Planting a Legacy: How Endowments Are Changing Lives at KML 🌱 Featuring Board Chair David Zarling
Updated: Jun 24
Endowments: Opening Doors for KML Students At KML, getting an education has never been just about academics. It’s about faith, community, and preparing our students for lives of Christian service. But for some families, tuition costs can be a barrier to Christian education.
In the latest KML Legacy Foundation vlog, Gift Planning Officer Ann Jahns and Legacy Foundation Board Chair Dave Zarling talk about endowments—something powerful yet often misunderstood—and how they provide student assistance, helping make Christ-centered education possible for both current and future KML students.
Why does student assistance matter at KML?
Student assistance is about more than finances. It opens the door for students and families to be part of a Christian community where they are surrounded by God’s Word every day—in classrooms, chapel, activities, and relationships.
When financial barriers to attending KML are removed, families gain access to a ministry that impacts not only students but entire households and future generations with the gospel.
So what is an endowment, anyway?
An endowment is a gift designed to provide lasting support. Rather than being used all at once, endowment funds are invested and carefully managed by the KML Legacy Foundation board of directors. The funds continue to grow and generate annual support for student assistance year after year.
Think of an endowment like planting a tree. As the tree is watered and flourishes, it continues to provide fruit and shade for future generations. An endowment gift is like that—it keeps growing and bearing fruit while continuing to bless others.
What is the impact of the KML endowments?
The KML Legacy Foundation is blessed to manage around 20 student assistance endowments. This year alone, more than $184,000Â was distributed from these endowments to help support KML students and families. What a blessing. What an eternal impact!
So, do you have to be wealthy to set up an endowment?
Legacy giving is not just for the wealthy! Anyone can prayerfully consider how God might use the blessings He has entrusted to them to be a blessing to others.
Families can:
Contribute to an existing endowment
Establish their own endowment in honor or memory of a loved one
Remember the KML Legacy Foundation or KML in their estate plan
Start conversations about faith and generosity with friends and family members
A legacy is not only about what we leave to people—it’s about what we leave in people. And the greatest legacy is sharing Jesus with future generations.
Your legacy, their future
Through endowments and planned giving, your generosity today can support KML students and Christian education for years to come.
To learn more about setting up an endowment or contributing to an existing endowment through the KML Legacy Foundation, contact Gift Planning Officer Ann Jahns at ann.jahns@kmlhs.org or 262.677.4051 x4004.
