Gift Trust Fund Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the purpose of St. Paul’s Gift Trust Fund?

The purpose of the Fund is to aid in the funding of various ministries of St. Paul’s through the encouragement and management of bequests, donations, and other gifts.

The St. Paul’s Gift Trust Fund provides the organization and structure which allows the congregation to encourage and administer gifts such as:

• Real estate
• Stocks, bonds or mutual funds
• Retirement plans
• Life insurance
• And other types of real and personal property

The St. Paul’s Gift Trust Fund creates a source of future income to assist the continued ministry of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Why should I consider giving to St. Paul’s Gift Trust Fund?

A congregational trust fund is God – pleasing. The purpose of the fund is to further the mission of the church given by the Lord:

It reminds us (God’s people) that wills and estate planning are part of Christian stewardship, and are God-given opportunities to put love into action for the Lord, as well as one’s family.

It provides opportunities to open new horizons for the work of Christ by assisting programs that enhance the ministry of our congregation for future generations.

How can I donate to the St. Paul’s Gift Trust Fund?

You may designate a cash donation, memorial, a bequest, insurance benefit or any other property acceptable to the Executive Board.

Please designate any gift to the Fund as “St. Paul’s Gift Trust Fund” to assure proper credit. For example, your IRA beneficiary form might state, “To my spouse, however, if he/she predeceases me, the balance in this account is a gift to the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – Muskego Gift Trust Fund to be used for approved projects and needs.”

Any undesignated gifts may also be placed into the St. Paul’s Gift Trust Fund at the discretion of the Executive Board.

Where Can My Gift Be Used?

Funds can be requested for a variety of purposes, including:

1. Assistance to activities or items that
   1. expand the outreach capabilities of St. Paul's, or
   2. support educational assistance to church members, or
   3. promote evangelism
2. Special capital projects
3. Projects that do not fall within normal criteria and are asking for “matching funds”

Who will administer the St. Paul’s Gift Trust Fund?

The Executive Board has responsibility to carry out the purposes of the Gift Trust Fund in accordance with the policies of the voters of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church congregation.

The Executive Board is responsible for receiving and investing the available assets of the fund. They may seek professional counseling on investments and legal matters as they deem necessary in the best interest of the Fund.

The Executive Board shall render a full and complete account of the administration of the fund to the congregation.

How are Requests Approved?

The Gift Trust Fund Committee will evaluate the requests against predefined criteria, and then remit the evaluations to the Executive Board. The Executive Board will then present the recommendations to the voters.

Need further information?

If you have any questions about contributing to the Gift Trust Fund, or you would like further information regarding the Fund and/or church-approved projects, please contact Staff Minister Randy Fink at (414) 422-0320.