Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist – Palatine, IL

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Countryside Unitarian Universalist

Countryside’s Endowment Fund

Planning for CCUU's Future

Are you aware that Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist (CCUU) has an endowment fund? This fund was established several years ago as a way to assure funds for future needs of the congregation.
What is an endowment fund?

What is an endowment fund?

An endowment fund is an investment of assets—typically cash donations or securities—held by a non-profit entity, with the goal of providing long-term financial support to the organization. Typically, the principal amount is invested, with only a small portion of its earnings earmarked for annual spending. In that way, the fund remains financially stable.

A portion of earnings from CCUU’s endowment fund may be used to help further the growth of the congregation or for capital improvements or emergencies, as the endowment committee and the Board of Directors may identify.

Think of the endowment fund as a “rainy-day” bank account for CCUU’s future.

What does the endowment fund mean to you?

The endowment fund is an “insurance policy” to help safeguard the future of CCUU. But it is more than that. It can be your legacy—recognized on this website—to help ensure that CCUU endures long into the future.

How is CCUU's endowment fund managed?

A five-member endowment committee oversees the fund. The committee consists of five voting members with staggered five-year terms, who are elected at an annual business meeting. The senior minister and president of the board of trustees serve as non-voting members of the committee.

During 2025-26, the committee was chaired by Ed Monson, with members Bob Anders, Linda Segall, Kevin Christensen, and Margaret Myren. With the expiration of Ed’s term, Rene Ayo joins the other members of the committee on June 1, 2026.

How can you give to the endowment fund?

You can make donations now or later.

To donate now:

  • Write a check in any amount, earmarked to CCUU Endowment Fund;
  • Place a cash donation in the weekly collection (envelopes available at the church), with a notation “Endowment Fund”;
  • Donate an IRA-required minimum distribution directly to the fund; or
  • Contribute stocks or bonds directly from your account.

To donate later and establish your legacy to CCUU:

  • Designate a specified share or percentage of your estate;
  • Donate specific securities or properties; or
  • Establish a contingent bequest that takes effect under specific conditions. Please consult an attorney or financial advisor to assist your decision-making.

Click here to learn about specific giving information.

Why donate to the fund?

Donating to the endowment fund offers personal benefits:

  • Tax deductions. Donations qualify for a tax deduction. (Please consult your financial advisor.)
  • Celebrations and remembrances. Gifts can honor milestones, such as birthdays or anniversaries, or serve as memorials that allow a loved one’s legacy to continue supporting CCUU in perpetuity.
  • Recognition. Unless anonymity is requested, donations of $100+ will be recognized in perpetuity on the CCUU Endowment Fund webpage. Memorials and special recognition gifts will be acknowledged as such.

Donating to the endowment fund invests in our church's future!

CCUU’s Endowment Fund offers a powerful way to make a lasting difference for the future of our church. Every gift strengthens our ministries, sustains our mission, and ensures that our fellowship and faith will thrive for generations to come.

By supporting the Endowment Fund, you are investing in the life of CCUU as meaningfully as you do when you rally behind our service partners, such as the Time and Talent Auction and Music with a Mission.

Donate Now

What is the status of our endowment fund?

In May of 2026, the fund has reached a significant milestone—surpassing its initial goal target.

The committee is focused on the following priorities for the fund:

  • Monitor the UU CEF amid ongoing market volatility and provide recommendations as warranted
  • Distribute the Endowment Fund Brochure broadly to raise congregational awareness of the fund and contribution opportunities
  • Continue growing the fund and engaging members in planning their contributions

We look forward to the day the Endowment Fund delivers tangible benefits to the church. In the near term, our focus remains on steady growth and increasing awareness of how members can contribute—today or through planned giving.

Questions or suggestions? Contact us at Endowment@ccuu.org. We welcome your input.