After a decade of growth in the market, Marietta FUMC’s endowment fund has grown considerably thanks to strong market returns and wise financial planning. Each year, four percent of the fund’s capital gains were devoted to the purpose of capital improvements, as the endowment had intended from its outset. These improvements made a meaningful impact on their 60 year old campus and allowed their congregation’s annual gifts to go directly to the church’s mission work.
However, after the creation of the fund in 2012, little had been done to promote further donations. In fact, many church members had not heard of the endowment and were unaware of their opportunity to contribute.
In 2024, senior leaders in the church agreed it was time to make the endowment fund more known and to start actively recruiting participation. A valued church member and fundraising expert, Karen Carlisle, was sought out for the role of president of the endowment committee and she jumped in head first.
“People didn’t even know this thing existed,” remarked Carlisle. She believes that “church members need to be invited to make a planned gift and to understand why it’s important,” and getting the word out is exactly what she aimed to do. The church added an endowment section on their website, began printing endowment news in their bulletin and made sure signage and informational material were available across their campus. Most notably perhaps, they created the Evergreen Legacy Society, a group of passionate donors who could communicate their mission around the church and recruit others to do the same.
Carlisle referred to an old Greek proverb often referenced in fundraising campaigns by saying, “We’re planting trees whose shade we will never enjoy, but future generations will.” Since March of 2024, the Evergreen Legacy Society has raised over $55,000 simply by raising awareness with key groups across their congregation. Whether through small gifts, funds donated in someone’s honor or bequests in a will, the fundraising effort has galvanized their church congregation to work towards something great.
And the endowment fund contributions across their campus are noticeable. A new outdoor sound system, a new boiler, even a custom built organ were all purchased using the capital from the endowment’s invested funds.
Carlisle noted the importance of the partnership between Marietta First UMC and the Foundation, noting the guidance and expertise the Foundation has been able to provide. “This endowment fund is our legacy for future generations. It is our duty to future generations but also our honor to be able to do this and keep our church going. There is simply nothing more important.”
If your church or committee are interested in starting an endowment or are looking for ways to communicate about an existing fund, email us today. Your mission is our purpose and the Foundation would love to work with you in 2026!
