The UUCV Endowment Fund

Planned Giving through a Charitable Bequest
Endowment Grant Application Form - word file
Endowment Grant Application Form - pdf form

Fund History
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Vancouver Endowment Fund was started in December 2000 with a generous donation by John and Nancy Bonner. In 2005, a $50,000 challenge grant given by the late Frank Steffes, was matched by members of the congregation to significantly increase the Fund balance. Because of the generosity and vision of these wonderful people, generations of our members will benefit.

Investments, Oversight & Grants
The UUCV Endowment Fund provides financing for future church projects much as an apple seed planted now will provide fruit for many generations.

UUCV members elect five Trustees who invest the donations made to the fund into a diversified portfolio. Over the years, these investments accumulate interest and dividend earnings that "grow" to provide increasing support for church projects.

Every year a portion of the earnings from these investments are available to the church through grants from the Endowment Fund. The first such grant was awarded to the music committee in 2006 to help produce a music CD.

Note: the UUCV Endowment Fund's principal (your donation) will never be spent unless a majority of the congregation's  members vote to use the money.

Tax Benefits
Any gift to the UUCV Endowment Fund provides an income or estate tax benefit. Certain gifts will provide an immediate tax benefit, while others will reduce a taxable estate. Since these rules are complex, you should consult your tax advisor for details.

How You Can Give

Direct Gift—You can contribute cash, check, appreciated stocks, or other property.

Estate Plan Gift—You can designate the UUCV Endowment Fund to receive money or property in your will.

Memorial Gift—At the time of an individual's death, you may invite friends and family to give to the UUCV Endowment Fund in lieu of flowers or other remembrances. Gifts in memory of loved ones may be given at any time.

Birthday and Anniversary Club—Each month the fund Trustees offer a cake after services to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. We encourage you to contribute each family member's age in dollars in their birthday month, and your years of marriage in the month of your anniversary.

Note: You may direct your gift and the earnings from it to any of several categories, including Generally Restricted (with UUCV Endowment Fund Trustees designating disbursements of earnings), Unrestricted (with the UUCV Board designating disbursements of earnings), Religious Education, Music/Arts/Humanities, or Social Action. If you have a different restriction in mind, speak to the UUCV Endowment Fund Trustees.

Recognition: The Bonner-Steffes Circle
Donors to the UUCV Endowment Fund who contribute a cumulative amount of $1000 or more will have their names placed on a plaque in the foyer, commemorating their generosity.

We encourage you to give generously to the UUCV Endowment Fund. Your lasting gift provides a legacy for future generations of our members.

For questions, please contact Trustee, Ken Nitta. All of the UUCV Endowment Fund Trustees are listed in the church directory.

Endowment Fund Policy