FUMC Foundation

Click Here for a 2009 Foundation Grant Application

Fill out the application and return it to

Rochelle at Church by January 31, 2009

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the First United Methodist Church Foundation?

The Foundation is a not-for-profit Missouri corporation which was formed for charitable and educational purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation is a supporting organization of the First United Methodist Church, Jefferson City, Missouri and, as such, is considered a public charity. The Foundation, however, stands apart from the First United Methodist Church and is governed by its own volunteer board of directors.

When was the Foundation established?

On November 10, 1998, the Missouri Secretary of State issued a Certificate of Incorporation and the legal existence of the Foundation started on that date.

Why was the Foundation established?

The Foundation supports the outreach of our Church which is not covered by the Church’s annual operating budget. The Foundation also affords a donor an opportunity to direct a charitable gift for a restricted purpose subject to the approval of the Foundation’s board of directors. The Foundation also is building a permanent endowment fund whereby a portion of the net earnings only are used for matters outside the reach of the Church's budget.

What has the Foundation done to date?

An example of the Foundation's work includes the granting of scholarships to graduating seniors of the Church whose scholarship applications are approved by the Foundation. The Foundation has awarded 41 scholarships which total $20,500 since 2000. The Foundation also manages the Christina Clary Billings Scholarship Fund created by the family of Christina Clary Billings. The fund has awarded 3 Billings scholarships which are available primarily to elementary education majors.

How much did it cost to form the Foundation?

The legal and accounting services to establish the Foundation and obtain its tax exempt status were rendered free of charge by members of the church who are an attorney and certified public accountant.

Are gifts made to the Foundation deductible for income tax purposes?

The Foundation enjoys charitable tax exempt status from the IRS. If an individual itemizes his or her contributions on a 1040 IRS return, gifts to the Foundation are tax deductible for income tax reporting purposes. A donor should, however, consult with his or her tax advisor concerning the extent of the deduction of a particular gift to the Foundation. Any charitable documentation required by law will be provided by the Foundation.

How does the Foundation operate?

A volunteer board of directors governs the Foundation. There are 5 directors on the board who each serve a five year term. One director rotates off the board each year and a new director is added. The directors elect four officers (President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer). The current board members are Steve Newman, Carolyn Thompson, Lonnie Schneider, Marlene Medin and Brenda Myers.

If I want to make a gift to the Foundation or know someone who does, who should be contacted?

For further information about the Foundation, please contact any Foundation director or Jerry Kelly at the church office by calling 635-6886.