Endowment
“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”
– Nelson Henderson
What is the purpose of the Endowment Fund?
The UUCV Endowment Fund provides financial security for the Church and funds special projects for the benefit of the congregation. It also offers members the opportunity to make gifts which will benefit the church far into the future.
Up to 5% of the fund’s balance is awarded annually as grants to enhance the Church’s pursuit of its mission. Grant applications typically come from various church committees, but applications can also come from individual members of the congregation. Endowment grant applications are accepted from February through April of each year.
How can I give?
- Make a Direct Gift — You can contribute cash, checks, or other financial assets.
- Make a Memorial or Commemorative Gift — Gifts can honor a loved one or celebrate a milestone such as a birthday or anniversary.
- Make a Bequest — Include the fund in your will or estate plan or make the fund a beneficiary of your 401k or IRA. Every bequest donation is honored with an engraved copper leaf on the Endowment Legacy Tree in the church foyer.
You may direct that your donation be added to the Endowment general fund or specify that the Board of Trustees may use it as needed.
Donors who give $1,000 or more – as a single gift or cumulatively – become members of the “Bonner-Steffes Circle” and their names are added to the plaque in the foyer.
Are there tax benefits to donating?
Yes, there may be tax benefits. Because these rules are complex, you should consult a tax advisor for help.
How are the funds invested?
Our funds are invested in professionally managed accounts that are fully aligned with church and UUA socially responsible investing principles. The Trustees principally use the Unitarian Universalist Common Endowment Fund for managing its investments.
What is the Fund’s history?
Founding donors of the Endowment Fund John and Nancy Bonner
The Endowment Fund was started in December 2000 with a generous $10,000 donation from John and Nancy Bonner. In 2005, a $50,000 challenge gift given by the late Frank Steffes was matched by members of the congregation to significantly increase the Fund balance. In 2015, a $30,000 challenge gift given by Vern Swaim also was matched. Because of the generosity and vision of these devoted people, generations of our members are still benefiting.
Explore the list of past Endowment grants below:
- 11/06 MSUUF Music CD – Music Comm
- 11/07 RE Infrastructure Improvements (permanent gate, child enclosure play area) – RE Comm
- 11/07 Ordination Ceremony for Barbara Stevens – Board of Trustees
- 11/08 Peter Mayer Concert Advertising – Music Comm
- 11/11 Kitchen Krewe Training Video/equipment – Ministry Council
- 2/11 Listening Asst. Devices (6 additional) for Sanctuary – Audio Crew
- Stationary/Paper Expenses – Hearts and Hands Comm
- Intergenerational evening games – Adult Ed.
- Charette grant site development – Board of Trustees
- Portable folding tables on wheels for library – Ministry Council
- UU Books for library (path to membership) – Membership Comm
- Stationary/Paper Expenses – Hearts and Hands Comm.
- Building Maintenance Sheds and Recycling – Facilities/Green Team
- RE Whiteboard Purchase – RE Comm.
- RE Roll up Blackout Shades – RE Comm.
- Sanctuary Painting Work – Facilities/Aesthetics Comm
- Leadership meeting scholarship – Board of Trustees
- Sanctuary Bathroom Remodel – Facilities/Aesthetics
- RE Wheelchair accessible paved walkway /Eastside parking lot – Facilities Comm
- Sanctuary Audio System Upgrade – Audio Team
- Scholarships to the Russell Lockwood Leadership School – RE Comm.
- Lightweight dining tables for the Sanctuary – Ministry Council
- Upgrades to two entryways to the RE building for safety and city code compliance – Facilities
- Scholarships to the UUA General Assembly in Portland for YRUU students – RE Comm.
- Handicapped upgrades to bathrooms in the RE building – Facilities
- Dry erase whiteboard on wheels for general church use – Ministry Council
- Wireless microphones – Audio Team
- New RE tables and replacement chairs – RE
- New stove for kitchen – Facilities
- AED (defibrillator) and training – Hearts and Hands
- 2 Smart TVs for use in RE classrooms – RE
- Racism education – Social Action
- Carpet replacement in RE building – Facilities
- Refinish hardwood floors in main Sanctuary – Facilities
- Feasibility study for RE patio conversion to interior space – Facilities
- Paint and supplies for building exterior – Facilities
- Leadership training – Board of Trustees
- Audio system and booth improvements – Audio Team
- AED Recertification – Hearts and Hands/Health and Safety
- Healthy Congregations Workshop – Leadership Discovery and Development
- Technology consultant for improved systems backup/security/maintenance/website improvements – Board of Trustees
- Sanctuary dais wheelchair ramp – Facilities
- Rekey Sanctuary and RE – Facilities/Board
- Carpet, paint in sanctuary building – Facilities and Grounds
- RE building roof – Facilities and Grounds
- A/V equipment – Music
- Piano repair – Music
- Supplemental salary for a ministerial intern – Minister/Internship Committee
- UU ministerial supervision of intern – Minister/Internship Committee
- AED/CPR training/retraining for 15 people – Board of Trustees
- Replacement blinds for Religious Education Main and the Sanctuary – Facilities
- Donation to Southwest Washington Equity Coalition to promote racial equity and a more equitable society – Social Action Committee
- Books for a church common read about resolving conflict, equity and inclusion – Beloved Community
- Our Whole Lives training for adult volunteers – Religious Education
- Technologic improvements to the Sanctuary sound system for hybrid worship – Worship and Tech Teams
- Pay staff professional association dues and virtual attendance at GA – Personnel
- Healthy Habits book discussion group to promote healthy lifestyle changes in our church community
- New LGBTQ+ banner to welcome new members – Membership
- New Thermostats for RE building to increase energy efficiency – Facilities
- New church choir folders – Music
- CPR supplies – Safety
- Intercultural Development Inventory testing for the group and individuals to improve our intercultural competency – Beloved Community Working Group
- Playground Demolition - Facilities and Grounds
- Annual Pledge Campaign “Next Steps” Consultant - Stewardship
- Intercultural Skills Development - Beloved Community Working Group
- New patio tables and benches - Facilities and Grounds
- Desk Chairs for Administrator and AV Coordinator - Staff
- Coffee Equipment Upgrade - Membership
- New Air Conditioner Unit - Facilities
- Two File Cabinets - Personnel and Finance
- Two new tables and 12 chairs for classrooms - Religious Ed
- Books/Study guides for Exiting High Demand Religion
How can I get more information?
If you are thinking of making a donation to the Fund or need more information, email the Endowment Trustees at endowment@uucvan.org. The UUCV Endowment Trustees are listed in the front of the church directory as well.
Our EIN is 23-7449266.