The purpose of the Endowment Fund is to enhance the work of the church by supporting the ministries of our congregation both at home and nationally. Immanuel’s Endowment Fund is used exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. This fund shall not be operated for profit but shall be operated exclusively for charitable purposes.

An endowment fund is a donor restricted gift that is not spent immediately but invested in a diversified investment portfolio. Annual distributions from the endowment funds are used to provide a source of ongoing financial support for Immanuel. The endowment fund committee makes recommendations to the church council and church membership on how the annual distribution from the fund should be utilized.

The Endowment Fund Committee plans and carries out an annual program to inform congregation members of the benefits of Christian giving and the purpose of the Endowment Fund. It will encourage members of the congregation to meet with WELS Christian giving counselors to discuss their planned gifts. The Endowment Fund Committee will utilize the resources of WELS Ministry of Christian Giving.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PLANNED GIVING?

• Joy: Arrange to benefit the area of the Lord’s work that is closest to your heart, including mission work, school, or other ministry.
• Encourage stewardship: Additional gifts may be added to a donor designated endowment by family or congregational members.
• Ongoing funding: The fund you establish in your donor designated endowment can plan to receive annual distributions to support their ministry.
• Immanuel’s Endowment Fund managed by the WELS Foundation provides the necessary administration freeing Immanuel from the administrative burdens of an endowment fund.