The Vision Legacy Fund
A promise to the future rooted in gratitude
Providing for the long-term growth and sustainability of the OPC mission and ministry beyond our lifetime
What is the Vision Legacy Fund?
We created the Vision Fund in response to the generosity of so many of you who have made legacy gifts with the long-term vision of supporting Ojai Presbyterian Church far into the future. The fund provides a structure to steward and grow these gifts, ensuring resources are available for future planning and unforeseen needs that fall beyond our annual operating budget. Just as we have benefited from the faith and generosity of those who came before us, the Vision Fund allows us to pay that blessing forward so OPC can remain strong and thriving for many generations to come.
WHY I GIVE TO THE VISION FUND
“This church was a safe haven when I was a young mother and has been the village that has helped me raise my son in God’s love. I know the vibrancy of our church and children’s programs is thanks to all of the dedication and support of those who came before me. I want to do my part to make sure that love and joy continues to be available to our children’s children when they’re parents!”
- Kristen Smith, OPC Member & Elder
-
These funds are separate, yet coordinated with, our annual budget which handles the day to day expenses of running a church. They’re intended to keep OPC healthy and vibrant far into the future, so these funds are focused on long-term projects and to support the future congregation as needs arise - even those we cannot yet predict.
-
These funds help our church prepare for things like future pastoral transitions (think interim pastor wages, pastoral shared housing equity), capital projects that fall outside of regular annual upkeep (large scale grounds clean up, painting and unforeseen repairs on our 100+ year old buildings), and costs of new and totally unpredictable future projects (youth group hover-bus, anyone?).
-
The OPC Session's investment philosophy is to exercise ordinary business care and prudence in its investments. Accordingly, the program's assets will be invested in funds administered directly by the New Covenant Trust Company which has been recommended and endorsed by the Presbyterian Foundation. Founded in 1799, the Foundation presently manages almost $3 billion in assets.
Session has delegated to the Investment Committee the oversight of the Legacy Funds, including monthly reviews of fund performance, authorizing fund distributions that are approved by Session, and ensuring that legacy gifts are invested and disbursed in accordance with donor wishes and Fund policy. The committee will provide quarterly updates of Fund status to Session.
-
Oversight and administration of the Vision Funds Program are the responsibility of the Session which is made up of elected Elders from the congregation. Elders serve 3 year terms.
-
You can give any of the same ways you already give to the church: through cash assets, Donor Advised Funds, Required Minimum Distributions from retirement accounts, Appreciated Stocks, Real Estate, Bequests, etc. You simply need to indicate that you are giving specifically to the Vision Legacy Fund.
If you’d like more information about ways to give, reach out to jeff@ojaipc.org.
Legacy Giving Resources
For nearly 150 years, since 1878, caring members have steadfastly stewarded the legacy of our church and its community. As we have been blessed, so now we are asked to nurture this gift for those who follow us and carry forth this tradition of grace.
Want more info?
If you're interested in learning more about the Vision Fund and legacy giving, reach out here, or contact jeff@ojaipc.org.