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Endowment care cemeteries

Endowment care cemetery registration

A perpetual or endowed care cemetery is one where the owners elect to have an irrevocable trust fund to care, maintain, and enhance the cemetery. A percentage of the gross sales price is deposited into the trust fund (ORS 97.820).

The principals of invested endowed care funds can never be voluntarily reduced, but shall be maintained separate and distinct by the trustee or custodian from all other funds, except they can be commingled with special care funds (specific directed donations). The net income earned is only to be used for the general care and maintenance of the cemetery property.

The division maintains a list of all perpetual or endowed care cemeteries in Oregon and may conduct periodic audits to verify that the trust funds are handled properly.

Annual reports

All endowed cemeteries must submit an annual report and filing fee every year, along with a financial statement for its trust account. The due date is 75 days following the end of the fiscal year covered by the report.

Consumer and industry information

If you need help, call 503-378-4140 and a receptionist will connect you to an examiner who will explain the process.