“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
– 1 Peter 4:10
The Bible teaches us that money is our servant and not our master, because only God is worthy of our worship. The Bible also teaches us that God’s blessings extend to future generations and emphasizes our role to build on what we have inherited. An endowment fund contribution reflects a donor’s gratitude for God’s blessings and faith in the future.
Since 1995, Westminster has been blessed to have the Westminster Endowment and Special Gifts Fund. Per its Declaration, the Endowment Fund “was created to enable and encourage individuals to extend their financial stewardship beyond their lifetimes, to further the ministry of Jesus Christ and to show gratitude for God’s blessings.”
One generation shall praise your works to another. –Psalm 145:4
Martin Luther said that every twenty years or so God builds a new church out of little children. We can pass our faith to the next generation, not only by teaching, but by the use of our resources. By remembering the church in our wills, providing even after our death for funds to be available for ministries or missions which were important to us in life, we can continue those things that make for faith.
A donation to the Endowment Fund provides funding for mission, property, and other needs as they arise. Designated gifts provide a vehicle to direct funds to the ministry area that is most closely aligned with the giver’s passions. Donations can be for funding special projects chosen by the Endowment Committee or for a particular purpose. General donations are held in perpetuity and the income allocated to projects each year.
Members are encouraged to donate to the fund during their lifetimes or with a charitable bequest. You may also want to explore other estate planning options, such as designating the church as the beneficiary of an insurance policy, savings bonds, appreciated stocks, IRA account, or charitable gift annuity. Please consult with your financial advisor with any of these giving options you would like to pursue.
Be sure to consult with your tax, financial, or investment professional about these options for giving to the Endowment.
The Endowment Fund was initiated in 1995.
Through the generosity of WPC’s members and careful investment management, the Endowment has grown from approximately $217,000 in 1994 to over $4 million in 2024.
Many gifts for special or “designated” purpose have been received and used over the years to improve the church’s programs.
Each year, according to its charter, the Endowment considers requests for funding for one-time needs that are outside the regular budget of the church.
If you’ve seen a need – within the church or in the wider community – that might be helped by a grant from the Endowment, you are encouraged to complete and submit an application for consideration.
No long, complicated proposals are needed. It’s just a simple form that gives the Endowment team what they need to see if funding can be made available. Typically, many good works are proposed so those seeking funding are encouraged to carefully consider the amount requested. That can allow as many requests as possible to be supported.
Applications are typically due at the end of March. We ask that you send these applications to one of the appropriate commission chairs of the church. Completed applications which have been vetted by a church commission should be emailed to Deborah Waller. You may also deliver them to the church office. If you have questions about submitting a request please contact Jo Forrest or any member of the Endowment Commission. There is help available to complete your form.