ENDOWMENT FUND
Endowment Fund News
Once again it is time for your church’s Endowment Fund board to provide an update on the activities of the Fund with regard to how it supports unbudgeted charitable organizations in furtherance of its outreach programs.
Board makeup of the Fund is comprised of members of the congregation who have an interest in church-supported outreach to the community. Currently eight members comprise the board with Pastor Dave and Molly Michaelson, council president, as ex-officio.
The Fund, which began its existence in approximately 1995 and made its first grant in 2006, has regularly provided financial assistance to local charitable organizations whose goals are aligned with the outreach of the church. As the value of the Fund has grown, so has the award of grants of financial assistance to other organizations. In 2023, the Fund granted almost $11,000 to nine local organizations.
It is not just effective management of the Fund which has enabled this growing outreach, but also congregation financial support in the form of donations. So, during preparation for this tax year, please prayerfully consider supporting your Fund with tax-deductible donations whether it is in the form of a memorial or in honor of another or just a plain donation. It is rewarding to see how this Fund is helping so many in our community. You can share in that reward by donating to the Fund. Blessings to All!
HeartSmart Receives a $1,800 Endowment Fund Grant
Pictured at left, Ken Brannon, Chairman of HeartSmart, receives a $1,800.00 Endowment Fund Grant from Larry Day and Carol Campbell alongside the St. Martin's Automated External Defibrillator (AED), located on the wall in the hallway outside the conference room.HeartSmart, The Cliff R. Roop Cardiac Support and Education Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to increasing the chances of surviving Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in Anne Arundel County. Through fundraising and awareness education, the Foundation supports the placement of Automated External Defibrillators and corresponding training opportunities. The Foundation was created in 2000, as a project of Leadership Anne Arundel County, honoring the late County Councilman Cliff R. Roop, who lost his life from SCA. Their mission is to make Anne Arundel County a "Heart Safe Community" by increasing the chance for its citizens to survive a Sudden Cardiac Arrest with an AED.
Seeds for Success Receives Support from the Endowment Fund
(L-R) Carol Campbell, Endowment Fund; Jan Pastrone, Executive Director of Seeds 4 Success receiving $1,000.00 Endowment Fund grant from Larry Day; Kela Tucker, Program Director; Caitlin Tobies, Development Coordinator.
The mission of Seeds 4 Success is "Working together as a community to provide children from low-income communities with the skills and support to achieve success in school and life." The story of Seeds 4 Success began in 2008, when a group of Eastport women concerned by neighborhood gunfire saw the need for more positive opportunities for youth living in Annapolis public housing. They formed Eastport Girls Club, an after-school program, which was later incorporated as Seeds 4 Success. Their grassroots effort that began with a $500 check from a local civic association is now a 501(c)3 research-based, results-oriented organization with expert staff, dedicated volunteers, and thriving children.
About the Endowment Fund
St. Martin’s Lutheran Church’s Endowment Fund was created in 1995 to provide a permanent source of funding for the mission of the church outside of budgeted items. The Board of Directors includes the Senior Pastor, President of the congregation, and church members elected by the congregation. The Board is responsible for the investment and distribution of the fund.
The Fund provides money to tax exempt organizations that promote the mission of the Church. These organizations may be within the Church or outside the Church. Some of the projects it has supported are: Art booklets highlighting paintings of the church and school, support Youth Group’s mission trips, start-up costs for the Church’s web site, and contributions to the Samaritan House and Arundel House of Hope.
The growth of the Fund is maintained by continuous contributions and the growth of its capital. At present time, only the interest and the dividends may be disbursed in any given year. All contributions should be made payable to St. Martin’s Endowment Fund, then dropped into the collection plate or sent/given to the church office. Special envelopes are located in the pews.
Giving Thanks To God…
Who among us has not been nurtured by the Lord’s Spirit, perhaps also through the ministry of St. Martin’s. All contributions to the Fund will be received with gratitude to God for our blessings.
Giving Thanks For Years To Come…
Since only a moderate percentage of the Fund may be used to support and enhance the mission and ministry efforts of St. Martin’s Church, a gift today will establish a legacy and continue for years into the future. What will be your legacy?
Donate Electronically…
If you would like to donate to the Endowment Fund, please click here.