WHAT IS SPUMC’S PERMANENT ENDOWMENT FUND? Severna Park United Methodist Church’s Permanent Endowment Fund was established in 1996 to offer members and friends of the Church an opportunity to make charitable gifts that will provide a permanent source of financial support for the programs, facilities and missions of the SPUMC.       HOW ARE GIFTS MANAGED? Gifts to the Endowment Fund are invested by the SPUMC’S Endowment Committee in accordance with strict guidelines intended primarily to conserve principal and provide a reasonable return. Distributions from the Endowment Fund are limited to the earnings on the contributions to the Endowment Fund.       HOW ARE THE GIFTS USED? Earnings generated by Endowment Fund investments are used to support special needs of  SPUMC over and above those normally included in the annual operating budget, including the following: ·        Missions in and beyond SPUMC ·        Improvements to Church buildings and grounds ·        Special needs and ministries The specific use of Endowment Fund earnings will be determined annually by SPUMC’s Church Council, based on recommendations from the Endowment Committee.       TYPES OF GIFTS The Endowment Fund is authorized to accept as gifts virtually any type of real or personal property; however, cash gifts are the most common and provide the most flexibility to the Endowment Committee. Stocks, bonds and other marketable securities are also particularly suitable as gifts to the Endowment Fund.      WHEN TO GIVE Gifts to the Endowment Fund may be made at any time, either during the donor’s lifetime or as a specific bequest in the donor’s last will and testament.       REASONS TO GIVE Giving to the Endowment Fund is an opportunity to experience spiritual growth and satisfaction by supporting the purposes and missions of SPUMC. At the same time, donors can perpetuate the memory of a loved one; celebrate a special occasion, such as a birth, graduation, wedding, anniversary or retirement; or honor the work or contributions of a pastor, family member or friend. In addition, there are usually significant tax benefits associated with gifts to the Endowment Fund.       OTHER OPPORTUNITIES The income and estate laws give rise to many opportunities that are more sophisticated than outright gifts of cash, stocks, bonds and other marketable securities. They include gifts of life insurance policies, charitable annuities and assets in a retirement account; the use of charitable lead trusts and charitable remainder trusts; and transfers of residences with the reservation of a life estate. These alternatives are powerful tools that can be used for the glory of God and as part of a thoughtful financial plan. Anyone considering such a gift is advised to consult his or her attorney, accountant, personal financial advisor or other professional consultant.