Give the Gift of a Lifetime
The Apostle Paul writes the Ephesian church about the broad array of gifts Christ has given each Christian to contribute in support of the church.
“But each of us were given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift .. . to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ ...”
(Ephesians 4: 7, 12)
First Presbyterian Existing Endowment Funds
Use of Endowment Funds
Endowment funds are used to support the mission of First Presbyterian Church.
Our endowment funds can generally be placed in three categories:
- Mission or benevolent related funds
- Building maintenance and repair funds
- General use (but non-operating) funds
In general, new contributions can probably fit into one of these existing funds. The Budget and Finance Committee will also review any gifts that include restrictions or designations as well as those that may entail some liability. The committee may refuse a gift if it will interfere with the church’s pursuit of its mission.
Responsibility for Endowment Funds
The Session is responsible for the use of endowment funds as part of its overall mission and budgetary responsibilities. Normally, the church targets spending no more than 5% of the beginning year’s balance of any fund in any one year.
Management of the Endowment Funds
Funds are managed by an outside investment counselor, selected and reviewed periodically by the Budget and Finance Committee of the Session. Investment results are reported to the Session on a regular basis at least annually.
Examples of Our Funds are
Ruby West Malphrus Endowment Fund
This fund provides for any need within or outside of the church, with the restriction that no funds can be used for the operating budget.
Rhesa Purnell Endowment Fund
This fund was established to provide for the needy without restrictions.
Bernard Greenewald Endowment Fund
Julia H. Lucas Endowment Fund
These funds are used for benevolent purposes, including scholarships for ministerial students.
Lula Abercrombie Endowment Fund
This fund provides for church facility maintenance.
First Presbyterian encourages its members to think not only about annual support of the church, but also how we can help maintain the church’s ministry in the long term. The pastors and members of the Budget and Finance Committee are always happy to discuss the full range of giving options, including cash, securities, real estate and other personal property, bequests through wills, life insurance policies, and charitable trusts.
Ways to Give |
Bequests under Will
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In your will you can leave a bequest to the church endowment. |
Charitable Trust
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A Charitable Trust is a tax-saving and effective way to transfer assets to your church while providing you with an income source.
There are several basic types of Charitable Trusts. Each type has different benefits. To determine which one is best for you, please talk with your tax or investment professional. |
Life Estate
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Real property is given to the church with the right of the owner to use or occupy the property for one’s life. These properties must be deeded to the church and individual areas of responsibility clearly defined. |
Insurance Policies
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Life insurance policies designating the church as primary, or partial, beneficiary are an excellent means of support. |
Direct gifts of stocks, bonds, and cash
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Stocks, bonds and cash, as well as real and personal property, may be given during your lifetime to the church to build an endowment fund. |
First Presbyterian’s endowment is one of the resources given to us by God to serve God and our neighbors. Our endowment has been built by the gifts of faithful church members to strengthen the work of the church.
These donors recognized the opportunity to give a gift that keeps giving, because investment returns magnify the impact of original gifts. Just as annual stewardship giving is a chance to return to God a portion of our annual income, contributions to the endowment provide a means to share the accumulated gifts which God has given us as durable support for First Presbyterian’s ministry.
Please contact Lynise Clarke, Church Financial Officer, at (864)208-2130/ lclarke@fpcspartanburg.org
for more information on giving to First Presbyterian Church.
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