Countryside’s Endowment Fund

June 5, 2024

Great news: Countryside Church’s Endowment Fund is close to $200,000 Goal!

First, what is CCUU Endowment Fund’s purpose?

The Fund is for the betterment and long-term survival of CCUU, and will be used for purposes consistent with the Vision and Mission of CCUU. A portion of the Endowment Fund’s interest may aid church operations and programs, and/or non-church charitable support. It is expected to operate in perpetuity.

How is the Endowment Fund doing?

CCUU’s Endowment Fund grew quickly during the last fiscal year, thanks to congregant donations and a rising market.  The Fund has $184,000 invested, closing in on the $200,000 goal for fiscal 2023-24 year. Thank you to all who gave donations this fiscal year, we are closer to our goal due to you!

With oversight by the Board of Directors and Controller, and following CCUU’s Bylaws, the Endowment Committee invests in two major accounts: the UUA Common Endowment Fund (CEF) and a Fidelity account. The CEF contains professionally managed investments including Impact and ESG (environmental/social/governance) funds. The Fidelity funds include Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW) and ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK). 

How can I give to the Endowment Fund and speed up the time when it assists CCUU operations, programs, and charities?

Gifting to this fund can be made at any time, and in any amount. Good times to consider gifting might be to recognize a milestone, holidays, or in honor of someone special.

We encourage you to consider making a contribution in the ways listed below. Please consult your accountant or financial advisor as these gifts may be tax deductible!

• Write a check to the CCUU Endowment Fund.
• Donate directly from an IRA required minimum distribution to CCUU.
• Include CCUU in your will and trust. Please let the church office know if you do, or have already done this.
• Donate securities (stocks or bonds) directly from your account.  

With future donations and prudent management of our funds, we can ensure CCUU stands for future generations. Please consider what you can contribute to the Endowment Fund for the church’s long-term financial health.

Warmly,  the CCUU Endowment Committee: Laura Corrigan, Karen Epps, Edward Monson, Peggy Simonsen, Craig Wydell

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July 5, 2023

Did you know that CCUU has an endowment fund? It is small but growing, and we need your help. We currently have about $110,000 invested, and the short-term goal for the next year is to reach $200,000.

The investment objective of the Endowment Fund is to preserve the capital investment and to maximize the return of invested assets while minimizing risks and expenses. This is done through prudent planning and investing, as well as the maintenance of a diversified portfolio. Wherever prudent, the Principles and Purposes of this congregation will be utilized in choosing investment vehicles. (We do not invest in individual stocks or bonds, only in managed funds.)

With oversight by the Board of Directors and Controller, and following CCUU’s Bylaws, the Endowment Committee invests in two major accounts: the UUA Common Endowment Fund, with professionally managed investments primarily in ESG (environmental/social/governance) for many UU churches, and Fidelity Funds, which are explicitly ESG screened. 

Gifting to the endowment fund can be made at any time. Good times to consider gifting might be to recognize a milestone (such as an anniversary) or in a loved one’s name for holidays or special events, or in honor of someone special.

We encourage you to consider making a contribution to CCUU’s fund in one of the following ways:

• Donate directly from an IRA required minimum distribution to CCUU and avoid being taxed on that amount.
• Include CCUU in your will and trust. Please let the church office know if you do or have already done this. (Don’t have a will? A will is a critical aspect of personal financial stewardship! Check with your lawyer or financial advisor about writing one.)
• Write a check to CCUU with ‘Endowment Fund’ on the memo and count it as a charitable donation for tax deduction.
• Donate securities (stocks or bonds) directly from your account and avoid having it count as income to be taxed.

Only when our fund reaches one million dollars will we be able to maintain the principle and withdraw interest for sustaining ongoing church operations and charitable support. That is a challenge, but continued contributions by congregants faithfully stewarding their lifetime assets will be critical to the future viability of our congregation. With donations and wise management of our funds for growth and interest, we can attain that goal. Please consider what you can contribute to the church’s long-term financial health.

CCUU Endowment Committee: Laura Corrigan, chair;  Edward Monson, Recording Secretary; Craig Wydell, Peggy Simonsen, and Karen Epps.