The Westminster Endowment

One of Westminster’s goals is to ensure a strong financial foundation. Annual support for the ministry of the church comes first from generous member pledges. In addition, income from the endowment provides indispensable help to keep Westminster thriving. As the church’s “savings account,” its earnings support a portion (15.4% in 2011) of the annual operating budget, and 100% of the capital budget for ongoing building maintenance. The endowment helps ensure the continuation of key programs and protects the church from adverse circumstances.

A gift of $5,000 from Charles Thompson established the church’s endowment in 1914. Since then, Westminster members have generously added to it through bequests in their wills, annuities, trusts, life insurance, and in many other ways. The church has faithfully invested all bequest gifts to the endowment, enabling the funds to grow in perpetuity.

The endowment has several categories, each with a specific purpose that supports Westminster’s mission.

Capital Fund
Provides ongoing support for the maintenance of the property and ongoing building improvement.

Operating Fund
Provides ongoing support for the Annual Operating Budget, including personnel, facilities, and day to day expenses.

Endowed Program Funds*
Provide annual support for the following programs:

  • Mission  Extends Westminster’s telling presence through the community and worldwide in mission programs.

  • Music  Enhances the music program and makes special musical events possible.

  • Counseling Center Provides counseling for both members and non-members, including financial aid for those needing assistance.

  • Town Hall Forum  Sustains the Forum, and ensures Westminster’s ongoing contribution to community dialogue.

  • Meisel Scholarship  Provides financial assistance for education to Westminster members and friends. Learn from a former Meisel Scholarship recipient how the experience affected his life.

  • Women’s Ministries  Supports programs that promote and enhance Westminster women on their faith journeys. 

  • Camp Ajawah  Provides camperships to young people and maintains and improves camp facilities.

  • Spiritual Life Discretionary Fund (new in 2012) Provided the Senior Pastor with funds to respond to special ideas and opportunities that would enrich the spiritual life of Westminster members or staff.

Legacy Gifts to Westminster are invested in the endowment’s Capital Fund, unless specifically restricted by the donor or designated by the Board of Trustees.

* Some of these programs also receive support from the annual operating budget