organizations have been built because of the
foresight and generosity of caring, committed people. In the life of the
church, many of our institutions have also relied heavily on endowed gifts to
build, sustain and expand ministries of healing, hope and compassion.
Whether called ‘enduring’ or ‘endowed’ or even ‘sustaining,’ these gifts are
given with the intention of supporting ministries in perpetuity. Givers who
make such gifts usually expect that the purchasing power of the original gift
will be conserved while the income and earnings are used to support
ministries, whether designated or undesignated. Endowed or enduring gifts lay
a solid foundation for the future ministries of Christ’s Church.
Why have an Endowment?
Giving reflects God's joyful generosity to us and is a faithful expression of our discipleship. Some gifts given are used right away; but others are given to build a foundation for the church’s ministry after our deaths and in perpetuity. Providing funding for future ministries is good stewardship of our accumulated life assets and allows us to do our part to further the work of God’s kingdom across the world and throughout time. It provides a continuity and vision for mission and a springboard for reaching out to a new generation.
A constant theme in Scripture is that those with many blessings will also have
greater responsibilities. Christ set the standard for lifelong generosity, and
now invites us to do the same. As a church, we must be responsible for
teaching Christian stewardship as well as providing opportunities for the
expression of that stewardship.
How can my Church start an Endowment?
Your first step is to contact the Foundation. We have experience with helping churches evaluate readiness, create charters, promote and revitalize endowment funds.
