News from Endowment
As we look forward to Endowment Sunday this week, we want to remind you of the purpose of the Endowment Fund and fill you in on some of what Endowment has accomplished this year!
The UCE Endowment fund was established in 1986 as a source of support for special projects that further the mission and work of UCE. It is intended to provide a strong and lasting financial foundation which will nourish the congregation and the church’s programs as well as strengthen UCE’s vital position in the wider community. The fund grows each year through investment growth and new gifts. Each year, a maximum of 5% of the funds is available to fund projects. The funds are used for projects outside of the operating budget, such as community outreach, scholarships and grants, special opportunities for enrichment within the congregation, and UCE building and property upgrades and repairs.
The fund has supported a wide variety of projects over the years, including the all church Racial Equity Training program, furniture for the Syrian refugee family, a new nametag cabinet, a new sound system for the sanctuary, new kitchen appliances, and many, many more. In 2017, the fund was able to support several projects, including scholarships for general assembly, a new AV technician, and our new elevator which will be coming soon! You can see the full list of the projects that have been funded by endowment grants at ucevanston.org/endowment.
There are many different ways that you can donate to the UCE Endowment Fund. You can make Endowment part of your legacy by naming the Fund as a beneficiary in your IRA, life insurance policy, retirement plan, will, or trust. You can also make a one time or recurring cash gift to remember a significant person, event or occasion. You can also make a memorial gift to honor the passing of a loved one. Those who make a gift of $10,000 or more will be enrolled in the Nellie Brough Legacy Society and will be recognized in the UCE lobby.
Our available funds are based on the amount in the fund at the end of the year. So, the amount of funds available for 2018 will be 5% of the amount in the fund at the end of this year. Any donations made this year will have real impact on the projects we can fund in 2018. Currently, the fund has grown to over $400,000. This means that at least $20,000 will be available to fund projects in 2018! If you have been thinking about making a gift to the Endowment Fund, either over several months or a one time gift, this might be the perfect time to speak with a committee member.
The more we have in the fund at the end of the year, the more projects we will be able to support!
Please contact us at endowment@ucevanston.org.
Trustees:
Ellen Zacny
Amy Dooley
Marianne Griebler
Committee Members:
Ally Hunter
Barbara Butz
Holly Bergren
Jim Clark
Kay Gibbs-Novy
Will Van Dyke