Endowment Funds for The Evangelical Lutheran Church of The Holy Trinity

Cocoa and Granada Avenues        Hershey, PA 17033

Endowment Fund – An investment fund in which regular withdrawals from the invested capital are used for ongoing operations or other specified purposes.

 

Questions and Answers

Q: Should I donate to the general operating budget, a designated capital campaign or to an endowment fund?

A: The choice is yours. Gifts to the general operating budget will be utilized based upon the present spending plan or need of the Congregation; gifts to a designated capital campaign would support that specific fund drive; while gifts to an Endowment Fund could support a myriad of different activities through the use of principal, income, gains, etc. throughout the life of the Fund. (see Use of funds)

 

Q: What types of gifts can I make to the endowment funds?

A: Gifts can be from various sources such as cash, stocks, bonds, life insurance policies, bequests, estates, etc.

 

Q: Do I need to designate my gift for the restricted or unrestricted endowment fund?

A: You should designate your gift if you have a preference.  However, all undesignated donations to the endowment fund will be placed within the unrestricted endowment fund.

 

Q: Where can I get more information?

A: Contact a Church Official who will put you in contact with someone who can answer your question or contact the office for Holy Trinity’s Endowment Fund Policy.

Summary of the Differences between the Restricted and Unrestricted Endowment Fund (see Endowment Policy for details)

 

Restricted Endowment Fund

Use: Supports non-routine expenditures in the local area. Shall not be used as collateral for any congregational loans.

Principal Restrictions: First donations of $150,000 (principal) cannot be used except if Holy Trinity ceases to exist.

Disbursement of Funds: Only income can be disbursed while the principal remains below $150,000, up to an amount of 4% of principal (based on 3yr average of market value) could be disbursed above $150,000 annually.

 

Unrestricted Endowment Fund

Use: Support ongoing Christian ministries: such as special ministries, community and emergency appeals, and special congregational projects.

Principal Restrictions: None

Disbursement of Funds: In general up to 4% of principal (based on 3yr average of market value) could be disbursed annually; however, all funds could be disbursed at any time given the proper authorization process (see Constitution).

 

Management of Funds

Both funds will be managed by an outside investment firm with Finance Committee overseeing performance of the funds and recommending disbursements.  Requests will be handled by Extended Ministries and approved by Congregational Council.