What is the term for an arrangement made by a cemetery that ensures funds are set aside for the maintenance of a plot indefinitely?

The term "perpetual care" refers to a specific arrangement made by a cemetery to ensure that there are funds allocated for the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of a burial plot in perpetuity. This type of care is designed to provide assurance that the cemetery will remain well-maintained over the long term, which is essential for preserving the dignity of the site and honoring those interred there.

Perpetual care funds are typically set up through contributions made at the time of the purchase of the burial plot, and the money is then invested. The interest generated from this endowment is used for maintenance tasks such as landscaping, cleaning, and overall management of the cemetery grounds. This arrangement guarantees that future generations will benefit from the care of their loved ones' resting places.

In contrast, while an endowment fund, trust fund, and foundation care may involve financial management and support for various causes, they do not specifically pertain to the ongoing maintenance of cemetery plots in the same way that perpetual care does. Each of these concepts operates under different principles and is suited for different purposes, highlighting the unique nature of perpetual care as it directly relates to cemeteries.