ENDOWMENT FUND

 

Today’s mission. Tomorrow’s mission. The mission 80 years from today.

Our church is on a mission. It’s not just about our work today—though that’s why most of us do our giving. It’s not even about our building that needs ongoing care. It’s about creating a durable church foundation that’s here for generations to come.

Endowments provide long-term, sustainable funding for institutions, allowing them to support their missions and programs without relying solely on annual funding. Please keep HLC Endowment Fund in mind as you think of ways to give. The fund can be listed in a will or trust, or you can give a one-time donation.

For more information related to the endowment fund, you can reach out to any committee member: Wade Bakke, Stacie Hinrichs, James Boeshans, Mark Redepenning, or Mischelle Hagerty. More information is also available in our corporate bylaws under article 12, as well as in the FAQ Section listed below.

Thanks for your generosity and support.

Endowment FAQ’S

  • A church endowment fund is a permanent investment fund designed to support the long term mission and ministries of the church. The original gifts (the “principal”) are invested, and only a portion of the fund’s balance may be used each year to support ministry, outreach, and facility needs. This allows the fund to grow and serve the church for generations.

  • Our church’s Endowment Fund is a dedicated, long-term investment that supports the mission and ministry of our congregation far into the future. While annual, general giving sustains today’s ministries, the endowment strengthens tomorrow - providing stability, resources, and the ability to grow new opportunities for faith and service for years to come.

  • The annual operating budget pays for current year expenses (staff, utilities, programs, etc.). The endowment is focused on the future — it grows over time and distributes only a portion of its earnings, not the principal.

  • Hawley Lutheran elects an Endowment Team consisting of five voting disciples of the congregation, each of whom serve for three years. The responsibility of these stewards is to administer the fund on behalf of the congregation and under the supervision of the Vision Council.

    Other tasks of the Endowment Team, include:

    • Receive donations

    • Report to Vision Council and at the annual meeting

    • Provide records to the HLC audit committee upon request

    • Educate the congregation on Endowment Fund options

    • Manage distribution of funds

  • Your gift is invested into the organizational endowment portfolio at Thrivent, where it:

    • Generates earnings annually

    • Contributes to long-term financial stability

    • Continues to support ministry for generations

    A minimum principal value of $25,000 must be maintained in the endowment fund. When the fund’s value exceeds $25,000 then the income earned from that principal value may be expended. None of the principal value may be expended until the funds exceed $200,000. A maximum of 25% of the fund principal exceeding $200,000 may then be expended annually.

  • Hawley Lutheran Church Bylaws on the Endowment Fund states that the principal cannot be spent until it exceeds $200,000, except under rare and extraordinary circumstances when the future of the congregation is at stake. This would require a two-thirds majority congregational vote. This protects the fund for future generations.

  • No funds may be distributed without the recommendation of the team and majority vote of the Vision Council. Upon approval the fund would be distributed on an annual basis or at such times deemed prudent to accomplish its purpose. See HLC Bylaws Article 12 for more information.

  • Common gift types include:

    • Cash

    • Checks or electronic giving

    • Stocks and securities

    • Real estate

    • Life insurance policies

    • Retirement account (IRA/401k) beneficiary designations

    • Bequest through a will

    • Memorial or honor gifts

  • The Endowment Team, in receiving donations, will honor the requests of donors that satisfy the Endowment guidelines as established by the Congregation, Vision Council and Team. The Endowment Team may, at its discretion, refuse designated gifts that are inconsistent with the mission and ministry of the congregation or fund.

  • The distribution of funds will help to accomplish the following purposes, but is not limited to these examples:

    • Mission and Outreach in local and worldwide communities

    • Grants for global missionary support and for laity and staff to attend or conduct

    • Educational, music or evangelism conferences

    • Grants to attend seminary, colleges and church camps

    • Grants to social service agencies to which this congregation relates

    • Grants for programs designed to minister to those in spiritual or economic need

  • In most cases, yes — gifts to a qualified church endowment are tax deductible.

    However, donors should always consult a tax professional for personal guidance.

  • We are grateful for your generosity and consideration of this fund.

    If you’d like to learn more, please reach out to any Endowment Fund Team members with additional questions:

    Wade Bakke – Committee Chair (elected in 2023; 2nd Term 2026)

    Stacie Hinrichs – Secretary (elected in 2025)

    James Boeshans – Team Member (elected in 2025)

    Mischelle Hagerty – Team Member (elected in 2024)

    Mark Redepenning – Team Member (elected in 2024)

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