Here are some frequently asked questions about giving to the Foundation. If you still have questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 817-336-5698.
-
Q. How can I make a gift to the Foundation?
A. You may contribute cash, securities, personal property, or real estate to the Foundation. We also accept planned gifts, bequests and will provisions, charitable trusts, and paid-up life insurance policies. The Foundation can also receive a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) direct from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
-
Q. Can gifts be designated?
A. Yes, you may designate your contribution to one or more of the endowments. Designated gifts may be made within five basic funds of the Foundation’s endowment:
• Mission and Outreach
• Youth Ministries
• Children’s Ministries
• Music Ministries
• Foundation General Fund -
Q. What is an endowment?
A. An endowment is a permanent fund of which only earnings are spent. Since only investment earnings are spent, not the principal sums, endowment gifts become a means of supporting the work and ministry of First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth – forever.
-
Q. Can I make my gift in honor or in memory of someone?
A. Yes, the Foundation accepts gifts made in honor or in memory of individuals. If you send us a name and address, we will be happy to send an acknowledgement of the gift to the family. (The amount of your gift will remain anonymous.)
-
Q. How does the Foundation invest the gifts it receives?
A. The Foundation works closely with Luther King Capital Management, a leader in asset management for more than 40 years. The Foundation's investment policy sets an asset allocation of 55% equities with an acceptable range of 45-65% and 45% fixed income with an acceptable range of 35-55% as long as the total investments equal 100%.
-
Q. What does the Foundation do with the gifts it receives?
A. The Foundation directs your gifts exactly for the purpose you specify. The Foundation staff works closely with donors and with the Board of Directors to assure the highest standards of integrity in investing and spending these funds. Disbursements are made to First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth throughout the year.
-
Q. How does the Foundation make sure that the funds it receives are spent for the purposes intended by the donors?
A. The Foundation’s accounting office carefully monitors expenditures made from the Foundation accounts. The Foundation only transfers funds to the church for the purposes specified by the donor and approved by the Board.
-
A. The Foundation is committed to retaining the trust of donors and prospective donors. The Foundation openly discloses information about its policies and activities. The following items are available to interested individuals: financial audits, investment policies, operating budget, the copy of IRS Letter of Determination, and tax form 990 and 990-T.
-
Q. To whom do I write my check?
A. Please make your check out to First Methodist Church of Fort Worth Foundation, Inc.
-
Q. Where do I send my check?
A. Please mail your check to 640 Taylor Street, Suite 2510, Fort Worth, Texas 76102
-
Q. I have more questions about making a gift. Whom do I contact?
A. Please feel free to contact Sid Johnston, Executive Director by email or call 817-336-5698.
