THE PLYMOUTH ENDOWMENT FUND

Introduction

Since 1903, Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ has ministered to the needs of many people in the community of Madison, Wisconsin. Whether it is through worship, Christian education, fellowship, community outreach, or international mission, Plymouth has been a special place of blessing for many persons over the years, and it remains so for an increasing number today.

To ensure that future generations also may benefit from the ministries provided by Plymouth Church, the congregation established the Endowment Fund on January 20, 1991.

What is the Endowment Fund?

The word “endow” means “to enrich.” The purpose of an endowment fund is to enrich the body of Christ through the faithful stewardship of the gifts God has given us. The purpose of the Endowment Fund, therefore, is to enrich the mission and ministry of Plymouth Church and to ensure the financial stability of our congregation, while providing a most appropriate opportunity to establish permanent, living tributes to family members and loved ones through estate planning, gifts, and bequests.

The Endowment Fund perpetuates the funds gifted to it and provides that all principal amounts will be retained and only the income expended. Only upon the occasion of a significant event, such as the construction of our accessible building addition, may the congregation, by a two-thirds vote, authorize the principal to be utilized.

The Endowment Fund is separate from the annual operating budget and annual stewardship giving.

The Fund has grown and will continue growing with time to be an enriching and endowing benefit in the 21st Century.

Who Administers the Endowment Fund?

The Endowment Fund Committee consists of three members of Plymouth church who administer the fund. The congregation elects the committee members to a three-year term. In addition, the Moderator and Chair of the Board of Trustees serve on the committee. The Pastor and Church Treasurer also serve as ex officio members. The committee reports to the Church Council on a quarterly basis and to the congregation at the annual meeting.

How is the Endowment Fund Invested?

Since the Fund’s inception in 1991 through a member’s substantial bequest, an account has been established with professional financial advisors/managers for the purpose of investing the gifts in the Endowment Fund. The funds are held in perpetuity and are wisely, prudently and socially responsibly managed by the Endowment Committee.

How are Gifts Administered?

Designated gifts: If a will or instructions accompanying a gift designate a purpose for which the gift is to be used, then the gift will be used accordingly.

Undesignated Gifts: Funds received as undesignated gifts will be distributed 75% to the Endowment Fund, 15% to the Board of Trustees, and 10% for outreach as determined by the Board of Social Concerns.

How is the Income from the Fund Distributed?

Income from the Fund is distributed annually, and any unused interest funds at the end of each year revert to the principal of the Endowment Fund. The Church Council, the Board of Social Concerns, and the Endowment Fund Committee each administer one-third of the annual interest.

Community Service and Outreach: Funds are distributed to programs and services through social services, community action groups, and ecumenical agencies related to the spiritual, social, and economic needs of those in the community Plymouth Church serves.

Christian Education, Worship, and Music: Grants are made for special programs for children, youth, and adults enabling them to grow in their Christian faith. Funds are provided for church camps, retreats and conferences. Grants are awarded to enhance worship, the ministry of music, and to beautify the sanctuary that enriches and inspires our worship life as a community.

Wider Mission of the UCC: Monies are distributed to provide for the work of the United Church of Christ in the United States and overseas in such areas as new church development, professional leadership, educational ministries, work missions, evangelism, and to participate in UCC international partnerships.

Ways to Make a Personal Gift

Outright Gifts

The simplest way to participate is to make a gift during your lifetime. Usually there are tax advantages for such gifts. Some examples of these gifts are cash, securities, charitable gift annuities, and real property such as a house or land. Consider honoring family members on anniversaries, birthdays and other special occasions.

Bequest by Will

This is a simple way to fill the void when you depart by including the Endowment Fund in your Will. Such a bequest may have important tax benefits for your estate. A bequest can be created with a statement in your Will as simple as, “I give 10% of my adjusted gross estate to the Endowment Fund of Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, Madison.” Consider an amount to at least sustain your present pledge in perpetuity.

Life Insurance

The Endowment Fund can be named the beneficiary of your present or new life insurance policy. The premium you pay may be tax deductible.

Creation of a Charitable Trust

Trusts, either living or under a Will, can be written to cover many situations. Trusts can provide for your financial needs, those of designated others, and eventually pay the principal or income to the Endowment Fund.

Charitable Gift Annuity through the United Church Foundation

A charitable gift annuity allows you to make a gift, yet receive an income from the gift principal as long as you live. Upon your death, the principal then becomes a gift to the Endowment Fund. Gift minimums are $1,000.

How Can I Find Out More About the Endowment Fund?

If you would like to speak to someone about the Endowment Fund, or would like more information about "Ways to Give," write to us at: