Three Reasons to Launch Your Own Endowment

There are many reasons to consider establishing an endowment for your parish. Here are three of the most important:

1. Ongoing Annual Support
As a member of your parish, you likely make annual gifts to support the mission of your church. An endowment allows that support to continue long after your lifetime.
Endowment funds are invested in a way that preserves the principal while generating annual earnings. Those earnings are then distributed to support your parish year after year. In many ways, your endowment continues your tradition of giving for generations to come.

2. A Lasting Legacy
One of the most meaningful aspects of an endowment is the lasting legacy it creates. An endowment not only supports your parish financially, but also reflects the values and faith commitments that matter most to you.
Children, grandchildren, and future generations will see the impact of “their” family endowment at work in the life of the parish. If you hope to leave a lasting gift that strengthens your parish and inspires others for years to come, an endowment is a powerful way to do so.

3. Financial Stability for Your Parish
Parishes throughout the Diocese of Fargo benefit from the financial strength provided by endowment funds. Reliable endowment income helps parishes plan more confidently for the future and provides greater financial stability.
In many cases, endowment income allows parishes to expand ministries, maintain facilities, and pursue opportunities that may not otherwise be possible. Strong endowment support can also encourage additional charitable giving from others who value long-term stewardship and sustainability.

Many Ways to Establish an Endowment
There are several ways to establish an endowment.
Some people choose to create an endowment immediately through a significant gift of cash or appreciated assets. Others make arrangements now and fund their endowment later through their estate plan or will.

You may also begin with a modest gift and add to the fund over time. Other options can include charitable gift annuities or charitable trusts.

Many families have discovered that building an endowment is one of the most meaningful ways to support the mission and future of their parish. Through the Catholic Development Foundation, endowments may be established to support your local parish, a cemetery, or diocesan ministries. There is great flexibility in directing your gift according to your wishes.

North Dakota Endowment Tax Credit
North Dakota offers a valuable tax incentive for charitable endowment giving. Individuals, businesses, trusts, and estates may qualify for a 40% North Dakota state tax credit for contributions exceeding $5,000 to qualified charitable endowment funds.
Even better, any unused portion of the credit may be carried forward for up to three additional years.

For more information, visit cdfnd.org.
If you would like to learn more about establishing an endowment, please contact Steve Schons, President of the Catholic Development Foundation, at (701) 356-7926.