What is the purpose of Trinity’s Endowment Fund?
The Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund was established by the congregation on Jan. 26, 2020. The fund was begun with a gift from long-time member Elsie Marklund. Elsie was a member of Trinity from her childhood until she passed away in August of 2017.
The purpose of the Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund is to encourage Christian stewardship and to enhance the ministry of the congregation. The Endowment Fund (“the Fund”) is an account that can hold funds from both current and estate gifts, from which distributions are made for ministry. Ideally, the principal of the Fund grows over time, primarily from additional gifts, but also from investment returns, as distributions are made from the earnings of the fund.
The Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund is managed by the Endowment Committee according to the Endowment Fund By-Laws. The Endowment Committee is made up of 4 members which reports to the Church Council and the congregation. The committee also reviews annual applications for fund distribution and makes recommendations to the Church Council and the Congregation. Annual distribution of funds must be approved by the council and accepted by the congregation at the annual meeting or other specially called meeting.
What is the difference between the Endowment Fund and a Memorial?
A gift to the Endowment Fund is added to the principal invested currently and enables the congregation to distribute a percentage of the fund interest every year. An Endowment Fund gift is long term, enabling the congregation to benefit from the gift for many, many years.
A gift to a Memorial Fund is often meant to be spent entirely for a specific project or program. A Memorial gift is short term, allowing the congregation to complete a specific task.
Both Endowment and Memorial gifts can be given in memory or in honor of a loved one or to commemorate an event.
How can I contribute funds?
Any individual or entity may contribute. If you would like to contribute to the Endowment fund, please contact a member of the Endowment Committee or the Pastor. The goal is to work closely with the donor to be sure the gift’s purpose is met.
How can I apply for funds?
Any individual or congregational group may apply for or recommend a cause or program to receive funding for ministry. Requests are made by completing an Application for Endowment Funds.
Endowment Committee Members:
Wayne Kendrick: Chair (until 2025 annual meeting)
Christine Anderson: Secretary (until 2024 annual meeting)
Kris Mattson: (until 2024 annual meeting)
Council Representative: (Lacy Sellent until 2024 annual meeting)
