Endowment Ministry

WHAT IS THE ENDOWMENT FUND?

The Christ Greensboro Endowment Fund serves as a platform for members, their relatives, and friends to contribute gifts that will support the church's future missions and ministries. This fund is designed to be permanent, with invested money generating growth, earnings, and interest over time. This long-term commitment provides financial support for the church and future generations. Annually, a portion of the fund's earnings is allocated by the committee towards missions and ministries both within Christ Greensboro and beyond. In the past, disbursements have aided organizations such as UMAR, which assists developmentally disabled adults, the Dominican Republic Mission Project, and various music ministries. These disbursements are separate from the annual operating budget, allowing Christ Greensboro to have a broader impact on missions and ministries beyond what the annual budget supports.

REQUEST DETAILS

The deadline for submitting a request for an Endowment grant for 2024 is November 30. We will not be able to consider requests submitted after this date until the next awards period.

To assist groups and ministries applying for Christ United Methodist Church Endowment grants, the following priorities and procedures guide the decision-making process:

  • Priority is typically given to new, innovative projects with a sustainability plan, if applicable.

  • The Endowment generally funds projects for up to two years, with the option to re-apply.  Contact the Business Manager for further details.

  • The Endowment supports ministries not included in the church's annual budget and usually does not fund ministries with designated funds. Exceptions may be made with committee permission, though this does not guarantee funding.

  • Building and grounds requests must be approved by the Trustees, and all grants should have the consent of the appropriate Ministry Area Team. Applicants can consult a Christ Greensboro staff member to identify the relevant team.

  • The Christ Church Endowment Fund is kept separate from the regular church operating account. The Fund uses the socially responsible investment services of the Methodist Foundation of the Western North Carolina Conference.

  • Outright Gifts: Donate cash, stocks, bonds, etc., no gift is too small.

    Wills and Trusts: Leave a lasting legacy by including Christ Church in your estate planning

    Beneficiary Designations: Include the church as a beneficiary of an IRA, an insurance policy, or some other asset

    Charitable Gift Annuities or Charitable Remainder Trusts: Provide an income for your life plus allow you to leave a legacy with Christ Church

    Memorials: These allow an opportunity to provide a legacy to the church to honor a loved one. Other opportunities include inheritances, life insurance proceeds, windfalls, business sold, etc.

  • Yes, or you can allow the Endowment Committee to designate. There are several initial designated categories for contributions:

    Missions, both internal and external

    Building and grounds

    Scholarships (Church or Ministry Related)

    General (for unbudgeted special needs and ministries as approved by the Trustees, Finance Committee, and Administrative Council)

    Friends of the Fisk

  • Give to the Endowment online by selecting “Endowment Fund” from the dropdown menu.

    Contact Our Business Manager, Samantha Charlet at scharlet@christgreensboro.org or 336-299-1571 ext. 310 if you have any questions.