Foundation

Preparing for Tomorrow Today

Since First Church’s founding in 1869, past and present members have contributed to strengthen our congregation and serve the purposes of our Lord. When the FUMC Foundation was established on January 26, 1982, the legacy of a permanent financial foundation, to support the church and its ministries in good times and less fortunate times, was created.

In recent years, tens of thousands of dollars from the Foundation have supported diverse activities including FUMC mission trips to Africa and Haiti, reducing our mortgage, education and fellowship, enriching the activities of Vacation Bible School, and enabling special music performances.

The Foundation accepts gifts, bequests, legacies, and donations, which are added to endowment funds. The capital accumulates as new assets are received and through careful investing for the long term. Projects approved by the board are funded with the income from these investments.

Becoming a Member of the Foundation

We invite any member of First Church to support the church and its ministries in perpetuity by giving to the Foundation. By doing so, you will have a voice in the Foundation.

Membership begins with a tax deductible contribution of as little as $100, which can be made in 4 payments of $25 each.

Gifts can be made to the Foundation general endowment or can also be specified to one of the Ministry Enhancement Accounts.

If you are a current member of the Foundation, and haven’t given in the past twelve months, your renewed support is welcomed. If you have never become a Foundation member, please prayerfully consider making a contribution now.

Designating a Gift

The FUMC Foundation has established Ministry Enhancement Accounts for designating gifts for specific ministry purposes. Funds in these accounts provide ongoing and recurring support for FUMC ministry and allow for the pooling of smaller gifts and endowments.

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Establishing a Named Endowment

An endowment is a gift held in perpetuity and prudently invested to protect the gift from inflation. It can be property, insurance, stocks, cash, or deferred estate gifts. The investment dividends or interest are used to provide a stable, continuing income for the intended purpose or purposes of the endowment.

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Board of Directors

At its annual meeting, held usually between April and June, Foundation members elect a Board of Directors, the members of which guide the Foundation’s activities following Foundation bylaws. The Bylaws call for 12 directors who serve 3 years terms.

2027 Foundation Board

• Michael Budd

• Don Caddy

• Marla Carey

• Brian Martin

• Connie Nicholson

• Carl Griffin (Chair)

• Diane Stott (Vice Chair)

• William Shen (Treasurer)

• John Jones (Secretary)

• Bill Schomer (Trustee of FUMCWL Governance Board)

• Larry Huggins (Treasurer of FUMCWL GB voice no vote)

• Duane Carlisle (Sr. Pastor of FUMCWL)