Funds of the Order Although we are not allowed to raise money in the name of the Order, the fruits of our individual giving have spread Christ’s Kingdom in many ways. Gifts to the three funds of the Order are collected by the Chapter Treasurer and forwarded directly to the National Office. Individual contributions, including lifetime memberships, may be made at any time. Gifts from those who are not Daughters are welcomed. National Council provides oversight for the Self-Denial Fund, the Master’ Fund, and the Endowment Fund.
Self Denial Fund
The Order of the Daughters of the King The Lily Funsten Ward Memorial Fund Aka The Self-Denial Fund
In 1897 the annual convention adopted a resolution to support Lily Funsten Ward, a missionary in China and a Daughter. In the beginning, a week each year was set aside as the Self-Denial week. Contributions made during this week were used to support Miss Ward’s missionary work in China. When missionaries were excluded from China, this fund was used to support the Orders’ missionaries wherever needed. Today the Self-Denial fund grants money to be used by individuals for missionary trips to assisting in buying sewing machines for women in Honduras to help provide for their families. The Self-Denial fund is a fund used for outreach to spread God’s kingdom. Matthew 25:40 reads “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” The Self-Denial Fund provides funds to send missionaries to third world countries as well as to reach the poor and needy in the United States. Just in the past few months we have funded a food bank program in Honduras, money to help set up a farming project in Honduras, a nutrition program for babies in Haiti which will mean life or death for these children, and a funding for a summer project for children on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is being processed. By supporting the Self-Denial fund your money goes directly to helping others. February 2nd is set aside for the ingathering of the Self Denial Fund, although I am sure that your donations will be accepted at any time. There is a form on the Forms page of the website and in the National Handbook on page 79 which can be used to send with the money you donate.
From the Chair:
Daughters, I am very appreciative of those of you who now support the Self-Denial fund. For those of you who don’t, I challenge you. The next time you are going out for a meal or purchasing clothing that you really don’t need but would like to have – DENY YOURSELF- and send in the money to help someone else. We all can use the old handbag (or handbags) in a little longer. If you go out to dinner once a week or once a month, eat in, make it a special meal dedicated to those who have less than you. If each of us (there are about 26,000 Daughters) would send in at least $10, that would be $260,000. I can only imagine the good that we could do, the poor we could teach, the children we could make smile…. Please, open your heart to this fund.
(Note- I have personally done this and donated to the fund)
Thank you,
Kim Ferguson
Master's Fund The Master’s Fund has been in operation since September 1922. It was established through a Thank Offering to be given at Pentecost in loving commemoration of the coming of the Holy Spirit. Donations from Daughters of the King and friends of the Order provide the monies for the awards. Funds have always been used to help women prepare for service in church related work. Presently, three types of grants are given: Provincial Grants, Continuing Education Grants, and Master’s Fund Scholarships.
Provincial Grants are awarded to each Provincial Assembly of the Order with the approval of National Council, for educational uses within the Province.
Continuing Education Grants are given to members of the Order for their expenses in attending continuing education courses that enhance their ability to serve God and His Church. Grants may be awarded throughout the year with approval of the Mater’s Fund Committee.
Master’s Fund Scholarships are provided to members of the Order, communicants of the Episcopal Church or autonomous churches of the Anglican Communion and other churches in communion with the Episcopal Church. Nominations for scholarships are accepted from Executive Council members, Bishops, Clergy and other members of the Order. Individuals may apply through seminaries or other educational programs. Applicants must be 21 years of age and submit evidence of acceptance to the educational program of their choice. Funds are sent directly to the financial office of the institution and may be used for tuition, books or other educational expenses. Applicants must agree to spend two years in service to the church after completion of their education.
Current applications may be obtained from the national chairperson, the National Office or our website on the Forms Page. Applications are accepted by the current chairperson at any time. They are reviewed on April 1, June 1, and October 1. Scholarships are funded within a month of the review dates. National Council has final approval of all awards from the Master’s Fund.
Endowment Fund The Endowment Fund was established at the Triennial Convention held in Washington, DC, in 1928 to further the work of the Order in the extension of Christ’s Kingdom. It received further support with a resolution presented at the meeting of the National Council in April 1929.
The resolution read, “That a Cumulative Endowment Fund be inaugurated by the National Council at this session, each member present contributing, such Fund to be a permanent trust fund. It shall be increased by bequests, thank offerings, memorials and other special gifts from persons believing in and desiring to forward the objectives of the Daughters of the King.” A contribution form is found at the back of the National Handbook and also on the National Website. Contributions may be made to the glory of God in any of the following ways: Memorials and Thanksgivings: Contributions of at least $10 may be given by an individual, chapter, diocese or province as a memorial for a Daughter of the King, a family member or a friend; or as a thank offering for healing, birthday, wedding, birth of a child or grandchild; or for any reason. The name of the honoree and the reason for the honor should accompany each gift. It can then be recorded in the Book of Remembrance or the Book of Honor and Thanksgiving. Both the books are displayed at General Convention and kept at the National Office.
Bequests: One of the most lasting and loving gifts that can be made to the Order is a bequest. As you plan your estate, prayerfully consider including the Order. Gifts to the Endowment Fund assist the Order since the principal gift remains in the Fund and only the earnings on the principal are added to the Operating Fund annually.
Lifetime Membership: In 1990 the National Council authorized a Lifetime Membership in the amount of $500, to be paid in one lump sum. This money is invested and a portion of the earnings is used to pay the annual assessed National, Provincial and Diocesan dues for lifetime members and to provide dues scholarships for Daughters to contribute to the operating fund of the Order. In 2003 at Triennial the Order agreed to raise the Lifetime Membership amount to $700, due to changes in financial markets.
All Saints’ Day (November 1) has been set aside for the in-gathering of the Endowment Fund.
For additional information, contact the Endowment Fund Chairwoman. Or send your contribution, to the National Office with the form found both at the back of the National Handbook and on the Website.
