11/1/23 Update: So far we are half way to our goal of $250,000 when we can start making use of the funds. Will you help use reach our goal by making a contribution?
WUUC, in conjunction with the UUA Common Endowment Fund, invites you to contribute to long-term support of the mission of the church through contributions to the WUUC Endowment Fund. If you have any questions, or would like to meet with a member of the Endowment committee, please contact the church office at office@wuuc.org or a member of the Endowment Committee (see below).
What is an Endowment?
The purpose of an endowment is to be a permanent fund for enhancing WUUC’s mission. The principal of the fund is invested long term and the earnings are spent once the principal balance reaches critical mass. An endowment can serve many significant purposes. It could be a source for short-term funding of an activity WUUC would not be able to fund otherwise, or a means to take advantage of unusual major opportunities for growth or service, or even as a source of financial backup in case of major emergency.
The Endowment’s monies are managed as part of the UUA’s Common Endowment Fund and the amount of money available is based on invested principal. The UUA’s Fund provides a diversified, socially responsible method of investing, with low administrative cost and professional management.
Contributions to the Endowment Fund can be made as part of planned giving, part of estate planning by designating WUUC as a beneficiary, or as a direct gift to WUUC designated for the endowment fund.
Who is on WUUC’s Endowment Committee and what is their role?
The Endowment Fund is overseen by the five-member Endowment Committee elected by the WUUC membership. Endowment Committee members can serve up to two consecutive three-year terms. Article XIV of the WUUC Bylaws [insert link to bylaws document] provides more information about the Endowment Committee’s election and responsibilities, and about Endowment Fund distributions.
The Endowment Committee focuses on building current and future funds. The committee members help to recruit and recognize endowment donors.
During the 2023-2020 church year, the members of the Endowment Committee are Chuck Bean, Johna Ebanks, Stephana Dittzler, and Linda McCrystal.
Why should I contribute to the WUUC Endowment Fund?
Income from the fund can be used for special projects or programs that we would not otherwise be able to support. The principal could also be used in an emergency situation with the approval of the congregation.
What are the advantages of being part of the UUA Common Endowment?
The UUA’s fund already operates with carefully considered social responsibility guidelines, with a good track record for return on investment, and liquidity and security for our funds. Should the need arise, cash could be made rapidly available from previously invested funds.
When will distributions from the WUUC endowment start?
WUUC sets the policies for taking distributions from the endowment and members can change the policies if needed. Our bylaws state that after the endowment fund grows to $250,000 we may start to take annual distributions up to 5% of the fund value. The congregation will have a say in how the endowment distribution is spent.
The WUUC Endowment Fund started in 2010. The balance as of the start of the 2019-2020 fiscal year was $54,324. Over $355,000 has been committed in legacy gifts to be received in the future.
I am not rich. Is there a minimum amount for a contribution?
No, any contribution amount is welcome. Gifts to the WUUC Endowment Fund can be outright (given now), pledged over the next several years, or part of your estate plan.
How could I include WUUC in my estate plans?
Legacy or planned gifts to Woodinville Unitarian Universalist Church can take many forms. The most common are:
- Including a bequest in your will
- Designating the church to receive a portion or all of your IRA or other retirement or financial accounts
- Naming the church as a recipient of your Donor Advised Fund, if you have one
- Including the church as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy
- Naming the church as a beneficiary of a charitable gift annuity.
WUUC is a 501(c)(3) charity and its Federal Tax ID number is 91-1531178. The official mailing address is: Woodinville Unitarian Universalist Church, P.O. Box 111, Woodinville, WA 98072.
If you are considering making a current or future Endowment Fund commitment, please complete this form so we can recognize your generosity.
For more information on considering planned gifts to support our congregation or the UUA, please go to plannedgiving.uua.org.
What is the Kimbrough Legacy Circle?
Donors that make an outright and/or planned gift for the Endowment Fund with a value of $10,000 or more are recognized as members of the Kimbrough Legacy Circle. Their names are etched on glass leaves and hang on the Endowment Fund tree in WUUC’s foyer.
Wake Now Our Vision Campaign
The UUA and all of its member congregations were able to participate in the Wake Now Our Vision Legacy Campaign that ended in 2018. Several donors participating in the challenge designated WUUC for legacy gifts totalling over $355,000. WUUC received $35,500 in matching funds added to the WUUC Endowment Fund in 2019 and 2020.