When there is a need at the church, Armenians always respond. We help build the churches and parish halls that are the center of our spiritual and cultural lives. We fund the youth groups, summer camps, and trips to Armenia that connect our young people to our heritage. And we reach out to those who are suffering, whether in Armenia or in our own neighborhoods.

Since 1973, the Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF) has helped ensure the longevity and strength of our Armenian community through the investment of hundreds of endowment funds established by parishioners and churches alike.

An endowment is an investment vehicle that ensures income for an organization; a portion of an endowment fund’s value is distributed annually to a designated beneficiary(ies) or program(s) in perpetuity, with any remaining earned income added to the principal without the ability to withdraw.

An investment account on the other hand is established by a parish or other church entity with the Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF) and can be a source of income that builds wealth by reinvesting undistributed gains over time. A portion of an investment fund’s value is distributed annually to the investing parish/ organization, with any remaining earned income added to the principal from which funds can be withdrawn with 90-days notice in accordance with ACEF’s redemption policy (Organizations should have a targeted investment horizon of five to 10 years.)

By investing endowment and investment funds collectively, rather than individually, ACEF’s size or “investment clout” increases, enabling us to gain continuous access to unique, highly diversified products, achieve efficient economies of scale and extend our investment horizon. As a result, we are a more effective and efficient investment vehicle, providing current and future generations with a “guaranteed” income stream supporting a variety of programs and/or the fulfilment of various needs.

In this way, ACEF gives you and your organization the opportunity to extend your legacy!

 

What is an Endowment?

An endowment is an investment vehicle that ensures that a parish will always have an income. The principal of an endowment is not spent; beneficiaries receive an annual income distribution.