First United Methodist Church
DeSoto, Texas
310 Roaring Springs Drive
DeSoto, Texas 75115
972-223-6118
Every Sunday:
9:00 A.M. Sunday School
10:20 A.M. Worship
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What is the Endowment Fund?
We have established the Bridge to Tomorrow FUMC DeSoto permanent Endowment Fund to expand the ministry of our church through planned giving and memorial giving. Your gifts to the Fund will support special mission projects and major expenses for church maintenance and improvement of property owned by our church.
Since 2005, the Endowment Fund has returned yearly dividends to the church to fund special mission projects and provide funding for special needs in church programs.
The Fund will give our church family the opportunity to create legacies through charitable gifts that provide long-term financial support and a living memorial. This Fund will provide a resource for ministries that we can’t even imagine today.
How is the Fund administered?
The Endowment Fund is administered by the FUMC Endowment Fund Committee, which is accountable to our Church Council.
Why do we need endowments?
The
Bridge to Tomorrow adds a program of planned giving that will provide for the future. The Fund adds an important element to our financial program, is structured like this:·
Today—Our stewardship campaign and capital programs·
Tomorrow—Our Bridge to Tomorrow Endowment FundMany people have been generous to our church in the past, but it takes a great deal of support to assure the mission of FUMC DeSoto.
For us to build our
Bridge to Tomorrow , we’ll need gifts of all sizes. Gifts are pooled in the Fund and have a cumulative effect in making even the smallest gift significant. Every gift contributes to the overall growth of the principal, which compounds the return on investments.Are my gifts tax deductible?
Yes, your gifts to the Endowment Fund are deductible for Federal Income Tax purposes. Bequests, legacies and all gifts of value are generally exempt from federal estate and gift taxes. You may wish to consult with your tax professional before making a commitment.
How can I participate?
You may make both Undesignated Gifts and Designated Gifts. Designated Gifts will be used for the specific purpose set by the donor, according to the guidelines of the Fund, and require a minimum contribution of $10,000. We welcome Undesignated Gifts in any amount.
There are many types of gifts that could help build the
Bridge to Tomorrow . A few of them are:Gifts of Cash: Simplicity and ease of giving are the reasons that cash is most commonly given to Endowment Funds. Simply write your check to the chuch and mark it Endowment Fund.
Gifts of Stocks and Bonds: A gift of long-term securities entitles you to an income tax deduction for the full market value of the securities as of the date of your gift. You are not liable for the capital gains tax you would incur if you sold the securities.
Gifts of Real Estate: You may give real property in any location to the Endowment Fund. If you’ve owned the property for one year or longer the fair market value is deductible, no capital gains taxes are payable on appreciation and the property is removed from your taxable estate. Donations of a personal residence, ranch or farm are welcome, and you can retain use of them throughout your lifetime.
A Personal Will: In your will, you may decide to bequeath a percentage of your estate, a specific amount, or the remainder after bequests to other beneficiaries are made. Bequests can be cash, securities, real property or other personal property.
Gifts of Life Insurance: You may designate the Endowment Fund as the beneficiary of your life insurance policy.
How do I learn more?
Our
Bridge to Tomorrow Endowment Fund Committee will provide information on an ongoing basis, and the Texas Methodist Foundation, our investment manager, will present educational seminars at our church to acquaint you with the various types of gifts, trusts and funds that are available through the Fund. Please call the church office (972-223-6118) for more information.