Messiah Village is a not-for-profit ministry.  While the Village receives revenues for the services it provides, these revenues alone do not cover all the financial needs of the Village.  The Village is particularly dependent upon contributions in two areas: (1) To be able to provide care for persons with limited financial resources, and (2) To have a vital and attractive campus that provides opportunities for growth, service and healing.  The Village believes that by providing benevolent care and having an attractive campus we show honor and respect to older adults.  We invite you to give so that we can continue this great tradition of honor and compassion.

The Village provides benevolent care to about 75 residents in Nursing Care and Assisted Living.  During the 2003-2004 fiscal year it amounted to over $2 million.  Benevolent care is the difference between the revenues we receive from the resident or government programs and what it costs to live at Messiah Village.  The Village is looking for partners to support the 75 residents who otherwise would not receive the quality care provided by Messiah Village.

The Village has a very strong tradition of benevolent care support.  In 1940, the Village began an endowment fund.  This fund is a restricted fund, meaning the principle cannot be withdrawn and that any investment earnings must only be used for residents with limited financial resources.  Currently, the Fund is about $8 million.  While we are grateful for the size of this fund, it is not large enough to cover the annual benevolent care needs of over $2 million.  Based on investment policy, the Village only uses 4-7 % of the average investment income on an annual basis for the current year benevolent care need.     

We invite gifts small and large.  The intent of the giver is more important than the size of the gift.  We also believe that it is wise to plan gifts. We encourage the involvement of family and professional counselors (attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, etc.) as may be appropriate in making a gift, particularly a large or planned gift.  If the Village can be of assistance, we invite you to contact the Director of Gift Development (717) 795-5579.

The Village invites gifts in the following four areas:

Annual Appeal for Benevolent Care

The purpose of the Annual Appeal is to provide funds to care for residents with limited financial resources. It begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.  Persons who give to the Annual Appeal can designate their gift in two ways. It can either be designated to the Endowment Fund For Benevolent Care or applied to the benevolent needs of the current year.  These funds are gathered in three primary methods:

• Solicitation Gifts. Periodically friends of the Village are sent letters asking for contributions.   Memorial and Honor Gifts.  Family and friends can give a cash gift in memory or honor of a loved one.  
• Direct Gifts. Supporters of the Village who wish to show their support of needy older adults by making a gift.

Founders Society

The purpose of the Founders Society is to invite persons to support the mission of Messiah Village through the use of a planned gift.   A planned gift can include: a bequest in a will, a charitable gift annuity, a charitable trust, real estate, or some other type of gift associated with estate and financial planning.  Members of the Founders Society help ensure that the Village can serve current and future generations of older adults.  In making a planned gift, the donor can designate that the gift be used for benevolent care, campus improvements or as may best be needed at the time.  

Campus Improvements

Messiah Village has been able to maintain a vital and attractive campus that provides opportunities of growth, service and healing because persons have seen the need for buildings and equipment that is specially designed to meet the needs and lifestyles of older adults. For example, the chapel, special care neighborhood, arboretum, upgraded nursing neighborhoods and pond were made possible because of generous donors.  Individuals have given in two ways: From time to time the Village has had capital campaigns for the campus facilities, or persons have given to a unique improvement as approved by administration.

Special Projects

The purpose of special projects is to provide support programs and services that enhance the lives of residents and clients.  Such projects may include equipment (musical, electronic, etc.), furniture (inside and outside), programs for residents and clients (cultural events and classes), or training for employees.