The Endowment enhances traditional United way fundraising methods by offering donors new gift opportunities.
By contributing to the Endowment, you ensure your dedication to improving lives in our community continues well beyond today. While your annual campaign gifts address immediate needs, an Endowment gift secures your investment’s impact for generations. Whether large or modest, your legacy of giving enriches lives and strengthens our community for years to come. Unless otherwise directed, your contribution will remain in the Endowment fund, generating annual income to sustain and amplify the mission and work of the United Way.
To learn more, please reach out to us at info@columbusunitedway.com or call 402-564-5661.
Columbus Area United Way Endowment History
The Columbus Area United Way Endowment was first established in 1992 after receiving a bequest from Mr. Gus Meyer to the United Way. This gift gave the United Way a solid foundation on which to build an endowment for the future of the Columbus area. In 1995, Marie Froemel also included the Columbus Area United Way as a beneficiary of her estate. These two bequests along with additional memorials, have allowed the Endowment to grow annually and be a contributor of resources invested back into the community.
FAQs About the Columbus Area United Way Endowment Fund
An endowment is a permanent fund that is carefully invested for growth and to earn interest income. It provides a dependable revenue system year after year. The principal, or gifts to the endowment, remain intact and a portion of the investment return is available annually to support and sustain the mission of an organization. The United Way’s endowment works in tandem with the Annual Campaign to build capacity in meeting both current and future needs and provides long-term financial security.
Every year, 4% of the endowment comes out and funds new programs. This money supports new programs that are focused on education, financial stability, and health in our community. For example, a transitional housing program called Marigold Lane received funding from the Columbus Area United Way endowment.
A gift to the endowment is a way to ensure that your support continues in perpetuity. A gift to the Annual Campaign impacts lives today and a gift to the endowment impacts lives forever.
The United Way Foundation is governed by a local volunteer Board of Directors. Comprised of community leaders who are focused on devising the best strategies to build and invest the endowment, continually monitoring performance. You can rest assured that your endowment is in the best hands possible.
The Legacy Society recognizes those individuals who have made a current or deferred gift to the endowment of $1,000 or more.
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The Endowment Board
Pat Heimes
Robert White
Terry Millard
Dick Casey
Chip Kay
Anne Kinnison
Al Starzec
Rich Aerni
Hope Freshour
Your gift unless otherwise directed by you will be retained in the Endowment fund to produce income for distribution each year to continue the work, mission, and impact of the United Way in our community. Please contact Hope Freshour, Executive Director of Columbus Area United Way, at hfreshour@columbusunitedway.