Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association Endowment Care Fund

Overview

The Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association Endowment Care Fund is a part of the nonprofit organization Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association, established to ensure the perpetual maintenance and care of Cypress Lawn Memorial Park, a historic cemetery in Colma, California. The fund operates under an irrevocable trust agreement, which means that the principal amount deposited into the fund cannot be spent, and only the interest earned is used for maintenance purposes[1].

History

Cypress Lawn Memorial Park was founded in 1892 by Hamden Noble. During this time, the Endowment Care Fund was initiated to guarantee that the cemetery would remain well-maintained for future generations[1]. The fund has played a crucial role in preserving the beauty and integrity of the park's grounds, utilities, and historical structures.

Financials

As of recent financial disclosures, the Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association Endowment Care Fund reported total assets of approximately $94.5 million and total liabilities of about $8.4 million as of 2023[3]. The majority of the fund's revenue comes from investment income and sales of assets, highlighting its reliance on prudent financial management to ensure sustainability[3].

Activities

The fund is used for various purposes, including:

• Grounds Maintenance: Planting, cutting, and watering of the arboretum and grounds.
• Infrastructure Upkeep: Maintenance of utilities, walls, roadways, and walks.
• Building Preservation: Cleaning and upkeep of buildings, including renovation and historical preservation.
• Digital Archives: Preservation and protection of digital records and family histories[1].

Leadership and Legacy

Under the leadership of figures like Kenneth E. Varner, who served as President and CEO, Cypress Lawn significantly expanded its services and strengthened its financial position. This included expanding the endowment fund and increasing the staff to better serve the community[5].

Tax Status

Donations to the Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association are tax-deductible, indicating its status as a nonprofit organization eligible for tax-exempt contributions[3].

[1] https://cypresslawn.com/blog/protecting-legacy-cemetery-endowment-care-fund/ [2] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/237135969/201922079349301072/full [3] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/237135969 [4] https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?collection=grantmakers&activity=result&key=2228666 [5] https://cypresslawnheritagefoundation.org/staff/kenneth-e-varner/