WHAT IS THE ENDOWMENT FUND?

This summer I was nominated to join the Endowment Committee and have been pleased to learn what is has accomplished these last several years. I want to share what I’ve learned with you!

Did you know that the Endowment Committee was established in 1994 to provide funds to be used to enhance both the physical spaces of our Fellowship as well as our programming. Contributions are invested to ensure the future financial security of the Fellowship and to provide for special projects in education, social justice and outreach. All funding is from donations.

In addition to donations in memory of deceased members, individuals, families and friends of the Fellowship may honor a special occasion such as a birthday, anniversary, wedding, etc. Other donations come from bequests in people’s wills. And if you wish to make or update your deferred gift acknowledgement, there are blank forms on the table in the entry to the Meeting Room.

Every January applications from the congregation are submitted to utilize the interest from the fund for a special project which the Endowment Committee will select and the Board of Trustees will approve. Grants that have been funded in years past include:

• Project Jump Start, a public relations vehicle

• Repairing and painting the windows at the front of the Fellowship building.

• Refreshing the Memorial Garden including plantings, pruning and clean-up.

• Purchase of patio furniture outside Chu Hall

• Upgrading the furniture in the Family Room of the Mansion

• Children’s science program “Biochemistry Literacy for Kids”

In addition, last spring the Committee hosted a program with an estate attorney and a financial manager who spoke about wills and future directives. Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated and acknowledged.

They may be made online at MUUF.org or placed in the Sunday collection basket with the designation to the Endowment Fund.

– Elizabeth Bain