The Endowment Fund at Grace Congregational United Church of Christ
Grace Congregational UCC (GCUCC) has always had a small Endowment Fund, gifted from members and friends of the church. In years 2010-2013 the Grace Endowment was gifted a large donation from the estate of Marie Christensen Shea, whose nephew was a member of GCUCC. Some of the gift was immediately distributed to a variety of UCC and church based organizations and committees. In recent years, other mid-size and smaller donations have since been received through personal donations and estate gifts from members and friends of the church.
The Endowment Board is made up of 7 voting members and 2 non-voting members of the church. The Board oversees the management of these funds as well as the distribution of funds. The Board meets two times a year (Spring and Fall) to review applications and distribute grants to non-profit organizations or Christian ministry education. Organizations are required to complete an application explaining the need and how the need fits the GCUCC mission of Love, Service, or Growth.
The amount distributed each year is based on a pre-set formula to assure the principle of the fund is not touched and in fact is allowed to grow. This will allow for more future funds to be distributed and provide an attractive vehicle for others to include estate gifts or special donations to the Endowment. Often the Board receives more application requests than there are available funds. The majority of funds distributed fall into categories of Christian Education, Humanitarian and the Underserved, both locally, regionally and worldwide.
If you or someone you know may be interested in including the GCUCC Endowment in your estate planning or would like to donate or has a question regarding Endowment, call the church office at (920) 553-1222 and someone from the Board will be in touch.
If you represent an organization or project that would like to apply for a grant from our endowment fund, the next deadlines are April 12, 2024 and October 11, 2024.
Click here for a brochure with more information about our Endowment.
