Regular church offerings are used for the current needs of the church. Gifts given to an endowment fund are normally retained as permanent funds. The earnings are used to enhance and support the mission and ministry of our church in perpetuity. The endowment fund does not act as a reserve account and cannot be used whenever the budget giving is less than expenses.

This fund was established by the duly authorized Church/Charge Conference of the Goodland First United Methodist Church held on December 3, 2000, using sizeable gifts from the estates of former members. This fund provides a way to preserve gifts so they can keep on giving.

The Endowment Committee is composed of members of Goodland First United Methodist Church who are elected at the Church/Charge Conference.

The Endowment Fund is intended to support ministries that are not funded as a part of the Church's operating budget and the regular giving of its members and participants. All requests made to the Endowment Committee must be approved by the Church/Charge Conference or Church Council.
Currently there are 5 funds:

1. Program Endowment Fund.   The net earnings, realized capital gains and increase in investment value, can be used to fund new ministries and/or projects within the Church.
2. Building Fund.   Any and all funds in this account may be used for building project expenditures.
3. Lakeside Fund.   All earnings go to support the direct and indirect activities of Kansas West Conference camping at Lakeside.
4. Missions Fund.   Earnings are to be used for specific projects relating to missions (e.g. VIM).
5. Undesignated Fund.   Other worthwhile programs and projects not currently funded by the operating budget.

There are many ways to make charitable gifts, both now and at death. As our tax laws change, new ideas continue to be developed.
Here are some options:

1. Outright Gifts.   Cash, stocks, bonds, real estate.
2. Real Estate.   Real estate can qualify as an itemized deduction.
3. Retirement Funds.   The Endowment Fund can be named as a beneficiary.
4. Gift Annuity.   Property may be transferred to the Endowment Fund while retaining the right to receive income until death.
5. Life Insurance.   The Endowment Fund can be named as owner, beneficiary, contingent or partial beneficiary.