Why Does the Church Have Endowment Funds?

By Rev. David Wiggs, Chief Advancement Officer

Someone raised this question with me recently.  Before I answer that question, let me back up and explain what constitutes an endowment gift.

An endowment gift is a donation which preserves the original principal while allowing it to grow over time. These funds are invested and held in perpetuity, with a percentage of the earnings from the funds distributed annually. These funds underwrite a wide variety of mission and ministry provided by Boston Avenue United Methodist Church.

So, an endowment gift is a gift that keeps on giving year after year to spread the Gospel. Through this ongoing source of income, endowment gifts sustain churches vital ministries, including children and youth programs, scholarships, facility maintenance, and missional outreach.

So now, to answer the first question. We have endowment funds to fulfill our call to serve faithfully in the name of Christ in this place year after year.

Having endowment funds provides reliable and enduring resources, ensuring that we can continue to serve with excellence. They support long-term ministry efforts, strengthen outreach, and help expand the impact of God’s work.

Our endowments create greater stability and growth, allowing us as a church to plan confidently for the future while staying deeply engaged in day-to-day ministry. We have many endowments, but there are three that lead the way.  

Our biggest endowment is our General Endowment Fund which can be used for any religious purpose the church determines as worthy. Our next largest is our Building Endowment which focuses on supporting our building maintenance and renovation efforts. The newest of these three is our Missions Endowment. It funds our many efforts in serving others beyond the congregation. 

If you would you like to leave an endowment gift, but need help or encouragement you can contact me, at davidwiggs@bostonavenue.org or join us for the next seminar at the church on Sunday, September 20 at noon; come for lunch and enjoy the fellowship, presentation, and have your questions answered.  Write me or call the church to make a reservation.