Endowment Application Form for Individuals

Endowment Application Form for Organizations

"Celebrate and Share Christ's Love" is the mission of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. The Gloria Dei Endowment Fund enables members of our congregation to continue this ministry now and beyond their lifetimes.

As God opens doors for serving others and celebrating Christ's love, our Church will need resources to support these opportunities.

The Gloria Dei Endowment Fund gives us all a way to provide that support and share God's love.

What is the Endowment Fund?

The congregation of Gloria Dei established the Gloria Dei Endowment Fund (the Fund) in 1993 to enhance the outreach of our Church. The Fund receives gifts and bequests that enable Gloria Dei to support programs beyond what is possible through the annual operating budget of the congregation.

The Fund is separate and distinct from the annual operating budget of the congregation.

How will income from the Fund be used?

Income from the Fund is used to enhance the mission of Gloria Dei by providing support in four key areas in equal distributions over a four year period:

• Missions
• Scholarships
• Outreach Programs
• Capital Improvements

What types of gifts can be made to the Fund?

The Endowment Fund can receive many forms of gifts and bequests. A few of the most common gifts are:

Cash & Securities - You may make an outright contribution of cash and securities (stocks/bonds) to the Fund. A cash gift can be made at one time or on a periodic basis. Gifts of appreciated stocks or bonds often provide significant tax advantages for the donor.

Real Estate - Real estate and other items of value may be given in consultation with the Endowment Fund Committee.

Life Insurance - You may consider making an outright gift of an existing life insurance policy or purchasing a new policy and naming the Fund as owner or beneficiary.

Charitable Gift Annuity - You may create an annuity to provide income for you or other persons, while gifting the Fund with a sizable amount.

Trust - A trust may be established with assets transferred to the trust and managed by a trustee of your choosing. The Fund could be a beneficiary of trust proceeds.

Will - You may make a bequest to the Fund through your will. This permits you to make a gift to the Church at your death and to determine the nature and extent of your gift.

How is the Fund administered?

The Fund is administered by a five-member Fund Committee elected by the Church congregation. The committee manages the assets of the Fund.

The Fund Committee allocates portions of the Fund income to support the four specific programs named in the Fund charter. No income from the Fund will be used to supplement operating expenses of the congregation.

Will memorials to Gloria Dei be placed in the Fund?

No. Only memorials that are specifically designated "for the Gloria Dei Endowment Fund" become part of the Fund.

Can I designate how my gift is to be used?

Yes. Donors may determine how their gifts are distributed by indicating which of the four key areas they wish to support. However, contributors to the Fund are encouraged to discuss their wishes with a member of the Endowment Fund Committee or a Pastor prior to making a final decision. Unrestricted gifts and bequests will be administered in accordance with guidelines established by the congregation.

How can I get more information about the Fund?

You can obtain more information and answers to your specific questions by contacting any member of the Endowment Fund Committee or the senior pastor through the Church office at 630-968-6231.

At your request, a Fund Committee member will confer with you about making a gift or bequest to the Gloria Dei Endowment Fund. Donors are encouraged to consult their attorneys when preparing or amending their wills or estate plans.