Endowment Fund

St. Olaf Parish in DeForest, Wisconsin, has established an endowment fund through the Catholic Diocese of Madison Foundation (CDMF). The endowment fund is a permanent investment fund from which a 5% allocation is paid annually to support the life and programs of the parish. The contributions to the fund are never spent and the fund is insulated from any legal claims against the parish or diocese. Donors can be assured that their gifts will be a permanent legacy to support the work of the Church in DeForest. All donations made to the St. Olaf Parish Endowment Fund (SOEF) are tax deductible.

How It Works
The assets of the St Olaf Parish Endowment Fund are managed through the Catholic Diocese of Madison Foundation, a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization. The Foundation’s Board of Directors is appointed by the Bishop of Madison and includes both clergy and lay people. The fund managers used by the Board are guided by ethical investment guidelines established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Since the SOEF is managed along with other endowments held by the Foundation, management fees are kept low and growth enhanced.

The corpus of donors’ gifts is never eroded or diminished and will continue to grow through wise and prudent investment, providing a source of parish funding for many generations to come. Funds can never be used for any purpose other than those specifically stated by the donor, either the general support of the parish or the funding of a specific parish program.

How to Contribute
A charitable contribution to the St. Olaf Parish Endowment Fund can take a variety of forms including cash, appreciated securities, real estate, life insurance, gift annuities, or retirement plans. Donors may also contribute to the endowment fund through a bequest, including a gift in their will. Bequests can be specific or residual and may be unrestricted or restricted according to the wishes and designs of the donor. Endowed Funds can be donated through the Catholic Diocese of Madison Foundation Endowment Fund (CDMF). If you would like to contribute to a less restrictive fund, then the Non-Endowed Funds may be the preferred donation option.

CDMF St. Olaf Designated Fund I
Income – designed to provide a moderate level of current income. Although fixed income investments comprise the largest share of the portfolio, an equity component is included to help keep pace with inflation and provide a source for potential increases in income over time. Income investors should have sufficient time and tolerance for some price and return volatility and periodic declines in value. All donations made to the St. Olaf Parish Non-Endowed Fund I (SONFI) are tax deductible.

CDMF St. Olaf Designated Fund II
Conservative balanced fund – designed to provide current income and low to moderate growth of capital. Investors should have sufficient tolerance for moderate to substantial price and return volatility and periodic declines in investment value. All donations made to the St. Olaf Parish Non-Endowed Fund II (SONFII) are tax deductible.