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?
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 April 2026. The deadline for submission of applications is March 31st.
Proposed grants must qualify in one of the following categories:
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Mission
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Scholarship
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Property
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General
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 (HERE).
Decisions will be announced in late April 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