DSUMF Newsletter June 18, 2025
I am often asked if we can help churches raise money for their endowment. We can certainly give you guidance and help you structure a campaign. However, today I’m going to offer an idea that will help grow your endowment in the future. Not today. Not tomorrow. But in a few years if you adopt this plan, you will have a steady stream of income to build your fund and support your congregation, its programs and outreach, and its facilities for a sustainable future. Here’s the plan.
Gather ten to twelve of your most dedicated members. These should be people who love your church and support in every way they can. And they should have at least $25,000 they don’t need to live on. It might come from an IRA. It might be stock. Or maybe they have come into an inheritance. It is money they are going to give away for the future of your church. Oh – and one more thing. They should each be at least 65 years old. In fact, the older the better. Let me explain.
You can read about this plan on our website at https://dsumf.giftlegacy.com/?
Someone at age 65 who sets up an annuity for just him or herself receives 5.7% for life. For easy math, let’s say the charitable gift annuity (CGA for future reference) is funded with a gift of $100,000. The donor annuitant would get $5,700 every year for the rest of his or her life. That check can be deposited in your checking account monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually.
If that 65 year-old is married to a 70-year old, the rate goes down to 5.2% or $5,200 a year because even if only one person in the couple remains living, the full amount gets deposited in their checking account on the schedule they have chosen.
And here’s where the magic happens for your church’s endowment. When both annuitants have passed, 92% goes directly to your church’s endowment fund. Desert Southwest United Methodist Foundation keeps 8% for administering the fund, investing it, and depositing the annuity payments in your checking account.
And here’s the good news. Even if you should outlive the value of the fund, the Foundation will continue paying your annuity.
Over time as those faithful church members who banded together for the future of your church pass away, the balance of the fund goes to your church and builds your endowment.
If this idea interests you, give me a call. We will come and talk to your group or meet with folks individually. We want your church’s funds to grow and prosper. We are here to help you do more good.
Blessings,
Anne Green
Executive Director
602-798-8202
agreen@dsumf.org