The Woodlands UMC Foundation, Inc.
Today’s Gift … Tomorrow’s Service to Him
Founded in September of 2000, The Woodlands United Methodist Church Foundation, Inc. was established to provide for the future of this congregation’s mission to bring Christ and His love to our local and global community.
The decision to give to the Foundation is a spiritual commitment of loyalty and love. It is a way to continue giving and supporting The Woodlands UMC now and into the future.
“For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” — Psalm 100:5
Why Do We Have A Church Foundation?
Most large churches, such as The Woodlands United Methodist Church, have established foundations or endowment funds for the purpose of expanding and securing the future ministries of the church. The foundation provides an opportunity for the current members to build for the future.
The foundation fund is a permanent fund which is invested to provide income that can be used to further the ministry of the church. The permanent fund also provides a degree of security in the event of unforeseen financial needs. Most of the goals for the foundation are long-term.
What Is The Foundation’s Mission?
The mission of The Woodlands United Methodist Church Foundation is to expand the ministry outreach of the church and safeguard its future through charitable gifts that provide long-term financial support and a living memorial.
How Are The Earnings Of The Fund To Be Used?
They will be used to expand the ministry of the church for years to come by providing supplemental funds to enhance the church’s programs, mission, operations and facilities.
Does The Foundation Fund Replace All Other Funds?
No, it does not replace other funds. Such funds as the church operating budget and faith promise fund for missions are separate. The foundation fund is designed to permanently enrich the future life of our church.
The annual budget of our church is all-important. It is the responsibility of the congregation every year to provide for the everyday bills, salaries and programs for the membership.
Will My Gift Be Kept Confidential?
All gifts or donations to the fund will be treated as confidential business transactions. If you are giving to the foundation in honor or memory of a loved one, the designated person or family is notified of your thoughtfulness. All gifts to the foundation (not including the amount) are recognized in our church newsletter. If you wish, your gift will remain anonymous.
How Can I Give To The Fund?
• In Gratitude - because you are grateful to our church and want to invest in its future.
• In Appreciation - of those individuals or groups whom you want to honor.
• In Memory - of a deceased loved one.
• Bequest - for those who have named the foundation as a beneficiary. This can be done by placing the foundation in your will. The bequest will be recorded as a gift in the year that the will is probated and the grant delivered to the foundation.
What Are The Ways I Can Give To The Fund?
Gifts Of Cash
Simplicity and ease of giving are the reasons that cash is the most popular type of giving. A gift of cash is considered given on the date it is made to the fund.
Gifts Of Security
A gift of long-term securities generally results in several federal tax benefits. You are entitled 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.
A Gift Of Property
Real property in any location may be given to the foundation, provided it meets certain criteria. If the property is owned 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 Or Estate Planning
In your will you may decide to bequeath a percentage of your estate, a specific amount, or the remainders after bequests to other beneficiaries are made.
When a Christian writes a will, it should be more than a catalog of possessions, rather a declaration of faith in the cause you believe in — a provision for that which you love. No person can tell you the will of God regarding the final disposition of your property. Only by prayerfully seeking God’s leadership can you know what He wants you to do.
Questions?
If you have questions about giving a donation to The Woodlands United Methodist Church Foundation or would like to discuss further how you can leave The Foundation in your will or estate plan, please call the number below.
The Woodlands United Methodist Church Foundation, Inc.
2200 Lake Woodlands Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
281.297.5900
“Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, as long as you can.” — John Wesley
Contact
Donor Story
Read Jim Austin’s story, “Transformed by Doubt,” in the Summer 2011 issue of The Point Quarterly.
