Our Endowment Funds

Currently, the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg (FUUW) has two endowment funds:

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The FUUW Endowment Fund

The FUUW Endowment Fund consists of approximately $166,000 and is overseen by Trustees who ensure it is managed in accordance with its Investment Policy. Income earned from the Fund’s capital is directed to our Church’s annual operating budget to support Church programs, enhance the buildings and grounds, expand community outreach and/or develop the wider mission of the Church. The Fund’s principal is not used for expenditures, and capital growth is reinvested so as to produce a higher income in the future. The Endowment Fund is a permanent and growing financial resource for the work of our Church.

Leaving something of permanence after we are gone – something that is worthwhile, something that is enduring – is the wish of many people.

One way to accomplish this is to help extend the influence of our Unitarian Universalist movement by making a financial contribution to the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg Endowment Fund.

How You Can Contribute to the FUUW

There are several ways you can contribute to the FUUW Endowment Fund:

  • Current Gift – An outright gift of money is the simplest method.
  • Gift in Kind – Securities such as mutual funds can be transferred in their existing form.
  • Gift by Will or Insurance – You may designate the Endowment Fund, as distinct from the Church itself, as beneficiary under your will or insurance policy to receive money or property. Bequests made to the Church, without being designated to the Endowment Fund specifically, have historically been used for operating and capital expenses, not Endowment purposes.
  • Gift in Trust – You transfer property to your own trustee with instructions for distribution of the income to you or your family until a certain event when the property will be distributed to the Endowment Fund.
  • Some gifts may be eligible for favourable tax or estate benefits. Your accountant, lawyer or tax advisor will be able to provide specific details.

By making a donation to the FUUW Endowment Fund, you support the mission of the Church today and serve as a steward for future generations. You also honour the legacy of those far-sighted individuals who previously financed the Endowment.

So then, what does it mean to you to continue the legacy? Have you made a space in your will for the Endowment Fund? Have you made or will you make smaller gifts, as many people do, to commemorate milestones? Or will you make a donation just because it feels good?

We are grateful for all contributions.

The History of the FUUW Endowment Fund

Since 1891, First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg has been a beloved spiritual home for members and friends, and a shining beacon of liberal religious practice for the larger community.

In order to perpetuate the Church’s values of spiritual diversity, liberal thinking, service and social justice, Reverend John Gilbert and Don McKinnon established an Endowment Fund back in the 1980s as a means to receive gifts from individuals and organizations beyond the regular Church operating budget. The Endowment Fund, in turn, provides ongoing financial support to continue ministry of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg.

In the early years, several campaigns were held to establish the Endowment Fund. More recently, fundraising for the Endowment Fund was put on hold as we concentrated on Capital Fundraising to acquire our present property and build the sanctuary. Still, people continue to give generously to the Endowment Fund so that their values can continue to be expressed and reinforced. Contributions are also made for a variety of other reasons, such as in memory of people whose lives graced ours and in honour of anniversaries or milestones.

Contact Endowment Fund Trustees

Contact any of the Endowment Fund Trustees to join the legacy builders and make your mark perpetual:

  • Doug Wasyliw
  • Linda Henderson
  • James Watson

The Winnipeg Foundation Endowment Fund

A new endowment fund was established in December 2021 at The Winnipeg Foundation (TWF) in the name of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg (FUUW).

Putting the FUUW’s name out in front of more potential donors and promoting our liberal religious practice to the larger community are the main reasons for creating the fund with Canada’s first community foundation which was established in 1921. Other advantages include:

  • A professional investment team.
  • Prudent investment and financial management practices that maintain purchasing power of the endowment in perpetuity.
  • Low cost.
  • Yearly payments to FUUW.

The conversation to create this new fund began two years ago in 2020. Endowment fund trustees wanted to diversify current investments to increase income for the church. Unfortunately, trustees soon realized that, according to our by-laws, transferring some funds from the current endowment fund to this new fund was not allowed. Undaunted and with approval of the church’s Board of Directors, work continued on establishing an additional endowment fund at TWF. It’s in the church’s name and will report to the church’s endowment fund trustees.

Also know that:

  • Only new money, directly donated by individuals, will go into this new fund.
  • Funds donated to the FUUW Endowment Fund at the TWF become vested in the foundation.
  • The church’s current endowment fund, which is managed by volunteer trustees, continues to exist under FUUW by-laws.