THE GARDEN   •  ENDOWMENT FUND


Plant a seed that will bloom

for generations.


Your endowment gift does not just support The Garden today – it grows quietly over time, ensuring that everything you love about this community will be here for the next generation.


THE BASICS


What is an endowment?

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An endowment is a permanent, invested fund – not a short-term campaign or a budget line When you give to The Garden's Endowment Fund, your gift becomes part of a growing pool of invested assets.


The principal — your original gift — is never spent. It is held and carefully invested so that it grows over time. Only a portion of the annual investment earnings may be used each year, providing a steady, reliable stream of income that supports The Garden's ministry year after year, decade after decade.


Think of it as planting a seed that will bear fruit long after the planting season has passed.



OUR ENDOWMENT STORY


A fund already planted and growing

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"The Garden is here for the long haul, and this fund is how we secure that future together."



ENDOWMENT GROWTH SINCE FOUNDING


The Garden's Endowment Fund was established while we were still part of our founding congregation, St. Luke's United Methodist Church. The seeds were planted there — and the fund has been quietly growing ever since.


Since 2016, the fund has grown from $383,000 to over $1 million, reflecting an annual return of more than 10%. That growth is a testament to the power of patient, long-term, invested giving.


And yet — in all that time, no Gardener has made a direct gift to the endowment since we became our own community. Many of us have been faithful regular givers; this endowment has simply gone largely unknown.


We want to change that. You helped build The Garden into the community it is today. Now we invite you to help secure what it will be for those who come after us.


WAYS TO GIVE


Many paths. One purpose.

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There is no single right way to make an endowment gift — and no gift is too small. Whether you are giving from your assets today or planning a legacy through your estate, every path leads to the same destination: a stronger, more enduring Garden for generations of Gardeners to come.

01

ONE-TIME CASH GIFT


Make a direct gift to the endowment fund at any time. Gifts of any size are welcomed and permanently invested to grow over time.

02

LEGACY GIFT (WILL OR TRUST)


Designate The Garden's Endowment Fund as a beneficiary in your will, living trust, or estate plan. This is often called a "bequest" and requires no out-of-pocket gift today.

03

GIFTS OF STOCK OR SECURITIES


Donating appreciated stocks or mutual funds directly to the endowment can offer significant tax advantages compared to selling and donating cash proceeds.

04

IRA CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION


If you are 70½ or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA — a tax-smart way to give that satisfies your required minimum distribution.

05

GIFT IN MEMORY OR HONOR


Make an endowment gift in memory of a loved one who shaped your faith, or in honor of someone who means the world to you. A meaningful tribute with a lasting impact.

We recommend consulting with your financial advisor or estate attorney to identify which giving path is best suited to your personal situation. The Garden's administrator is also available to answer general questions and point you to helpful resources.

GETTING STARTED


How to make your endowment gift

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DECIDE HOW YOU'D LIKE TO GIVE


Review the giving options above and consider which fits your situation — a one-time gift, a bequest through your estate, appreciated securities, or an IRA distribution. If you're unsure, a conversation with our administrator is a great starting point.

REACH OUT TO START THE CONVERSATION


Contact us using the form on this page, or email administrator@thegardenonline.org. There is no obligation — just a conversation. We'll answer your questions and provide any information you need.

FOR CASH GIFTS: SUBMIT YOUR GIFT DIRECTLY


Cash or check gifts can be made payable to The Garden Community Church — Endowment Fund. Online giving instructions will be provided upon request. Please designate the gift to the Endowment Fund so it is properly directed.

FOR ESTATE OR LEGACY GIFTS: WORK WITH YOUR ADVISORS


To include The Garden in your will or trust, work with your estate attorney or financial planner. We can provide our legal name, tax ID, and any documentation your advisors need. Sample bequest language is available upon request.

RECEIVE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND STAY CONNECTED


All gifts are acknowledged in writing for your tax records. We will keep you informed of the endowment's growth and the impact your generosity is making in the life of The Garden and the Gardeners yet to come.

COMMON QUESTIONS


Frequently asked questions

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  • Is my endowment gift tax deductible?

    Yes. Gifts to The Garden's Endowment Fund are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, as The Garden Community Church is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For gifts of appreciated securities or IRA distributions, there may be additional tax advantages — consult your tax advisor for guidance specific to your situation.

  • How is the endowment invested and managed?

    The endowment is held and professionally managed through established investment structures overseen by The Garden's leadership. The fund follows a long-term investment strategy designed to grow the principal while generating reliable annual distributions to support ministry. If you would like more detail on fund management and governance, please contact our administrator.

  • What is the minimum gift size?

    There is no minimum gift. Every contribution — large or small — becomes a permanent part of the fund and continues to grow and generate income in perpetuity. We believe every act of generosity matters, and we are grateful for gifts of any size.

  • How is endowment giving different from my annual pledge?

    Your annual pledge or offering supports The Garden's current operating needs — worship, programming, staffing, and the day-to-day ministry you experience each week. An endowment gift, by contrast, is invested permanently and only the earnings are used — building a financial foundation that will sustain The Garden long into the future. Both forms of giving are important and distinct.

  • Can I make a gift in memory or honor of someone?

    Absolutely. A memorial or honorary endowment gift is a beautiful way to celebrate a life or honor someone who has shaped your faith. We will send a written acknowledgment to you and, if you wish, notify the family or individual being honored. Please note your intended honoree in the contact form or in a note with your gift.

  • What legal name and tax ID should I use for estate gifts?

    For gifts designated in a will, trust, or beneficiary form, please use: "The Garden Community Church." Our administrator can provide the church's full legal address and federal tax identification number upon request. We are happy to provide any documentation your estate attorney or financial planner requires.

  • Can I specify how my endowment gift is used?

    In most cases, endowment gifts are added to the general endowment fund, with earnings supporting The Garden's overall ministry. If you have a particular area of ministry you feel called to support, please reach out to discuss your vision with our administrator. We will do our best to honor your intent within the fund's guidelines.

GET IN TOUCH


Start a conversation

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You don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Whether you have a specific gift in mind, a question about your estate plan, or just want to learn more — we welcome any conversation about endowment giving.


Our administrator will respond within a few business days and is happy to connect you with additional resources or arrange a meeting.


EMAIL

administrator@thegardenonline.org



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