Endowment Disbursement Committee

	Steve Herwig

News flash!  Did you know or remember that First Unitarian has an Endowment Fund?

Yes, indeed, it does.  The Endowment Fund is a way to ensure the long-term health of our church.  Until the principal of the Endowment Fund reaches $600,000-more than three times its current value-it may not be touched.  In the meantime, however, 85% of the earnings (interest and dividends) each year can be spent on capital improvements to Church Properties, other than those included in the regular church budget, and the retirement of any long-term indebtedness.  Some past uses of Endowment Fund earnings include the metal stair railing to the auditorium stage, the lighting in Channing Hall, and the lighted sign on the northwest corner.  The Building and Grounds Committee is currently working on finding energy-efficient, aesthetic lighting for the Mary Safford Room using Endowment Fund earnings. 

How can you help?

Members and friends can contribute to the Endowment Fund in many ways.  Check with an Endowment Disbursement Committee member as well as your attorney/financial planner if  you would like to learn more about planned giving to the Endowment Fund.  Also, check this site again:  Seminars will be offered from time to time.

Here are some thoughts from one of the Endowment Fund's ongoing donors:

"Often during meditation time in a church service I'm aware of  the history of our congregation, and the legacy that those who have gone before us have left...  I'm immensely grateful and hope to have this church continue to be an influence in our community in the coming years.  Besides keeping up with current needs, it is important to have an endowment fund working for us.  It is our turn to insure First Unitarian's future with such a fund.  For each of the last ten years I have chosen to give $1000 to this fund and expect to continue to do so as long as I am able.  I invite you to contribute as you are able."... Gwen Peterson