Building a Foundation for the Future
Our Endowment Funds
- WEBSTER GARDENS ENDOWMENT FUND: This unrestricted fund supports unbudgeted ministry projects that promote the church's mission, with preference to support Outreach and Capital Projects. Past grants have included Missions and Disaster Relief support, ministry speakers, and campus facilities projects.
- POOKER EDUCATION ENDOWMENT FUND: This restricted fund provides financial aid for students attending Lutheran primary and secondary schools, as well as assists students pursuing higher education degrees that prepare them for future work in the church.
- DONALD & FLORENCE CHRISTIANSEN TERM FUND: This restricted term endowment, which spends the principal donation as available through a specified term, provides funding to support new innovative ministry approaches and projects for Senior, Women's, and Traditional Worship ministries.
What is an Endowment?
Webster Gardens endowment funds are composed of unrestricted and restricted funds established by donors for various purposes. Funds are invested and managed by a team of qualified individuals who serve on our Endowment Board. Per the committee's policy for each fund, a percentage of the endowment called the 'spend rate' can be distributed each year toward projects that meet the fund's guidelines.
Gifts can be given to existing funds, or new funds can be established that meet criteria set by the Endowment Board. Unrestricted funds are the most valuable type of endowed funds, because they provide leadership the flexibility to apply funds to areas of most need, which may be very different tomorrow-and almost surely different 20 years from now-than they are today.
Endowments are powerful because they can provide a perpetual source of funding and stability the church may need to weather uncertainties and to provide opportunities for new ministries into the future.
LCWG Endowment Board
The Endowment consists of a chairperson elected by the congregation and a committee of appointed members who focus on three primary roles:
- MANAGE: To manage fund investments and risk to generate earnings for grants.
- PROMOTE: To encourage giving to Endowment Funds and Legacy gift planning.
- DISTRIBUTE: To review grant requests and distribute funds in compliance with endowment fund guidelines.
Types of Gifts: Donors can gift Cash, Real Estate, Stocks and Bonds, Personal Property, Life Insurance, and Planned Legacy gifts through a will or trust.
No gift is too small! Gifts can be pooled in existing or new funds. We can also connect donors with resources for free assistance with estate planning and legacy giving options.
Contact the church office at (314) 961-5275 to get connected with a member of the Endowment Board.