Overview
The Endowment Fund of Eaton Rapids United Methodist Church was established in 1994 as part of a long-range plan to provide for the continued vitality of First Church's mission and ministry for generations to come. Donations to the Fund are invested and held in perpetuity, while the income the Fund produces is carefully restricted for only two purposes: 85% is to be used to assure that the Church's facilities are maintained into the future, and 15% is designated for special program needs, training, scholarships, and missions. Neither income nor principal may by used for general operating expenses, which must be and should be paid primarily from the ongoing regular offerings of committed Church members and constituents.

The Need to Maintain Facilities
First Church is blessed with a beautiful and historic building as well as comfortable and convenient residences for its pastors and staff. However, the requirements and opportunities of the twenty-first century will take an ever- increasing share of each Sunday's collection to maintain and improve these ever aging facilities. Some may even argue that the present property needs of the Church already consume too much of what is needed in other areas of ministry, such as staff, evangelism, music, and missions. By providing an income source for major maintenance and improvements, the Endowment Fund helps assure sufficient funding for the Church's entire ministry in the years to come.

A Perpetual Remembrance
The Endowment Fund is the obvious choice for someone who wants their donation to the Church to have a continued impact upon future generations. Because only the income from their donation can be used, it is "the gift that keeps on giving." It perpetuates the donor's benevolence far beyond the year in which it is given.

Types of Gifts
The Endowment Fund is uniquely suited for the donor who wishes to do more to fund the ministry and mission of the Church than to only give a portion of their income. It is the ideal recipient for major donations of all kinds, such as life insurance, bequests, appreciated securities, and other property--even real estate. Although the Finance Committee must review all non-cash gifts prior to acceptance, proposals for such gifts are encouraged. The Finance Committee is prepared to work with the donor and the donor's financial consultants to maximize the tax or other financial planning advantages of making these types of gifts. Intended gifts merely need to be designated for the "First United Methodist Church Endowment Fund."

Recognition
Unless anonymity is requested, the name of each donor to the Endowment Fund is permanently recorded in the Endowment Book of Remembrance and published to the Congregation annually in a list of all donors for the year. The amount of any gift will remain confidential, unless waived by the donor.

The Sooner the Better
To assure that the Endowment Fund can truly provide the kind of income to make the impact for which it was created, distributions of income cannot be made until the Fund has reached a value of $150,000. Therefore, the sooner the Fund receives sizable contributions, the sooner interest can begin compounding and the sooner the Fund can begin serving its purpose.

For More Information
If you would like to receive a copy of the Church Conference Resolution that created the Endowment Fund, or to make arrangements to speak with a member of the Finance Committee about this unique opportunity for stewardship, please contact the Church office.