Zion Endowment Fund

Established in 1975, the Zion Endowment Fund supports our church mission and our many ministries. Generous gifts from congregation members, often through estate plans, help grow the fund. When someone leaves a gift to Zion, that principal amount is added to the Endowment Fund. The Endowment Funds are invested and managed by a professional investment firm and directed by the Endowment Committee. A portion of the fund is allocated to support Zion’s existing or start-up ministries.

Church members can request grants from the Endowment Fund for ministry initiatives, reviewed by the Endowment Committee and approved by Zion’s Board of Directors. This process ensures accountability and proper use of the funds.

Estate Planning

Including the Zion Endowment Fund in your estate planning is a meaningful way to leave a lasting legacy.

You have flexible options, and your estate planner or financial consultant can provide guidance.

Gifts Can Include:

  • Cash and cash equivalents

  • Fixed Income-Domestic Bonds (Government, Corporate, convertibles, municipals)

  • Fixed Income-Non-US Bonds

  • Non-convertible Preferred Stocks (Rated A or better)

  • Equities-U.S. (Common and Convertible preferred)

  • Equities-Non-U.S. (Including American Depository Receipts)

  • Exchange Traded Funds

  • Mutual Funds

  • Commodities and real assets in the form of ETF’s or Mutual Funds

  • Bequests or Memorial Gifts

Everyday Giving

To learn more, call 269-382-2360 or email zion@zionkazoo.org

You don’t need to wait for estate planning to support the Zion Endowment Fund. Contributions can be made at any time and may be tax-deductible or offer significant tax savings (please consult your tax or financial professional).

Options for Giving Are Flexible and Include:

  • Cash/Check contributions

  • Recurring Electronic Transfers (from your bank or credit/debit card)

  • Direct deposit from investment accounts

  • Appreciated Stock

  • Real Estate

  • Qualified Trust Distributions

Support Our Ministries

The Zion Endowment Fund supports over 35 ministries at our church as well as community outreach projects.

Some of Zion’s ministries that have received support include:

  • Altar Ministry

  • Campus Ministry

  • Friends of Jesus Preschool

  • Lutheran World Relief Sewing Ministry

  • Mid-Week Dinner Ministry

  • Music Ministry

  • Small Group Study Ministries

  • Youth and Young Adult Ministries

  • Properties Ministry

In order to support the widest range of ministries and activities, we ask that contributions be classified as undesignated. This allows grants to be used for any of our existing and start-up ministries.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Zion Lutheran Endowment Fund.

  • You can make the most impact and have the opportunity to support more ministries by making an undesignated contribution to the fund.

  • The transferring financial institution must reference: Account Name: Zion Lutheran Endowment Fund.

  • Many types of contributions may be eligible for a charitable deduction on your taxes. For example, donating stock may help you avoid capital gains tax on the stock's appreciation. Consult your tax or investment professional for guidance.

  • Yes. Qualified Charitable Distributions are a great way to support the church and receive tax benefits. Your contribution can help you satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution for the year.

  • Yes. Zion members who invest with the Church Extension Fund help Zion earn rebates that are used to reduce the mortgage. Another option that earns rebate incentives to Zion occurs when members invest with LVM, the investment company that manages the endowment fund. To learn more about these incentives, contact the church office.

  • Contact the church office at (269) 382-2360 or by email at zion@zionkazoo.org.