The Endowment Fund
The St. Francis Endowment Fund was established in 2008 for the purpose of providing members and friends with the opportunity to make charitable gifts to Saint Francis that would become a permanent endowment of financial support. These gifts are intended for purposes which are not funded through the annual operating budget and help to carry out the mission of St. Francis in the Foothills, today and for future generations.
The St. Francis Endowment Fund is invested and managed by the Desert Southwest United Methodist Foundation. Your gift to the Endowment Fund will provide income in perpetuity for St. Francis. While the principal of the Endowment Fund remains intact and untouched, the earnings of the Funds may be distributed at the discretion of the Endowment Fund Committee.
Twice a year, when earnings are available, the St. Francis Endowment Fund Committee considers dispersing funds. Applications for funds will be considered in the following areas: Mission, Scholarship, Property, Ministry or Special Need. ​​
HOW TO GIVE?
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LEAVE A BEQUEST TO THE ST FRANCIS ENDOWMENT FUND IN YOUR WILL OR TRUST (Bequest language below)
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LIST THE ST. FRANCIS ENDOWMENT FUND AS (Full or Partial) BENEFICIARY ON YOUR:
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LIFE INSURANCE POLICY
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PENSION, IRA, 401(k), 403(b)
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TRANSFER STOCKS or BONDS, IRA ROLLOVER
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REAL ESTATE (Survivorship Deeds are available in Arizona)
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CHARITABLE TRUST, RETIREMENT EARNINGS, CASH
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
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For more information about the St. Francis Endowment Fund, Contact the St. Francis Office
520-299-9063
For more information on which types of giving would be best for you, contact an estate lawyer or tax advisor.
More information about the Desert Southwest United Methodist Foundation can be found at www.dsumf.org
*St. Francis in the Foothills UMC is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 86-0388672) under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Examples of Bequest language:
(Feel free to change the numbers or percentages as you desire.)
1. Bequest of cash
"I bequeath the sum of $10,000 to "St. Francis UMC Endowment Fund (tax ID 86-0388672)”
2. Bequest of a percent of your estate
"I devise and bequeath 20% of the remainder and residue of property owned at my death, whether real or personal, and wherever located to St. Francis UMC Endowment Fund (tax ID 86-0388672)” ​​
For more information contact Paula Van Ness, Endowment Committee Chair
Endowment Grant Application
The St. Francis Endowment Committee is pleased to announce a round of grants for special projects to be awarded in October 2026. The deadline for submission of applications is September 30th.
Proposed grants must qualify in one of the following categories:
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MISSION: The mission of St. Francis in the Foothills is to cultivate spiritual growth, inclusivity, social justice, and belonging.
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SCHOLARSHIP: Financial assistance for educational, training, or enrichment opportunities that advance the church’s mission. Scholarships are not intended to provide general educational assistance, but to support individuals pursuing learning or development that has a meaningful connection to the church’s mission and values.
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PROPERTY: Financial assistance for the acquisition, improvement, repair, or adaptation of property or facilities when the project directly supports the mission of St. Francis and enhances its ability to serve people and the community. Property grants are not intended for routine maintenance or general operating expenses, but for projects that improve accessibility, inclusivity, safety, sustainability, or the organization’s capacity to provide mission-aligned programs and services.
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EMERGING NEEDS: Financial assistance for programs, projects, or needs that do not fall within another grant category but clearly advance the church’s mission of cultivating spiritual growth, inclusivity, social justice, and belonging. Requests should be submitted under Mission, Scholarship, or Property whenever reasonably applicable.
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St. Francis Sponsor: A St. Francis church member or committee that is familiar with the grant request, supports its consideration, and recommends it to the Endowment Committee. Sponsorship does not necessarily include financial responsibility for the grant or project.
Approximately $10,000 is typically available for each round of grants, although available funding may vary. There is no established minimum or maximum request, and applicants are encouraged to submit requests that are reasonable in relation to the scope and impact of the proposed project. Grants may be awarded for less than the amount requested. It is unlikely that only one $10,000 grant will be awarded so applicants should keep that in mind as they prepare their applications.
Approved grants are awarded for one year only and must be used within one year of issue date. Organizations seeking continued funding must submit a new application each year. Priority will be given to requests that directly benefit and strengthen the local community.
This is a streamlined process, the application is quite simple to complete for those unaccustomed to writing grant proposals. Applications contain additional information about funding priorities and are available below.
If you have any questions, contact the Endowment Committee Chair below.
Decisions will be announced in late October 2026.
Tree of Life Memorial
Leaves are available for those who make an Endowment or Legacy Fund gift of $150 or more. A golden leaf will be engraved with your personalized message and displayed on the ‘Tree of Life’ located in the Celebration Center. Gifts to the St. Francis Endowment or Legacy Fund are tax deductible.
For more information contact Karen Bliss, Endowment Committee