Saint Stephen’s Charitable Endowment Fund

A stone wall with a white trim in a garden, with green trees and bushes in the background and some plants and small trees in the foreground.

In the early 2000’s, a contribution was given to Saint Stephen’s to memorialize a beloved family member and grandchild, The Saint Stephen’s Charitable Endowment was created to house that donation and gather other contributions going forward. Through prudent management of resources and a loving community of generous parishioners at Saint Stephen’s, the Endowment Fund has grown and now provides regular funding at Saint Stephen’s for outreach, capital needs, and special programs as determined by our Vestry. A gift to the Endowment is more than a donation: it is a lasting investment in the future missions of Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church and the love it represents.   

The Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Charitable Endowment Fund is designated for special gifts symbolizing lasting love for Saint Stephen’s and the community, separate from annual gifts and pledges. It is a perpetual fund meant to preserve contributions for the future while its earnings and growth support Saint Stephen’s mission and parish ministries. The Endowment Committee, overseen by the Vestry, prudently manages the fund’s investments and closely follows governance of the Fund as set out by the Endowment Investment Policy Statement. Annually, distributions are made as outlined by the Investment Policy Statement and the Spending Policy and determined by the Vestry.   

Planned giving can be an option regardless of means and age. And, for most people, contributions will generate estate, gift, and income tax benefits. Consult your tax consultant for the details.  

Most gifts are made directly to the General Endowment Fund.  In 2026, the Saint Stephen’s Charitable Endowment has grown to around $3.8 million dollars.  The endowment holds four funds.   

  • General Endowment – Distributions support at a recommended 25% each:  outreach, in-reach, capital projects, and vestry designated projects  

  • Special Speakers Fund - Used to support lectures and Christian Formation  

  • Deacon’s Fund – All distributions support outreach  

  • Memorial Garden Fund – Supports the grounds of Saint Stephen’s and maintenance of the Memorial Garden.  

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to Pat Bills, Minister of Stewardship and Development.    

Sample Language for Legal Documents:  

To include the Saint Stephen’s Charitable Endowment in your planning or as a recipient of gifts, we suggest you share the following with your attorney or financial advisor:  

“I give (specific amount or asset, percentage of my estate, the residual of my estate, recipient of the Required Minimum Distribution or beneficiary of retirement accounts) to the Saint Stephen’s Charitable Endowment Fund, a nonprofit corporation under the Internal Revenue Code 501(c)3, located at 3775 Crosshaven Drive, Vestavia Hills, AL 35223.”