The CUC Endowment Trust Fund allows individuals to fund vital ministries of the church that are beyond the reach of our regular operating budget. They may include capital improvements to our facilities as well as special programs in religious education, music and social outreach.
In an endowment, your gift is invested by the Trust Fund to create a continuing revenue stream. This pays for programs and capital improvements for years to come, not only ensuring the continued progress of our congregation but preserving the memory and recognizing the life of the donor far into the future.
Giving to the Fund
Your gift to CUC can take many forms, all of which benefit your religious home.
Current Gifts
To honor or in loving memory of family members or friends
To celebrate special occasions and life events
To provide long-term support for special ministries close to the heart of the donor
Simple Bequest
Your attorney can help you include a bequest to CUC in your will. Bequests may take the form of a gift of a certain dollar amount, a specific share of your estate, securities, real or personal property, or the proceeds of life insurance.
Contingent Bequest
You may also make your bequest "contingent," meaning that the amount provided to CUC depends on circumstances. Two of the most common con¬tingent bequests established in the wills of donors include:
- Providing that all or a portion of your estate be used first to provide a life income for one or more beneficiaries, donated to CUC only upon the death of those beneficiaries.
- Providing that the bequest to CUC would take effect only if the other beneficiaries of your estate die before you do.
Your bequest or donation may qualify for deductions on Federal income tax owed by you or your estate. You should consult with your financial advisor to determine the right approach to making your gift to Central Unitarian Church.
CUC honors donors who contributed $1,000 or more by listing their names on the Endowment Trust Fund plaque at the entrance to the Sanctuary.
Gifts to Endowment Versus a Member's Annual Pledge
An annual pledge helps CUC pay its current operating costs, from salaries to heating to the expenses of our worship services. A gift to the Endowment Trust Fund is a pledge to the future health and well-being of the congregation. Rather than being consumed by day-to-day operations, your gift is invested, and the income from that investment contributes to our congregation year after year. The gift of your spirit lives on not only in memory but in programs and improvements that will benefit future generations.
Fund Management
CUC's Endowment Trust Fund is managed by six volunteer Trustees. They receive no compensation for their services. The By-Laws of the Trust require them to manage the fund in order to preserve principal while providing interest and dividend income to fund the ministries of CUC.