For Churches & Ministries
Build Financial Strength for Generations to Come
A well-managed endowment can help a parish, school or ministry support its mission for years to come. The Foundation works with church leaders to establish, structure and grow endowment funds with confidence. We provide guidance on endowment policies, governance, investment management, planned giving and long-term fund growth.
Creating an endowment can feel complex. The Foundation can help your organization:
- Define the purpose of the fund
- Establish appropriate policies and governance
- Structure the endowment around long-term goals
- Develop a plan for future gifts
- Communicate the opportunity to your congregation
For organizations with an established endowment, the Foundation can provide support with:
- Long-term investment management
- Endowment policies and governance
- Planned-giving programs
- Strategies for encouraging new gifts
- Resources for vestries and finance committees
- Foundation staff and board members are available to meet with your leadership team to discuss your organization’s needs.
Planned giving can help churches build lasting financial strength and give parishioners a meaningful way to support the Church beyond their lifetimes.
The Foundation offers practical resources to help churches establish and sustain planned-giving programs, including:
- Sample letters and brochures
- Suggested timelines
- Communication templates
- Best-practice guidance
- Support for conversations with congregations
For Donors & Families
Give With Purpose
The Foundation helps individuals and families connect their generosity with the churches, ministries and causes they care about most. Through donor-advised funds, planned gifts and other charitable giving options, donors can create a lasting legacy while benefiting from personalized service, professional investment management and local knowledge.
Donor-Advised Funds
A donor-advised fund offers a simple and flexible way to organize your charitable giving through one professionally managed fund.
You can contribute eligible assets, receive any available tax benefits at the time of the gift and recommend future grants to your church and qualifying nonprofit organizations within the geographic boundaries of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas. View map.
A donor-advised fund with the Episcopal Foundation of Dallas offers:
- Respect for donor intent
- Flexible and personalized charitable giving
- Professional investment management
- Efficient administration and recordkeeping
- Knowledge of local ministries and community needs
- Help identifying meaningful giving opportunities
- Potential tax benefits, subject to applicable laws and professional guidance
- A simpler alternative to establishing a private foundation
Eligible contributions may include:
- Cash
- Appreciated securities
- Closely held stock
- Real estate
- Other eligible tangible property
- Because tax and legal considerations vary, donors should consult their professional advisors before making a gift.
A donor-advised fund may be established with a minimum gift of $25,000.
Ways To Give
There are several ways to support a parish, ministry or charitable fund through the Foundation.
A charitable gift made through a will or trust may be designated for an existing fund or used to establish a new one.
Donors may choose to give:
- A specific dollar amount
- A percentage of an estate
- The remaining balance after other distributions have been made
The Episcopal Foundation of Dallas may be named as a beneficiary of a:
- Retirement account
- Life insurance policy
- Bank account
- Beneficiary designations can generally be reviewed and updated over time as circumstances change
Eligible individuals may be able to make charitable distributions directly from an IRA.
These gifts may support the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas, its parishes, missions and schools, as well as other qualifying organizations through the Foundation.
IRA distributions generally cannot be contributed to a donor-advised fund. Donors should consult their financial, legal or tax advisors regarding eligibility and current requirements.
The Foundation provides individualized support to help donors make informed and meaningful charitable decisions.
Services may include:
- Legacy and charitable-giving planning
- Assistance establishing a fund
- Knowledge of needs within the Diocese and North Texas
- Introductions to ministries and nonprofit organizations
- Coordination of local site visits
- Ongoing fund administration and support
- Our goal is to ensure that each gift is thoughtfully managed, reflects the donor’s intentions and creates meaningful impact.
