Endowment2025-01-03T23:20:56+00:00

The Endowment Fund of the Unitarian Church

Established in 1986, the Endowment Fund is a vehicle for members to make contributions to the church as a legacy for future generations. The fund is a source of support for special initiatives that further the mission and work of UCE. Like the roots that nourish and stabilize a tree, Endowment dollars strengthen our community and promote its health and vitality.

If you would like information about including UCE in your estate plans, you already have and you’d like information about the Nellie Brough Society, or you have general inquiries, please e-mail us at endowment@ucevanston.org.

ABOUT THE ENDOWMENT

It is a church fund that is segregated from other church monies, is separately managed and is governed by the UCE Endowment Fund Agreement. It is a vehicle for those who would like to make an enduring gift of any size to the church.

Its purpose is to provide a strong and lasting financial foundation that will nourish the church, its religious life and programs, and maintain it as a vital place in the community.

Endowment Trustees, who are elected by the congregation, administer the fund and approve expenditures jointly with the Board of Trustees in accordance with the Endowment Agreement. A maximum of 5% of the Fund may be spent per year. The intent is to use Fund income for project expenditures while the Fund increases in value through investment growth and new gifts. All gifts are acknowledged personally by the committee. The Nellie Brough Society recognizes those who have made enduring contributions to the Endowment Fund to ensure the future of the church.

The Endowment Agreement outlines that funds can only be used by the Unitarian Church of Evanston for one or more of the following purposes: supporting special church projects not anticipated in or provided for by the operating budget; supporting the communities in which UCE resides and operates including spiritual, educational and economic needs; enhancing, repairing, supplementing or improving UCE’s building and property, including both real and personal property; scholarships and grants to UCE members and staff for education and training; and supporting the wider mission of Unitarian Universalism.

The total annual Endowment Fund distribution is divided into three categories with set percentages, as agreed to by the Board of Trustees and the Endowment Committee. The three categories are:

  • Congregational Support: Approximately 35%, provides funding to UCE for special projects, care of the building and property, and education and training.
  • Community Partners: Approximately 25%, provides annual general operating grants up to $3,000 per nonprofit organization. These organizations have an established long-term relationship with UCE volunteers and the congregation. The objective is to build or deepen our relationships with the broader community in line with the UCE mission.
  • Community Projects: Approximately 40%, provide restricted funding for nonprofit organizations’ programs and ventures that support the wider mission of Unitarian Universalism. These grants can be larger than Community Partner grants.

The value of the Endowment Fund as of September 2024 was approximately $1.8 million. The value varies based on financial markets, new contributions and withdrawals. The Fund is primarily invested in a balanced portfolio of equity and bond funds. We also have a portion of our fund in the UUA Common Endowment Fund which is active in socially responsible investment in line with our values.

GRANT APPLICATION FORMS

TRUSTEES & GOVERNANCE

DONATE

Contributing to the Endowment Fund

Contributors have numerous options to provide support to the UCE Endowment Fund. Here are three of the many ways you can contribute:

  • Gifts in Gratitude: When you wish to recognize someone who has made a special contribution in your life or to the community, you can make a donation in their name using the endowment envelopes provided.
  • Memorial Gifts: When a friend or loved one passes away, memorial gifts can be made to honor the person’s life. Envelopes are provided at all memorial services.
  • Legacy Sunday/1st Sunday after Halloween: On this day, UCE holds its annual Legacy Sunday celebration to honor those we have lost and discuss the impact of the Endowment Fund during the past year. Celebrate your birthday, a special accomplishment of a loved one, or make a gift in gratitude for a loved one who has passed, during this service.

Also, you will find more information on making a legacy gift by reading about the Nellie Brough Society.

To make a bequest or gift to the Endowment Fund, please call the Unitarian Church of Evanston and ask to speak with an Endowment Fund Trustee: 847-864-1330. You can also contact the Endowment Trustees directly by emailing: endowment@ucevanston.org. Gifts can be mailed to: The Unitarian Church of Evanston Endowment Fund, 1330 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 60201. To ensure your gift is deposited properly, be sure to indicate that it is for the Endowment Fund.

Creating a legacy

UCE members who have informed the Endowment Committee that that they have put the Endowment Fund in their estate or will, and/or who have made a gift of $5,000 or more to the Nellie Brough Fund, can join the Nellie Brough Society. Donations to the Endowment Fund help ensure that the legacy of our Unitarian Universalist values live on and that the work of the fund continues to serve our church and community.  No matter the size of your estate, you can make the UCE Endowment Fund part of your legacy. To become a member of the Nellie Brough Society, contact an Endowment Trustee or the UCE office.

To make a bequest or gift to the Endowment Fund, please call the Unitarian Church of Evanston and ask to speak with an Endowment Fund Trustee: 847-864-1330. You can also contact the Endowment Trustees directly by emailing: endowment@ucevanston.org. Gifts can be mailed to: The Unitarian Church of Evanston Endowment Fund, 1330 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 60201. To ensure your gift is deposited properly, be sure to indicate that it is for the Endowment Fund.

Contributing to the Endowment Fund

There are many ways to contribute to the Endowment Fund, including the following opportunities.

  • Gifts of Cash: Most people make cash gifts to the Endowment Fund, which are tax-deductible in the same manner as all donations to UCE.
  • Gifts of Appreciated Property: Non-cash assets such as securities and real estate are also suitable gifts to the Endowment Fund and can allow the donor to avoid capital gains taxes while providing a deduction at the appreciated value.
  • Will or Trust: Bequests, something given or left by will, are an important way to ensure that the mission of UCE continues beyond each person’s lifespan. A bequest can be made in any amount, and the wording of the bequest can be flexible to reflect your circumstances.

If you have other types of assets you wish to donate, please speak with an Endowment Trustee.

To make a bequest or gift to the Endowment Fund, please call the Unitarian Church of Evanston and ask to speak with an Endowment Fund Trustee: 847-864-1330. You can also contact the Endowment Trustees directly by emailing: endowment@ucevanston.org. Gifts can be mailed to: The Unitarian Church of Evanston Endowment Fund, 1330 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 60201. To ensure your gift is deposited properly, be sure to indicate that it is for the Endowment Fund.

Recent Grants

Testimonials

“I have been very clear in my will that I want to share my legacy with groups that have enriched my life. I have limited disposable income now but have built a reserve of funds which I hope will benefit the people and groups I love when my life is done. UCE is at the top of my list. UCE is my spiritual home and also the base for my social justice work. I like to think that my energy will be recycled as funds are invested and distributed to future projects. I am so glad the Endowment Fund is growing, is well managed and supports the work I find most meaningful.”

Shirley Adams, NBS Member

“UCE has been my home church for over twenty-five years and I feel strongly that my engagement with our congregation and UU values has enriched my life in many ways. That this richness may be available on into the future, I wanted to leave something to the UCE Endowment Fund in my will. I love hearing others’ stories about discovering this congregation and finding it’s home for them too!”

Martha Holman, NBS Member

“The reason that we joined the Nellie Brough Society is simple: for decades, the church has been a huge source of inspiration and support to us. Endowment can be a backstop for the church in tough financial times, with the flexibility to direct funds where they are most needed. We agree with a good church friend who said several years ago that UCE had become the most important institution in his life, and he wanted to make sure it was around long after he was gone. We feel the same way.”

Barbara Butz and Robb Geiger, NBS Members

LASTING CONNECTIONS, THE NELLIE BROUGH SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

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