The Circle of Life Fund
In conjunction with the Historic Methodist CampGround’s 150th Anniversary an endowment fund
was instituted called: The Circle of Life Fund. The Circle of Life Fund is intended to provide stable and
perpetual financial resources to support the legacy of the Historic Methodist CampGround, helping to
ensure its long-term vitality.
JOIN THE CIRCLE – Download Endowment Gift Form
What exactly is an endowment, and why establish an endowment now?
A financial endowment is money or property donated to an institution, usually with the stipulation
that it be invested and the principal remain intact in perpetuity or for a defined time period. This allows
for the donation to have a much greater impact over a longer period of time than if it were spent all at
once.
The Historic Methodist CampGround is establishing an endowment to commemorate the 150th
anniversary of the founding of the camp ground – honoring the legacy given to us by our founding
members by creating our own legacy for the future.
Giving to the endowment will be one of many stewardship options for cottage owners and friends,
with the expectation that it will be funded primarily through bequests from long-time members who
would like to remember the Historic Methodist CampGround in their wills. Leaving a legacy of their own
for an institution that was a meaningful part of their lives.
What is the difference between the Biannual Assessment, a memorial fund gift, and an endowment gift?
Our biannual assessment supports the operating fund of the camp ground. These funds are
generally used in their entirety to pay for programs, staff salaries, utility bills, office expenses etc.
A memorial fund gift will generally be used in its entirety over a short period of time to
commemorate a person being remembered.
An endowment fund gift will remain in place in perpetuity – with only a portion of the earnings
from the gift used annually to support the capital and operating needs of the HMC.
What is the investment policy for The Circle of Life Fund?
The Endowment Committee’s investment strategy strives for capital preservation that produces
income through a conservation investment approach in assets which make a positive contribution toward
the Social Principles of the Methodist Church.
What’s in a name?
The Circle of Life Fund. The “Circle” being unending, represents God’s unending Love for us.
The center of the circle which is Jesus Christ who is the center in each of our lives. The word “Life”
which all life comes from God but is saved by Jesus Christ.
The endowment of the Historic Methodist CampGround will provide lasting and vital resources
to ensure that we, as a community, will not be hindered to proclaim our faith and share it with the world.
The “support” of this endowment helps makes it possible to physically “support” our camp ground, as
we carefully plan the long-term maintenance of our buildings, our programs and our vision, and this
endowment helps promote growth by addressing our financial burdens.
How will the funds be distributed?
Annually, four percent of the average value (based on a rolling twelve quarters) of all investments
will be distributed for capital purposes and to supplement the church operation budget, once the
endowment balance (initially) reaches $200,000.
How do I make a gift?
Once the endowment is approved, you may contact the Chair of the Endowment Committee, or fill
out a Circle of Life Fund Gift Form found on the website or at the hotel.
