Endowment FAQ

Welcome to the Endowment FAQ page! Here, you’ll find answers to common questions about our endowment program and how it supports our mission. This resource is designed to help you understand the benefits and details of contributing to our endowment fund, including a clear explanation of what an endowment is and how it works, insights into the impact of endowment gifts on our community and organization, and step-by-step instructions on making contributions, including various giving options.

This page aims to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about supporting our endowment. Together, we can create a lasting legacy for future generations!


 

An endowment is a fund that is invested to produce annual income. Most endowment funds are designed to be permanent so the principal is not compromised. Either all or a percentage of the annual earnings are used to further the mission of United Way.

At United Way of Story County (UWSC) we are continually working to identify needs, evaluate programs and direct resources to help address those needs. Through the Endowment, UWSC can secure the resources needed, so that when the problems are identified, we are prepared to address them. The Endowment can fund special projects that address emerging needs of the county. Hunger, child safety and transportation are examples of county-wide needs that have been funded.

The UWSC Endowment supports the mission of United Way of Story County, just as the LIVE UNITED campaign does. Both the UWSC Endowment and Allocations Committees review the human services environment and make the annual recommendations to the Board of Directors on how funds will be used. The following are areas that may benefit from annual Endowment earnings:

  • Emerging needs
  • County-wide emergencies
  • Pilot programs
  • Capital expenditures for UWSC or qualifying agencies
  • Funding to offset a downturn in annual campaign gifts
  • Supplement annual funding for UWSC or qualifying agencies
  • Defray UWSC administrative costs (to allow more spending on programs)
  • Management of non-cash gifts

There are many tools to use in estate planning. The simplest is a bequest in a donor's will, and others include securities, life insurance, retirement income gift annuities and remainder trusts. Donors can contact UWSC for more information and should also contact their financial professionals to discuss the options that are best in their individual situations.

Gifts of all sizes and kinds are important in building the endowment for UWSC. Gifts may include cash, naming UWSC Endowment in your will, identifying UWSC Endowment as a beneficiary of an insurance policy, a charitable gift annuity, and transfer of stock are all accepted. Should you be interested in donating directly through the Story County Community Foundation for a tax advantage, visit each fund's secure online form separately: UWSC Agency Fund, Frankee Oleson Women with Initiative Endowment, and/or the UWSC Endow Iowa Fund.

UWSC has partnered with Story County Community Foundation to make giving to a permanent endowment even more rewarding. Your gift creates lasting change in the community, and the Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program offers you generous tax incentives to make it easier for you to give more for less. Those who give to a permanently endowed fund at a qualified community foundation or affiliate organization, including Story County Community Foundation, are eligible to receive 25% tax credits for their gifts. Community members who give also are able to take advantage of the federal tax deductions along with the Endow Iowa tax credits.
 
Tax credits are offered on a first come, first serve basis, with approximately $6 million available annually statewide. The Endow Iowa tax credits can be claimed by individuals, businesses or financial institutions. 

A Charitable Gift Annuity is a planned gift that provides an income for life to the donor, while designating a gift to a charitable organization. In return, the donor also realizes an annual return on the gift and a sizable tax benefit. Donors who are interested in a Charitable Gift Annuity should contact UWSC as well as their financial professionals.