Gifts         Planning a gift to the permanent endowment fund of your parish church Your parish church should have a permanent endowment fund for the purpose of receiving gifts that will sustain the ministry and mission of the church far into the future. Such a fund is usually governed by bylaws and is managed by the vestry or a committee appointed by the vestry. The principal of the fund remains permanent and the interest earned is spent as designated or restricted by the donor. All gifts are tax deductible. Speak with the priest-in-charge or lay administrator of your parish church and your attorney about planning a gift by will, trust, life insurance or other instrument for the endowment fund. For assistance email the Idaho Episcopal Foundation Executive Director , or call the IEF at (208) 860-9494 Click here to download a copy of the Planning Gifts Brochure. Click here to download an information request card, including space to indicate membership in the Bishop Tuttle Society.

How to set up and communicate a Parish Endowment to the congregation

STRUCTURE: Many Idaho Parishes do not have an adequate structure for parish endowment funds and other gifts. The IEF can assist in establishing a structure with clear purposes, investment rules, and spending guidelines. This will assure potential donors tha tthe money they leave in their wills, or in a life income gift, will be managed well and used for the purposes they intend.

AWARENESS: People are inundated with requests from a multitude of charities, yet many of our parishes take no steps to encourage their members to include the Church in their wills. An ongoing program of education, including messages from the clergy, brochures, and seminars on wills and "life planning" will let Episcopalians know that the Church needs their gifts and will make responsible use of resources received through their wills.

RESPONSE: When people express interest in making planned gifts, we must be prepared to acquaint them with the means available to do so and assist them in locating legal and tax resources. A "legacy society" can provide continuing encouragement and recognition to those who include the Church in their will or planned gift.

For more information e-mail the IEF Executive Director or call (208) 860-9494

How to become a member of the Bishop Tuttle Society

The Bishop Tuttle Society was established to recognize those making planned gifts for their church, diocese, or the Idaho Episcopal Foundation. To become a member, download the information request card and return it to the Idaho Episcopal Foundation. Or email the IEF Executive Director.