First United Methodist Church Missouri City

Giving to the First United Methodist Church of Missouri City Foundation, Inc. (the Foundation) allows you to advance the special ministries and capital programs of our Church in accordance with your wishes. The decision to make a permanent gift from current assets or from your estate is a personal one. The Foundation's Board of Trustees hopes you will prayerfully consider First United Methodist Church Missouri City as the recipient of your planned gifts, bequests, memorials and tributes.

What is a Church Foundation?

Like any non-profit organization, a Church has daily and long-term financial needs. Simply put, our Church's annual budget addresses current operating needs. In contrast, the Foundation helps raise and maintain a permanent source of funds to perpetuate your Church values and long-term goals.

Our Church formed the Foundation in 2003 to promote and raise permanent funds (also called endowments) of the Church. Because the Foundation's funds are permanent, only the earnings are distributed for actual use. The Foundation prudently invests the endowed funds with professional advisors, including the United Methodist Foundation of the Texas Annual Conference. Our Foundation a legally incorporated entity under section 501 (c) (3) of the IRS Code, and has a separate Board of Trustees from our Church to avoid potential conflicts of interest. In addition, the Foundation and the Church each have separate annual financial audits by outside experts to ensure proper management of the funds.

What is the purpose of the Foundation?

The Foundation receives donated funds and maintains stewardship over their investment, and serves as the repository for all permanent funds of the Church. Donors determine how the earnings from the investment will be distributed.

What is an endowment gift?

When a gift is made for endowment, the gift can never be spent. Only the earnings can be spent. The donor may designate the gift for a designated, or "endowed" purpose, such as for music ministries, or for scholarships or outreach programs. Or, the donor may choose to make an undesignated endowment gift to give the Foundation trustees flexibility to spend the earnings on priority needs consistent with the Church's vision.

Why do the Foundation and Church have separate Boards of Trustees?

Church Trustees are legally responsible for current building and property needs, and oversight of the day-to-day operation of the Church. For example, when property is bought or sold, Church Trustees are responsible for that transaction.

Foundation Trustees are legally responsible for the administration of endowed funds. Specifically, Foundation Trustees are charged to raise endowed funds, invest and manage the assets, and distribute the earnings properly.

What size gift is appropriate for the Foundation?

There is no minimum dollar amount. Gifts of any size are important and appreciated. Church Foundations often receive many gifts between $5 and $100, however, the Foundation also needs major gifts to fulfill its mission of providing a secure source of significant funds to advance the Church's ministries. In addition, guidelines have been established for the Foundation to be able to receive donations of non-cash gifts, such as real estate, securities, trusts, bequests, and life insurance beneficiary designations.

Should someone include the Foundation or the Church in his or her will?

How a donor gives depends upon his or her goals. If the donor wants the gift to be used for current budget or capital needs of First United Methodist Church, then the gift should be given directly to the Church. If the donor prefers that the gift produces a perpetual benefit, then your gift should be made to the Foundation, so it may be endowed and invested for future growth and income.

Whether it is for current budget or capital needs or for perpetual benefit, First United Methodist Church Missouri City responsibly uses all gifts to fulfill God's word.

How do I make a donation to the Foundation?

There are many ways to give. If you would like to make a cash gift for a specific or unrestricted purpose, you may send a check payable to "First United Methodist Church of Missouri City Foundation."

If you are interested in making an estate gift or other type of planned gift, a Foundation Trustee would be pleased to meet with you and your advisors. The meeting will help you better understand the many charitable gift options that can enhance your overall estate plan and benefit you and your family- as well as provide a meaningful gift. To arrange a confidential meeting with a Foundation Trustee, please contact the Church office at 281-499-3502.