One of the key hallmarks of endowments is the ability to create an invested fund to provide financial stability lasting well beyond a lifetime.

As the National Council on Nonprofits notes, endowments are commonly used by large institutions such as universities and hospitals. While large institutions use endowments to preserve their donations for generations to come, endowments can be used by anyone who has the financial means and desire to give back to their community in the areas they care about in a significant andmeaningful way.

Here are examples at MRCF, first the Tom and Karen Getz Fund established with a will provision which provides annual grants to civic organizations improving Moline residents’ quality of life, and the recently created German America Heritage Center’s endowment to support their annual operating costs.    

How do you get started creating an endowment?

It is always important to be informed before entering into any financial agreement, and endowments are no exception. Talk to your advisors (accountant, attorney, financial planner) then when you are ready reach out to the Moline Regional Community Foundation to discuss how you would like to create a better future for our community.