There is no one else exactly like you. You have your own combination of interests, experiences, values, goals, and priorities that make you one of a kind. If you are exploring ways to make a personal, meaningful, and lasting impact on our mission, an endowment fund may be the answer. Whether you contribute a modest amount to an existing endowment fund or use a more significant gift to create your own endowment, this option lets you build a legacy and fulfill your charitable goals well into the future.

Many donors find endowment giving deeply satisfying. It reflects their long-term values and priorities in a concrete way. And for our organization, endowments are more than financial resources. The income they generate gives us the strength to handle rising costs, the adaptability to meet emergency needs, and the confidence that we will be able to continue our vital work no matter what lies ahead.

Whether you want to secure the future of a beloved program, honor someone special, or simply give back in a meaningful way, an endowment gift offers a powerful way to make a difference. In fact, it may result in a gift that’s larger, more satisfying, and more personally meaningful than you imagined possible.

An endowment is a fund established to provide income on a long-term (often permanent) basis. Your gift is combined with those of other forwardthinking donors who believe in building something that endures. The fund utilizes professional asset management to invest for growth. Then, we use only the income (or a stated percentage of the income) each year to support our work. This allows the original gift to stay intact and continue growing.

Not only does your gift make a difference for others, with an impact felt over decades or even generations, but it also helps us. It provides stability during times of change and challenge, ensures the continuation of critical areas of our mission, and facilitates long-term planning and program expansion.

An endowment gives you the ability to control how your gift is used. For example, the fund could be designated to a particular goal or mission, a certain position within the organization, a scholarship, equipment or technology expenses, or overhead expenses. Some endowments are left unrestricted to cover the areas of greatest need.

You can contribute to existing endowment funds during your lifetime with gifts of cash, appreciated securities, real estate, and more. Alternatively, you can direct a flexible future gift to the endowment of your choice through a gift in your will or a charitable beneficiary designation. You can even contribute through a charitable gift annuity, which provides a fixed lifetime income for you and/or someone else, with the remainder benefiting the endowment.

Contributing to an established endowment fund is an easy and meaningful way to make a lasting change—but it’s not the only option. If you would like to make a large, legacy-creating gift with a sizable cash donation or, more often, with a significant gift in your will, you can create your own endowment fund. This gives you the freedom to support and sustain the area that means the most to you and provides a way to permanently link your name (or the name of someone you love) to a mission you care deeply about.

If this idea interests you, please reach out to us so we can start a conversation about how to best meet your charitable goals.

Q: Can I add to an endowment over time?
A: Yes! Many donors choose to contribute regularly to an existing endowment fund or build their own endowed gift gradually—through a combination of lifetime and estate gifts (or with gifts from family and friends).

Q: What happens if the program or area I support changes in the future?
A: If the endowment is created for a specific purpose but circumstances change over time, we may need to redirect the assets to provide support in a way that most closely matches the original intent of the fund. For a named endowment that you create, we will work closely with your family or advisors to make sure the money will still be spent in a way that honors your intention.

Q: Is there a minimum contribution amount to create my own endowment?
A: While you can contribute any amount to an existing endowment fund, creating a new, named fund requires a more sizable contribution. This can be done through a current gift, a future gift in your will, or a combination of both. Reach out to discuss details, including the minimum contribution amount.

“The great use of a life is to spend it for something that outlasts it.” –William James

However you choose to make your endowment gift, the result is a perpetual and self-renewing donation. As the fund grows, so does its impact, helping us serve others far into the future.

Endowment gifts are deeply personal. If you’re considering a gift or just want to explore what’s possible, we’re here to help. Together, we can create a legacy that reflects your values and makes a lasting difference.