Endowment Fund

Our Calendar

What is the Zion Endowment Fund?

The Endowment Fund of Zion Lutheran Church provides a special opportunity for gifts in support of the ministries of Zion Lutheran Church. Unlike contributions to the Annual Stewardship Campaign, gifts to the Endowment Fund are invested, with the income from this investment then used
to support the church. Accordingly, gifts to the Zion
Endowment Fund provide members and friends an opportunity to support the long-term welfare of Zion Lutheran Church.

The Endowment Fund is invested in a balanced portfolio of bonds and equities, designed to provide a steady
earnings return. The Fund is currently managed by Aid Association for Lutherans/Lutheran Brotherhood.

The Zion Endowment Committee, the members of which are elected at the Church's Annual Meeting, supervises
the investment and dispersal of funds. The Committee gives priority to providing special start-up support to
new ministries of Zion Lutheran Church.

Gifts or intended Bequests to the Endowment Fund of $1,000 or more qualify the donor to be a member of Zion's Legacy Society.

What Ministries Receive Support?

The Endowment Fund gives encouragement and support to a wide range of Zion activities. In recent years, for example, it has made grants to support:

	Purchase of a sturdy enclosed trailer for use on the mission and recreational trips of the Zion Youth Ministry
	A new Lutheran mission congregation
	Ground travel for young Zion men attending a Promise Keepers rally in Minnesota
	Evangelism programs (including Bibles) among Indochinese refugees in Rockford;
	Salary support for a new Directorof Evangelism
	A professional Stewardship program for Zion
	Billboard and television advertisements in Rockford on behalf of the Lutheran churches
	The Zion Children's ministry
	The "Music in the Park" Sunday Afternoon Services in Summer

Ways to Give:

	Direct Donations - Gifts of cash, stocks and bonds, personal property, and real estate are most welcome (non-cash donations would normally be sold and the proceeds invested). Significant tax deductions may be available to you as a result of your gift, especially for donations of appreciated property.
	Wills and Bequests - Donations made in this manner may significantly reduce your estate tax liability. Suggested language includes: "I give and bequeath to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rockford, Illinois, the sum of __________ and/or securities and other property herein, namely ____________, to be applied to the Zion Endowment Fund."
	Trusts - You may establish a Trust whereby a fund is created and a trustee of your choosing is appointed to administer it. The income from the Trust would go to you while you are alive. Upon your passing, the principal would go to the Zion Endowment Fund.
	Life Insurance - You may take out a life insurance policy naming the Zion Endowment Fund, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rockford, Illinois, as beneficiary. The face value of the policy, which would perpetuate your wishes at the Church, may be larger than you could save, and the premium costs would normally be deductible on your income tax as a charitable donation.