Ensuring the Future: The Arc Endowment Fund
The St. Louis Arc is grateful for the many individuals and families who make annual donations in support of our work. For some, it's an expression of gratitude for the care and support we've given a family member or friend. For others, it is just a way of showing their belief in the importance of our mission. Regardless of the reason, their generosity allows us to make a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities.
Did you know that there's a way to continue giving to the St. Louis Arc long after you're gone? By including the St. Louis Arc in your estate plans you can create a legacy of giving that will touch generations to come.
The Arc Endowment Fund
The St. Louis Arc Endowment Fund was established to provide a stable source of funding to ensure that we will always be able to offer superior support to the people who need us. Unless otherwise designated by the donor, all bequests or other gifts made through estate planning are placed in the Endowment Fund. Funds in the Arc Endowment are held in reserve—prudently invested and managed—and the income generated is used to meet the most urgent needs of the people we serve.
How an endowment gift works
- You make a gift to the Arc endowment
- Your gift is invested to earn income
- The income from your gift is distributed annually to the St. Louis Arc to provide perpetual support for Arc's programs and services
How to Give an Endowment Gift
You enjoy several benefits with an endowment gift
- Give an endowment gift during your lifetime and see the impact each year or give your endowment gift through your estate and know that you leave a lasting legacy
- Benefit from an income tax deduction in the year you make your gift
- Avoid capital gains tax on an endowment gift of appreciated property
Legacy Giving is for Everyone
Many people don't believe they have sufficient assets to include a charitable gift in their estate plans. Some assume that making a legacy gift is a privilege of the wealthy. Not true. Today, people of all backgrounds and income levels are finding that they are able to leave a lasting legacy with a charitable organization that has been important during their lifetime. If you've made annual donations to the Arc, a gift to the Endowment Fund will allow your giving to continue in perpetuity.
Restricted Gifts & Designated Funds
Most bequests left to the St. Louis Arc are unrestricted and undesignated. These gifts provide the greatest flexibility for the Arc because they allow us to direct the income they generate to the areas of greatest need. However, you may wish to restrict your gift to a specific area of interest or service. We encourage you to contact us to help make sure your intentions are clear and can be properly administered.
Named Endowment Fund at the St. Louis Arc
It is also possible to establish a named endowment fund in your name or the name of someone else. Named endowment funds offer a meaningful way to honor or memorialize an individual or family while making an important charitable impact in the community.
At the time you set up your named Arc Endowment Fund, you sign an endowment agreement that details the scope and desired impact of your endowment gift. Your gift will generally be invested to produce stable, predictable growth. Each year, a set percentage of income generated from your endowed gift will be distributed to the St. Louis Arc to go towards the programs and/or services you specified in your endowment agreement.
The minimum gift amount required for a named Arc Endowment Fund gift is $10,000. If you are interested in creating a named endowment fund, please contact us to discuss your gift and the administration of the named fund.
Contact us
If you have any questions about endowment gifts, please contact us . We would be happy to assist you and answer any questions you might have.
