First, consider your interests and passions in the various missions and programs at First Community Church. Many are focused on education and care of children, Camp Akita, providing food and aid to those in need, international missions and programs celebrating worship and music. Think about whether you want to designate your gift to a program.

You have the option to donate an unrestricted gift, which would be invested in the Roy Burkhart Fund for use for the church’s greatest need.

If you’re considering a planned or eventual gift from your estate OR you’re not certain what your intent may be, contact the Foundation Office at foundation@Fcchurch.com, or 614-488-681 X263. There are board and staff members available to discuss options and your wishes. At some point, you may want to contact your attorney, tax advisor or investment professional.

There are three main types of funds for you to consider.

• An endowment fund – this is a gift of $25,000 or more (could be an initial gift of $5,000 with the remainder given within five years), which establishes a fund that can provide support for an area of your special interest. The money is invested, and a percentage of the earnings (or a specified percentage of the principal) may be allocated to grants, according to the spending policy of the Foundation. This allows for your gift to continue making an impact for years to come. Fees are applied annually to cover the cost of administering the fund.

• A non-endowed fund – this named fund may be established with a gift of at least $10,000 to support a ministry or program of interest to the donor. The fund may be established with an initial gift of $5,000 with the remaining $5,000 to be given within three years. While the fund is subject to the spending policy, all monies may be used for grants. Administrative fees will be charged periodically to cover the cost of administering the fund.
• A donor advised fund (DAF) – this is a charitable giving account that can be used to support charities over time. A DAF may be established with a gift of $25,000 (funding over three years is possible, but no grants may be made until the full $25,000 is gifted). Donors can receive an immediate tax benefit while recommending grants for charities of their choosing over several years. Seventy-five percent (75%) of grants from a DAF must go to the ministries or missions of First Community Church, with the remaining 25% to qualified charities or to additional FCC ministries or missions. DAFs may be managed and administered by The Columbus Foundation. Administrative fees will be charged by the Columbus Foundation to cover the costs of managing and administering the DAF. Administrative fees will also be charged periodically by the Foundation. 

*A planned gift is any major gift, made during a donor’s lifetime or at death as part of the donor’s overall financial and/or estate planning. Planned giving is a method of supporting charities that enables donors to make larger gifts than they could make from their income. While some planned gifts provide a life-long income to the donor or his or her family, others use estate and tax planning techniques to maximize the gift and/or minimize its impact on the donor’s estate. (source: Christian Church Foundation)

Contact the First Community Foundation Office at foundation@Fcchurch.com, or 614-488-0681 X263. Please share your interests and confirm your decision with our Foundation Director. You’ll want to put your gift intent in a written “gift agreement” document.

Your gift will be invested and managed by professional investment advisors. It will be used according to your wishes, either deposited into existing funds or used to establish a new fund or endowment. The Foundation has an application process for grants. After careful consideration of the grant request, it is determined whether to approve the grant within the parameters of the spending policy and the fund that best suits the request according to donor intent.

The Foundation Board has a fiduciary duty to manage funds and disperse grants according to the donor’s intent(s) and in accordance with best practices of non-profit foundations. Each fund is tracked separately and noted as to its intent. There are clear parameters as to how funds are to be distributed.

You can recommend how you might like to be recognized for your generosity. Of course, all donors to the Foundation have the option to have their gifts remain anonymous. You can request for your name not be listed at the time you make your gift. This wish and your privacy is totally respected. However, research shows that by listing your name as a donor, you may inspire others to donate.

Your gift may qualify you for recognition and appreciation in two giving societies established by the Foundation. 

1. The Legacy Society honors those who have remembered the Foundation through planned estate giving. Examples are gifts from your will, trust, securities, insurance, etc. The Foundation can help you determine a means that will provide for your needs and those of the church.
2. The Heritage Society
   • Sustaining Members are those who in defined year have given $2,500 or more to the Foundation.
   • Lifetime Members are those who have given $25,000 or more in accumulated gifts.

In the Contact section of this website. Complete the online form and request information about how to submit a grant application. The Foundation Office will get in touch with you. After an application is made, the Foundation grants committee reviews the grant request and decides which fund may be used according to donor intent. The committee makes recommendations to the Foundation Board of Trustees. The board discusses the application and votes on whether to grant the funds. Most grants are for enhancement of First Community Church programs, although some are for areas outside the Church, per the wishes of the donor, and only if the organization’s principles are consistent with those of First Community Church.