A Means of Securing River Road’s Future

The Endowment Fund helps secure the Congregation’s financial future. It is perpetual in nature and is financed by the generous gifts of current and past congregants. Direct management of the fund is the responsibility of the Endowment Committee, which reports to the Board of Trustees. As outlined in River Road’s bylaws, the Board is authorized to expend income from the Endowment Fund every year to promote liberal religion in special ways, or to meet extraordinary expenses of the Congregation. However, the Endowment Fund’s principal (i.e., the face amount of all donations to the fund) may only be expended with the Congregation’s approval. You can read more about oversight and management of the fund in the Bylaws and the RRUUC Endowment Committee Charter.

The Endowment Committee welcomes your questions and feedback, as well an opportunity to assist you with gift-giving to the fund. Please contact us by emailing our congregational administrator, Ana Lim, 301-229-0400.

Upcoming Event

March 9, 2025: In partnership with the Financial Stewardship Committee, we are hosting a financial wellness seminar, “Building Financial Health and Legacy Through Every Life Stage,” with expert guest speakers. This is for everyone, no matter where you are in your financial journey. Childcare provided by request. Find more information and sign up at bit.ly/42snTap. 

Building Financial Health and Legacy Through Every Life Stage: Tools and Resources to Help Us All Thrive

What is your life’s purpose? How does money help you fulfill it?

We all answer these questions differently, and our answers evolve over time. Spiritually, money is more than a personal resource—it’s a tool for well-being, generosity, and collective good. When we manage our finances wisely, we not only secure our future but also uplift our families and communities.

So, how savvy are you about money?

💡 If something happened to you tomorrow, who would handle your family’s finances?
💰 You’re ready to invest—but should you choose an IRA, 401(k), or 529?
❤️ You want to give to charity—how can you maximize your impact and save on taxes?
🚨 Layoff rumors are swirling—will your emergency fund last?
📈 Crypto, stocks, real estate—where should your money really go?
⚖️ Will your heirs face years of probate, or is your estate in order?

Get the answers you need to take control of your financial well-being. Join us on March 9 at 12:30 for a powerful workshop on financial planning, smart giving, and estate protection.  You work hard for your money; make your money work for you.

Ways to Give to the Endowment Fund

• Make a Donation to the Endowment Fund
  You can make a contribution to the fund today, either by using our secure access or by delivering a check payable to the “RRUUC Endowment Fund”.
  
• Name the Fund as a Beneficiary in Your Estate Planning
  Remembering River Road in your estate planning is an effective way to help secure the long-term viability of the Congregation. The Endowment Fund can be named as a beneficiary in a will, trust, 401(k) or IRA, life insurance policy, or other account. Use the following language to designate the fund as a beneficiary: “River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation – Endowment Fund, Bethesda, Maryland, 20817”. For other examples of suggested testamentary language in various types of accounts, see Suggested Testamentary Language.
• Establish a Charitable Gift Annuity or contribute to a Pooled Income Fund (both of which are available through River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation in partnership with the Unitarian Universalist Association), or designate RRUUC as the beneficiary of a Charitable Remainder trust. These estate planning vehicles can allow you to transfer legal title in certain property to the Fund now, yet retain the benefit of income from your property as long as you live.

Please consult your financial advisor about the most tax-efficient ways to include the Endowment Fund in your estate planning.

You can also learn more about Planned Giving at the Unitarian Universalist Association website.