Legacy Giving

A Tradition of Careful Stewardship

One of Westminster's goals is to ensure a strong financial foundation, and primary operating support for the church's ministries is first and foremost from member pledges and gifts. The endowment provides additional support for the continuation of key programs, a modest portion of the operating budget, and the majority of the capital budget for building maintenance. As an investment and "savings account," the endowment also protects the church from adverse circumstances. All Legacy Gifts, no matter the size, are important contributions to future generations.

How Legacy Gifts are Used

Legacy Gifts may be either unrestricted or restricted. The church prefers unrestricted gifts because they provide maximum flexibility for future use. Unrestricted Legacy Gifts are currently invested in the Open Doors Open Futures initiative, unless specifically restricted by the donor or designated by the Board of Trustees.

Donors can restrict a gift to the endowment, which has several categories, each with a specific purpose that supports Westminster's mission:

• Capital Fund: supports the maintenance of the property and ongoing building improvement.
• Operating Fund: supports the annual operating budget, including personnel, facilities and day to day expenses.
• Endowment Program Funds*: supports various ministries of the church, including Camp Ajawah, Counseling Center, Meisel Scholarships, Music, Spiritual Life, Westminster Town Hall Forum, Women's Ministries and the Gift of Grace Fund.

* Some programs also receive support from the annual budget