“A gift now….And for years to come”

Over 30 years ago, a group of visionary members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (HTLC) established the Endowment Fund as a means for congregants to provide a lasting legacy, to support the efforts of the congregation, and to spread the stewardship of the church, both the building and the mission. An Endowment Fund gift can be a perpetual and living memorial to the glory of God.

Gifts might celebrate happy occasions such as birthdays, weddings, baptisms and other joyous events, provide a memorial to a loved one, or reflect through a bequest in one’s will.

The Fund is invested for long-term goals and only the earnings from these investments are used to enrich congregational and community life. The principal of the Fund remains invested, so donations continue to give year after year.

The Endowment Fund allows Holy Trinity Lutheran Church to assist programs and projects that are beyond the usual Annual Budget titles. These may include church building related expenses, as well specific programs/ministry initiatives within the congregation. It also could include outreach into the local community or synod, and Church-wide ministries, like world hunger and global mission programs, thus spreading the mission of the Church into areas beyond our doors.

 

The Endowment Fund Purpose

To encourage, educate, motivate and assist the members of this congregation, and others, in the making of charitable gifts of an endowment nature. To use the investment earnings from the Fund to support programs and projects that will enrich and enhance the mission of HTLC.”

What types of gifts are possible?

  • Money
  • Securities
  • Insurance proceeds
  • Real or personal property
  • Individual retirement account distributions
  • Bequests in wills

When considering estate and investment gifts, it is wise to contact your financial advisor for guidance and then contact the Church by email or phone.  Gifts may be made anonymously. 

Who Administers the Fund?

The Endowment Fund Committee is made up of elected members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church who meet quarterly and may serve two consecutive three year terms. Committee members have fiduciary and/or extensive non-profit board experience.

 

The Grant Process

Any Holy Trinity Church member who wants to apply for a grant will fill out the application online and contact the committee by email. You can also call the church office by phone. Members of the Endowment Committee are available to talk to you about your grant possibility and can be reached through email or the church office.

Priorities will be for programs that are consistent with the purpose and priorities of the congregation:

  • Specific programs/initiatives within the congregation
  • Outreach into the local community or synod
  • Church-wide ministries, world hunger & global mission programs

Examples of recent Endowment Fund Grants

  • HTLC Sanctuary renovation
  • Students Attending Lutheran Colleges (Scholarships for two to three HTLC students each year)
  • HTLC Youth (Supported National Youth Gathering attendance and other HTLC youth programs)
  • Holden Village Audio visual/sound equipment for the Village Center
  • Community Loaves (To renovate HTLC Kitchen facility for breadmaking)
  • Wellspring Family Services (Funded furniture and other household necessities for those at risk of experiencing homelessness)
  • Friends of the Children (Supported professional mentors for youth ages 5-18 who are facing systemic barriers)
  • Children’s Book Project from Mercer Island (Books provided each quarter to 150 low income preschoolers)
  • Nyer Urness House (Purchased barista equipment for Barista training and future employment)