It’s that time of year…time to submit requests for money from our Touching Tomorrow Endowment Fund!

What is the purpose of the “Touching Tomorrow” Endowment fund? 

The Endowment Fund distributes money, in the form of grants, for mission and outreach beyond the normal church budget and usually, beyond the church walls.  The aim of such grants is to “Touch Tomorrow,” allowing for present and future ministry.

Who oversees the Touching Tomorrow Fund?

A Touching Tomorrow Committee oversees the Fund.  This committee meets annually to decide expenditures based on the financial performance of the account and the specific requests.  These purchases are not approved by council, but council approves the members of the committee.  The committee currently consists of Jim Gill (Chair), Terry Ludwig, Michelle Bucks, and Christine Techky. We need one more member on the committee—if you are interested in serving in this way, please see Jim Gill or Pastor Caitlin.

Where does the money come from in the Touching Tomorrow Fund?

The original money came from a large bequest to the church.  Currently the fund has roughly $420,000 in principle investments, which includes the original gift, but also later gifts and interest added to principle.  Each year grants come from the interest and dividends on the account.  These have varied over time.  The hope is that in the future, more people will consider giving money, either in honor of loved ones, or as part of their estate planning, to the Touching Tomorrow Fund.

How can I contribute to the Touching Tomorrow Fund?

Gifts of any size are greatly appreciated, and you may benefit from significant tax advantages.  By using a combination of certain financial and insurance products, you can even leave a bigger inheritance to your loved ones while preserving your desired gift to the fund.  For more information on this strategy, you may consult your estate attorney or talk with Jim Gill, Zion’s representative from Thrivent Financial.

 What kind of things has the Touching Tomorrow Fund supported?

Between 2006 and 2017, the Fund distributed over $120,000 to various projects, including:

• Seed money for launching Zion’s Preschool; continued scholarships for preschool families in need
• Funding to make our internship program possible
• West Virginia and New York City Youth Mission Trips
• Seminary scholarship money to support a member of our congregation, Jason Northridge, who is now a pastor
• Support for a handful of local charities, including helping to fund a forklift for Lebanon County Christian Ministries
• Subsidized the cost of Zion’s Day Camp, making it an affordable option for families in our community
• Support for Northern Lebanon’s Environthon
• Assistance for local families in need
• Funds for the Lower Susquehanna’s food packing event at synod assembly
• Support of Brittney’s Hope in Vietnam
• Contribution to Developmental and Disability Services in Lebanon County

What kind of money is available for grants this year?

While the fund’s investments are conservative, fluctuations in the stock market means we will not know the exact amount of the distribution until closer to December 1.  Last year we were able to distribute over $24,000; we hope this year for another generous distribution.

How can you make a request for a project?

Simple:  Fill out this form and return by snail mail or email (pastorckurtz@gmail.com) by Dec 1, 2018. The most successful applications tend to benefit educational ministries (scholarships, youth group, leadership training), local ministries (innovative congregational ministries, seed money, or emergency appeals), extended ministries (national, international, disaster-related), and charities with specific needs.

If you have any questions about applying for these monies, the purpose of our Touching Tomorrow Endowment Fund, or how to contribute to the endowment, please see any member of the Committee or Pastor Caitlin.