Thoughts on Giving to the Endowment Fund
The Permanent Endowment Fund of Bethany UMC
Vision: “A future filled with Promise and Hope” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Purpose: The primary purpose of the Endowment Fund is to meet Bethany’s emerging needs and opportunities that are not funded through the annual operating budget.
Goal: The goal of the Bethany Endowment is to enable our members and friends to expand their vision of stewardship.
Objective: The objective of the Endowment Fund is to raise sufficient funds to support an annual distribution for Bethany’s ministries.
What is the Permanent Endowment Fund?
The Bethany United Methodist Church Permanent Endowment Fund is a financial asset, held by the Church, where the principal remains intact and the income generated by its investments will be used for ministries.
In November 2017 the Charge Conference approved a new charter for a Permanent Endowment Fund and Committee and also approved a Gift Acceptance Policy for the church. The Permanent Endowment Fund seeks to build on the work of many faithful members over the years to shape a future of hope for the Bethany community.
The Endowment Committee has been at work since the beginning of 2018 to fashion a strategic plan to fulfill the Vision of the Fund. The Vision for the Endowment Fund is grounded in Jeremiah 29:11: “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope”. No matter what challenges lie ahead, while we may not know what the future holds, we know who holds the future. In this small way the Endowment Fund allows us to invest in ministries that are yet to be revealed.
Ways to support the Permanent Endowment Fund
Bequest in Will
Defer a gift until after your lifetime by naming the church in your will. You can designate a specific percentage (tithe your estate), or designate a specific amount or a share of the residue.
Gifts of Appreciated Stock
Contribute long-term appreciated stock or other securities benefits the church while avoiding tax on capital gains.
Gift of Retirement Assets
If you are 70 1/2 or older, by directing a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA directly to Bethany you can avoid paying tax on that distribution.
Life Insurance
Contribute a life insurance policy you no longer need or make the church the beneficiary of your life insurance policy.
Outright gifts of Cash
This is a convenient way to support the endowment in any amount. No gift is too small.
Mid-Atlantic Faith Foundation
The assets of the Bethany Permanent Endowment Fund are currently invested with the Mid-Atlantic Faith Foundation, which was established to foster and support benevolent ministries in the name of Jesus Christ. The Foundation is incorporated under the Nonprofit Corporation Law of Pennsylvania exclusively for charitable purposes and is intended to be a public charity under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 as a 501(c) non-profit corporation.
The Foundation was established to assist congregations in meeting their investment and stewardship goals. Pooling the resources and potential of more than 348,000 United Methodists in 1,400 area churches, the Foundation provides professional, personalized consultations to enable our church to grow our assets while minimizing risks. Through the Foundation, each of the socially responsible investments is screened to ensure it is in keeping with United Methodist values and principles.
QUESTIONS?
The Endowment Committee Members:
Doug R., Chair
Jennifer M., Vice Chair
Judi R., Secretary and Trustees Representative
Keith B., Memorials Committee Representative
Karen B., Member at Large
Ken C., Member at Large
Andrew C., Senior Pastor