Gratitude is the heart’s memory.
— French Proverb

Endowment & Planned Giving

Articles

• “Successful Church Endowment Funds,” 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?” 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”.  An overview of how to develop a program to encourage planned gifts to the church.
• “Five Key Policies for Planned Giving Programs”
• “Suggestions for Encouraging Planned Gifts”, Kim Warner, Texas Presbyterian Foundation

Handbooks and Guides

• Endowment Fund Handbook, 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.
• “Memorial and Honor Giving”, suggestions and best practice
• Encouraging Gifts, a guide to designing an ongoing planned giving program

Brochures

• “Planned Giving Strategies”, 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.
• Brochures on specific gift options.  The Foundation will make limited quantities available on these topics upon your request:
  • Bequests
  • Charitable Gift Annuities
  • Charitable Trusts
  • Life Insurance Gifts
  • Gifts of Real Estate
  • Gifts of Securities
  • Gifts of Retirement Accounts
• Brochures on estate planning topics.  The Foundation will make limited quantities available on request
  • Wills
  • Living Trusts
  • Power of Attorney
  • Health Care Proxy
  • Living Wills

Other Resources

• Draft newsletter article about IRA Charitable Rollover
• IRA charitable Rollover flyer
• Information for use in church bulletins or newsletters
• General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church: Stewardship Center www.gbod.org/stewardship
• A bibliography of books and other resources to assist in your stewardship ministry.