The Haygood Endowment
The Haygood Endowment Fund
``One generation will praise your works to the next one, proclaiming your mighty acts.`` Psalm 145:4
What Is the Haygood Endowment Fund?
The Haygood Endowment Fund is a ministry dedicated to providing members and friends of Haygood Memorial United Methodist Church with the opportunity to make charitable gifts that serve as a lasting financial resource for our ministries. Endowment gifts are received by the church and invested through the Georgia United Methodist Foundation. The income generated from these investments is then distributed to support Haygood’s mission.
Why Should You Give to an Endowment?
Contributing to an endowment allows you to leave a lasting legacy. Your gift continues to impact lives long after you are gone.
The Endowment Fund helps transform lives by supporting our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
Endowment funds enhance our campus, support outreach ministries, and fund musical programs at Haygood.
Many individuals may not have tithed on their IRA/401(k) funds during their lifetime, intending to do so as they withdrew funds for retirement. Upon passing, these funds may be heavily taxed unless donated to a charitable organization.
When Should You Give to an Endowment?
The most significant gifts to an endowment often occur upon a donor’s passing when the church is designated as a beneficiary of their estate, retirement account, or charitable remainder trust. Additionally, gifts in lieu of flowers at a funeral are a meaningful way to contribute.
However, donations are not limited to estate planning. Many members choose to give during their lifetime. While cash donations are common, other giving methods may offer tax advantages, including:
Gifts of property, such as real estate or securities
Charitable remainder trusts, which allow donors to use the trust during their lifetime before transferring the remaining assets to the church
Naming the church as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy
What Happens to the Gifts?
The Endowment Trustees invest funds in a diversified portfolio of stocks and fixed-income assets managed by the North Georgia United Methodist Foundation.
A portion of the investment earnings (typically 3-5% per year) is used in alignment with the church’s vision, while the principal is preserved to keep pace with inflation.
These funds support ministry efforts, facility maintenance, and outreach initiatives.
Who Manages the Endowment Funds?
The Endowment Trustees, appointed by Haygood’s Leadership Selection Committee, are chosen from Haygood’s congregation to ensure responsible stewardship of the funds.
How Are Endowment Funds Used?
Haygood currently has two endowments:
General Endowment: Primarily supports facility maintenance and capital improvements, such as recent repairs to the roof, windows, and sanctuary.
Ethel Ward Endowment: Funds adult and youth mission initiatives as well as music ministry programs.
Donors may designate contributions to a specific endowment or work with church leadership to establish a new endowment aligned with the church’s mission.
While endowment funds typically support capital and mission projects, they may also serve as a financial safety net during emergencies. By building a strong endowment, we ensure the church can continue its mission even in challenging times.
Ways to Give
The best way to contribute depends on your personal goals and financial situation. Common giving options include:
Outright Gifts: Cash, property, stocks, or bonds
Wills or Trusts: Naming the Endowment Fund as a beneficiary of specific assets, a portion of your estate, or your residual estate
Real Estate: Donating real estate, subject to church acceptance
Retirement Accounts & Life Insurance: Naming the Haygood Endowment Fund as a beneficiary of an IRA, 401(k), 403(b), or life insurance policy
Life Income Gifts: Charitable remainder trusts and gift annuities, which provide income to the donor during their lifetime before benefiting the church
Learn More
For more information, please contact:
Chris Marinac, Endowment Chair: cmarinac@janney.com
Rev. Will Zant, Minister: Will@haygoodumc.org