The OUUC Endowment Fund was established in 2002, on the 50th anniversary of our congregation’s founding. It exists to carry our mission forward for future generations.
What Is the Endowment Fund?
The Endowment Fund is a long-term investment account. Gifts made to it are invested, and only the earnings on those investments are spent – the principal stays intact and keeps growing. As the fund grows, it produces a stream of income the congregation can count on year after year.
The fund is held with the UU Common Endowment Fund, which manages the investment pool according to UU values. It is separate from OUUC’s other accounts. Spending the earnings requires approval from both the Board of Trustees and the congregation, and the fund itself is administered by the Legacy Giving Committee under the Board’s direction.
How Is This Different from My Pledge?
Pledges to OUUC’s stewardship drive or a capital campaign fund are used directly for the purposes they are pledged to, the day-to-day costs of ministry, staff, program, and capital needs, such as intermittent building maintenance, repairs, and equipment.
The Endowment Fund is different in both timing and purpose:
| Stewardship Pledge | Capital Campaign | Endowment Gift | |
| Supports | This year’s operating budget | Specific building and capital needs | The congregation’s long-term future |
| When it’s spent | Within the fiscal year | As project costs come due | As approved by the congregation |
| Impact | Immediate | Time-limited, tied to a specific project or need | Ongoing, indefinite |
All matter, and none replace the others. Your pledge and gifts to Capital Campaigns keep the lights on and the church running today; your endowment gift helps make sure OUUC can continue to support our community for years to come.
How Are the Funds Used?
The Board of Trustees works with the congregation to identify programs and priorities worthy of support from the endowment earnings – the kind of investments that strengthen OUUC’s ministry well beyond a single budget cycle.
Ways to Give
You can give to the Endowment Fund in multiple ways, and several have tax or estate advantages. We encourage you to talk with your financial or legal advisor to find what fits your situation best. You may want to consider:
- Outright gifts — cash, checks, certificates of deposit, securities, charitable distributions from an IRA if you are over age 70-1/2, donor advised fund distribution, or other assets of value, given now.
- Memorial gifts — a gift to the Endowment Fund made in memory of a loved one.
- Bequests — include OUUC in your will, as a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a remainder after other bequests.
- Beneficiary designations — name OUUC as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement account, or assign OUUC as owner of a policy.
- Life income gifts — pooled income funds, trusts, or annuities that pay income to you or another beneficiary during your lifetime, with the remainder passing to the Endowment Fund.
Recognition
Gifts of $2,500 or more are recognized with an engraved leaf on the OUUC Giving Tree. You are welcome to reach that goal through installment gifts over time.
Ready to Learn More?
Contact the OUUC Congregational Administrator to talk through your options. If you’ve already included OUUC in your estate plans, you can let the Legacy Giving Committee know – we’d love to thank you.
