What is the First United Methodist Church Endowment Foundation, Inc.?

Created in 2001, the Foundation accepts, manages and distributes funds to promote and support existing and future programs at First Church. The purpose of the Foundation is to enhance the mission and outreach of the church beyond the annual operating budget. These funds are entirely separate and distinct from the funds that support the day-to-day operations budget of First Church.

The Foundation’s initial funding was $356,000 from bequests to the Church over the years. Due to the generosity of our members and the astute management of the funds by the Investment Committee, the portfolio has grown to $2,119,609 as of the end of 2023. The Foundation has distributed $1,413,952 back to First Church for programming since its inception. The Foundation has distributed $1,355,332 back to First Church for programming since its inception.

Gifts to the Foundation are tax-deductible and are “Gifts that keep on giving.”

Who manages the Foundation?

A Board of Stewards elected by the Church Charge Conference manages investments and approves requests for disbursements.

Who asks for disbursements?

Either the Board of Trustees, the Charge Conference, or the Administrative Council may request disbursements from the Foundation depending on the Fund and the needs of the Church.

What will my gift support?

Click here for the 2023 Annual Report, which includes the Distributions and Foundation Investment Positions.

• Missions Fund
• Albin C. Whitworth Music Fund
• Infrastructure Support Fund
• Bachmeyer Stilz/Smith Parsonage Fund
• Fellows Scholarship Fund
• Nancy Roszell Stephen Ministry Fund
• Church History Fund
• Judy Strickler Hoffman Memorial Fund for Andover Children and Youth Music
• New Worship Communities and Leadership Development Fund
• Church Needs Fund
• All Equities Church Fund
• Administrative Fund
• Offerings Fund

How will my gift be allocated?

You may designate the Fund or Funds you wish to receive your gift. If you make no designation, the Funds/Distributions Committee will allocate your gift as they determine it will best serve the mission of the Foundation and the needs of the Church.

What is the Heritage Society?

The Heritage Society is an honorary society created by the First United Methodist Church Endowment Foundation to recognize and honor members who have made bequests to or included the Church in their estate planning. A cast bronze living tree icon was placed in the High Street Campus Gathering Hall as a symbol of the Society. The four plaques on the wall with the icon and one at the Andover Campus near the Prayer Chapel include the names of those, both living and deceased, who have included First Church in their will, trust, etc.

How do I make known the fact that I have included First Church in my estate planning?

Contact a Board of Stewards member or call the First United Methodist Church office at 859-233-0545 and request a “Heritage Society Enrollment Form.” Return the completed form and your nameplate will be acquired and installed on the plaque at the appropriate location.

Board of Stewards

Jennifer Harris, Chair
Tracy Spencer
Greg Monohan
Mary Ellen Harden
Greg House
Scott Davidson
Matt Wood
Heidi Hays
Susan Kearns
John Elliot, Administrative Council Representative

Non-Voting Members
Wayne Oates, Trustees Representative
Todd Nelson, Senior Pastor
Jennifer Gibson, Church Administrator
Ryan Barr, Staff
Howard Shellhaas, Emeritus