1. What is an endowment?
An endowment is a fund established for the support of a school or other charitable institution. The fund does not spend any of the principal of gifts donated to it. The money is invested to grow the endowment over time. Only the interest is used to carry out the purpose of the endowment. Because the principal is never touched, the endowment becomes a perpetual source of support for the school.
2. Why does St. Joseph School need an endowment?
Endowments are powerful tools for passing on the Catholic Faith to the next generation. It is an investment in the school’s future. It was established to promote our Catholic values and provide for the future financial stability of the school. The goal is to grow the endowment over time so that each year, more money is available to contribute to the school’s budget and to ensure that each child receives the Catholic education they deserve. As the endowment grows, so does the school’s ability to carry out its mission.
3. Where does St. Joseph School Endowment invest its money?
St. Joseph invests its fund with the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Lincoln. The school pools its endowment with the other funds in the Foundation, allowing our school to invest more efficiently. The Foundation has a board of directors that guide the investment of its funds, and professional money managers handle the day-to-day investment work. An independent auditor audits the Foundation each year.
4. Does the money stay at St. Joseph School?
Yes. All money donated to the school’s endowment fund benefits only St. Joseph School. While the endowment will be invested with the Catholic Foundation, the proceeds will remain at our school. The Foundation will make interest payments twice a year directly to the school.
5. How is the endowment invested?
Sixty percent (60%) of the fund is invested in equities and forty percent (40%) is invested in fixed income investments. The endowment fund will avoid investing in any company that participates in activities that are contrary or antagonistic to the Catholic faith.
6. How can I support the St. Joseph School Endowment Fund?
First and foremost, pray for our school and the success of the endowment fund. There are several ways to financially support the fund:
- Annual gifts can be made directly to the endowment.
- Name the endowment as a beneficiary in your will.
- Name the endowment fund as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or an IRA account.
- Give stock to the fund.
- Donate a charitable gift annuity or trust and name the endowment as the beneficiary.
If you would like to make a donation, please visit https://www.osvonlinegiving.com/522. This will take you to a secure site where you can set up an account and make a contribution. For more information contact the parish office at 402-483-2288.