The Endowment Program was established in 2002 to provide members and friends opportunities to make permanent, charitable gifts to WPUMC. Such gifts become perpetual sources of financial support and living memorials because they conserve principal, with the congregation making use only of the investment income they produce. The Program is intended to provide funding for purposes other than the established programs and ministries that are funded through the annual operating budget of the church and the regular giving of its members.
FAQ: Won’t the Endowment Program conflict with giving for the budgeted ministries?
The Endowment Program charter specifically prohibits any of its funds to be used for the regular operating expenses of the church. The distributions may only be used for missions and property improvements. The congregation membership is expected to continue to support the ministry budget, but there is no end to the possibilities for sharing God’s love if its Endowment Program increases.
The General Endowment Fund
Gifts to the Endowment Program with no specific designation are added to the General Endowment Fund, and the support it provides is divided equally between the congregation’s Missions Program and its Property needs (major maintenance or improvements to the facilities and grounds). Every gift to the General Endowment Fund, regardless of size is significant.
A Designated Endowment
With a minimum contribution of $10,000.00 and an agreement arranged with the Endowment Committee, you may establish an endowment for a specific purpose for WPUMC.
FAQ: Why do we need an Endowment Program?
The church is continuing to expand its mission and ministry. An adequate Endowment Program can encourage this growth, creating opportunities for innovation and emerging ministries. It enables our church to do good things that it could not otherwise initiate.
How is it administered?
All aspects of the Program are subject to The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church and the laws of North Carolina. Gifts are invested through WPUMC accounts with the United Methodist Foundation, Inc. with the objectives to:
- Conserve the principle and maintain the purchasing power.
- Use the distributions as agreed with the donors, and
- Invest in institutions and organizations in accordance with goals outlined in the Social Principles of the Church.
Any part of the principal may be withdrawn, but only in extreme and overwhelming circumstances, and then only with a vote by two-thirds of the WPUMC Charge Conference.
The Endowment Committee of WPUMC receives and administers all endowment gifts to the church, and determines the distributions each year, and provides required reports. The Committee is composed of the Pastor, one representative each from both the Finance and Trustee Committees, and three (3) other at-large elected individuals from the congregation.
How Can I Make An Endowment Gift?
Contributions may be made to the WPUMC Endowment Program in the form of:
- Cash
- Marketable Stocks or Bonds
- Real Estate
- Trusts
- Personal Property
- Business Interests
Through Lifetime gifts, such as:
- Charitable Gift Annuities
- Charitable Remainder Trusts
Or as a beneficiary of estate/deferred gifts
- Estate Gifts through your Will
- Retirement Funds
- Life Insurance Policies
Why Give To The Endowment Fund?
Simply put, God has continuously blessed each of us. A gift to the Endowment Fund is a gift that will multiply those blessings and perpetually give back to His glory.
Give…
In honor of a loved one
As a memorial to someone special
To celebrate an important occasion
For permanent recognition
As a part of your tax strategy
To pay God’s love forward
Who Can I Contact?
For more information about the Endowment Program, or to discuss a potential Endowment gift, please call the church office, (919) 467-9394, or you may speak with a member of the Endowment Committee.
John Brettschneider,
Chairperson of Endowment Committee
More information can also be found online at https://umf-nc.giftlegacy.com/