Stewardship

ELC Endowment Foundation

Board of Trustees:

During our lifetime, we as Christians make a difference in many people's lives. We give our gifts of love, time, talent and financial resources. Through these gifts we are demonstrating responsible worship. Isn't it then consistent with good stewardship to plan to do the same with the resources we leave at death? As God says to the rich farmer of Jesus' parable, "These things you have piled up, whose will they be?" (Luke 12:20)

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Through the establishment of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church Endowment Foundation, we can provide you with a planned or deferred giving plan to make a difference beyond your lifetime. The Endowment Foundation is an opportunity for Emmanuel members and friends to contribute gifts. Gifts can consist of:

These gifts will help to meet the growing and continual needs of Emmanuel's Christian ministries. It is important that the people of God plan for the Christian stewardship of all their assets, including those they leave behind.

What is an Endowment?

An endowment is a fund established to support, in perpetuity, a specific need or needs. Gifts to the endowment are invested for long-term returns. A portion of the earnings are allocated for a specific endowment purpose. The principal of the fund is never invaded; therefore, earnings or some portion of the earnings are available each year forever.

How can you make a difference?

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For many, the simplest means of deferred giving and one available to everyone, regardless of income, is to list Emmanuel Lutheran Church Endowment Foundation as one of the beneficiaries in your will. One easy way is to designate a percentage of your estate as a gift. Whatever you give or designate may be free of estate taxes.

A substantial gift to the Church can be made by designating the Endowment Foundation as the beneficiary of all or a percentage of your existing life insurance policy. Also, an alternative solution is to take out an additional life insurance policy with the intent of making the Endowment Foundation the sole beneficiary. The insurance industry has create new types of life insurance that are specifically meant for estate planning purposes. There are several tax advantages to this method.

For the larger estate there are many ways to make a difference that benefit both the Foundation and the donor. Your attorney, accountant, or financial advisor will be able to help you decide.

You and your contributions to the Endowment Foundation can make a difference; the possibilities are endless. To find out how you can support the Foundation, please contact any member of the Endowment Foundation Board of Trustees. Make a difference, today.