I have the audacity to believe that people everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, quality and freedom for their spirits.
– Martin Luther King, Jr.

Resources for Churches

There are several important issues when deciding to establish a permanent endowment fund.  One place to start is by considering the benefits and potential detriments of being an endowed church.  “Why Establish a Permanent Endowment Fund?” (PDF) overviews some considerations for thought and discussion.  

For information on how to charter an endowment fund, you may start by reviewing our Endowment Fund Handbook (PDF).  We will be pleased to meet with your committee as you begin the planning process. 

Here are some other practical resources for local churches as they establish and promote permanent endowment funds:

Brochures

• “Planned Giving Strategies (PDF)”, a brochure published by the united Methodist Foundation of Northern Illinois Conference, Inc., 2005.  Describes various types of gifts that can be contributed outright or through one’s estate.  Contact us to request additional copies.
• A variety of brochures on specific planned giving strategies is also available.  Contact us to request additional copies.

Articles

• “Successful Church Endowment Funds (PDF),” T. Bruce Weaver , Presbyterian Endowment Education and Resource Network.  This article discusses the importance of church-wide involvement in the endowment program and addresses three areas critical to a successful program –  theology, management and promotion.
• “Why Establish a Permanent Endowment Fund?” (PDF) This article overviews the reasons why a church might consider a permanent endowment fund program.  Also provides a summary of some pros and cons of endowment funds.

• “Promoting Endowment Funds and Planned Giving” (PDF).  An overview of how to develop a program to encourage planned gifts to the church.

Handbook and Guides

• Endowment Fund Handbook (PDF), National Association of United Methodist Foundations and United Methodist Foundation of Northern Illinois Conference, Inc.  A basic how-to guide for chartering a permanent endowment fund in a local United Methodist congregation.
• Encouraging Gifts (PDF), National Association of United Methodist Foundations and United Methodist Foundation of Northern Illinois Conference, Inc.  Once endowments are established, an ongoing promotion and education program is needed to encourage giving.  This resource offers guidance.

Books

• Creative Giving, Michael Reeves, Rob Fairly, Sanford Cook, Discipleship Resources, 2005.  Annotated book that gives theological foundation for planned giving, statistics, interesting facts, information on types of gifts, sample forms, ethics and a holistic plan for a stewardship program.  The book also describes the process for establishing a permanent endowment fund.
• Gift of a Lifetime: Planned Giving in Congregational Life,  Brodman & Homan, 2000.   A basic guide for estate planning, gift planning, and endowments and the place of planned giving in the congregational setting.  The resource contains many checklists to assist in establishing first time programs.  Sample policies, a survey and glossary are available in the appendices.