The Christ Lutheran Church Board of Endowment and Legacy funds was formed as part of the Stewardship of the church to recognize and utilize special giving. The membership elected Board's task is to support the CLC mission beyond capabilities of the annual operating budget. The Board works with the church council, but has separate authority to manage two funds, the Legacy Fund and the Endowment Fund.
The Legacy Fund began in 1996 as a memorial fund to honor a special person or event. A wish list has been established by Christ Lutheran Church with items needed for many areas of ministry ranging in price from small to very large. Donations for a specific purchase are made in honor or memory of an individual or in commemoration of a special event. In addition, memorial/honor gifts are collected for Mother's Day and Father's Day and used to purchase designated wish list items.
The Endowment Fund was started in 1999 with an anonymous gift and has grown to over $18,000. It was established to enhance the mission of Christ Lutheran Church over a longer period of time and offer the ability to give gifts in perpetuity. The fund will be primarily in a growing stage until its assets reach $50,000. As the fund grows, only income from the fund will be used, so gifts given once can keep giving year after year. Donations to the Endowment Fund can be made in memory or honor of someone. Gifts of $10,000 or more may be named for an honoree. In addition, a scholarship is offered from the fund each year to a graduating senior from the congregation. Endowment Gifts will create new opportunities in the following areas of ministry. Examples are given:
- Faith Nurturing - Sunday School, youth ministry, day camps, scholarship funds, summer intern
- Outreach - Missionary programs, Habitat for Humanity, new member programs, Bethphage
- Support - Administration and resources, preschool, nursery
- Worship and Music - Hymn books, chairs, new music, leadership positions
- Capital Projects - Debt retirement, renovations and improvements, church van, new facilities
How can I give?
Legacy and Endowment giving can be done many different ways. Some have significant tax savings for the donor. When appropriate, please consult with your tax advisor and/or attorney. Legacy gifts (memorial and honor gifts) are given to "Christ Lutheran Church Legacy Fund" with a note detailing what the gift is to be used for. Endowment gifts are given to "Christ Lutheran Church Endowment Fund." The donor is recognized in a special hand-calligraphied Book of Gifts, and with acknowledgment from the treasurer of the Board giving thanks for the special gift, which serves as a tax receipt. If the gift is made in honor of a living person, that person receives a special card informing them of the gift made in their honor.
Gifts may be given through Cash and Securities, Real Estate, Life Insurance, Charitable Gift Annuities, Trusts and Will. Brochures with detailed information are available at the hospitality desk in the narthex.
For more information contact one of the Legacy and Endowment board members:
Jeff Bergstrom
Heidi Jason
Walt Melcher
Margie Verson
Wedy Johnson (coucil liaison)
Debbie Kinsella (staff representative)
