Our Endowment: Securing Tomorrow, Today
At First Congregational United Church of Christ, Sarasota, we believe in leaving a lasting impact. As you explore our “Endowment Giving” program, you are joining a community of visionaries who want to ensure that our mission continues for generations to come.
Whether it’s through a bequest, a charitable gift annuity, or an immediate contribution to our endowment, your generosity will shape the future of our church. Together, we build a legacy that transcends time—a legacy of faith, compassion, and transformation.
Thank you for considering how you can make a difference. Explore the possibilities, ask questions, and let’s create a legacy together.
Blessings ~
What will your generosity say about you, today and for generations to come?
Why Give?
Your generosity empowers our church’s mission. Together, we make a difference in the lives of our community members and beyond.
A Message from Rev. Dr. Wes Bixby
Reasons to Build Your First Congregational United Church of Christ, Sarasota Legacy
At First Congregational United Church of Christ, Sarasota, our annual stewardship gifts (pledges) provide funding for current year operations and church work. Gifts made to the Endowment Funds are different – they are held in trust for growth and income to support the long-term objectives of the church and its mission in perpetuity.
The First Congregational United Church of Christ, Sarasota endowment is professionally managed and invested in socially responsible funds. It allows us to put the gifts from our members – past and present – to work to make a positive impact upon our community and the world.
Your gifts to the endowment today or as a part of your estate plan will ensure that future generations will have opportunities to worship, find welcoming fellowship for all, praise God through music, and participate in a congregation open to all.
How to Give
As a donor to our endowment, you possess complete discretion regarding your gift. You can choose how it will be utilized and when, what and how to give. This includes options such as immediate gifts, incorporating planned gifts in a will or trust or establishing gifts that yield income for you and/or a beneficiary throughout their lifetime.
When making a charitable gift to our church’s endowment, it is vital that the full legal name of the church and our tax ID be used. The legal name to use is First Congregational United Church of Christ, Sarasota, and the tax ID is 59-0896302.
A gift to First Congregational United Church of Christ, Sarasota endowment proclaims your confidence that we will continue to fulfill our mission and make a difference in the lives of future generations.
For questions on how to make your gift, contact a member of the endowment team through the church office at 941-953-7044 or by using the contact form below.
8 Ways to Make an Impact
RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
Designate First Congregational United Church of Christ, Sarasota as a beneficiary in your qualified retirement plan, like an IRA, 401(k), or 403(b), to fulfill a charitable goal and enjoy substantial tax savings.
CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUSTS
A charitable remainder trust allows you to transfer assets to a trust, which then pays you or your beneficiaries income for life or a specified term. After that, the remaining assets are distributed to the church or other charitable beneficiaries.
DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS
Donor-advised funds allow you to make a charitable contribution to a fund, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to the church or other charities over time.
APPRECIATED STOCK
Maximize your impact by donating appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds instead of cash. This grants you a full charitable deduction while avoiding capital gains taxes. Your donation becomes a powerful force, benefiting both you and the church.
CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES
Transform underperforming or non-income producing assets (cash, stock, CDs, savings bonds, etc.) into a meaningful gift for the church. Contact United Church Funds (UCF), where your gift ensures fixed, quarterly payments for life, accompanied by valuable tax benefits.
BEQUESTS
Leave a gift to First Congregational United Church of Christ, Sarasota in your Will or trust. Bequests can include cash, securities, or certain types of personal property (consult with the Endowment Team). Talk to your estate attorney to find the best fit for your intentions.
CASH AND PERSONAL PROPERTY
Cash donations are always welcome. If you are considering a donation of personal property, we encourage you to connect with our Endowment Team to explore the types of donations that would be acceptable and relevant to our mission.
LIFE INSURANCE
Name First Congregational United Church of Christ, Sarasota as the beneficiary of an existing life insurance policy; donate an existing, paid-up policy you no longer need; or purchase a new policy and name the church as the owner.
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Directing Your Gift
You may direct your well-considered gift to support specific core missions and ministries of our church, or as an unrestricted gift. Additionally, our Endowment Team can discuss other funds available to support various aspects of our church’s mission.
Endowment Fund
The Unrestricted Endowment Fund of the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Sarasota is the heart of our endowment program. It is administered by Church Council through the endowment committee and supports our general church missions and ministries in the community and around the world. A share of the earnings of this fund also supports the church’s annual operating budget.
Campus Maintenance Fund
The Building Fund is used to maintain the physical structure of First Congregational United Church of Christ, Sarasota. Donors like you have made gifts to this fund to ensure we have a place in the community to call home and enable us to use our operating budget to support our missions and ministries.
Music & Fine Arts Fund
First Congregational United Church of Christ, Sarasota stands proudly at the forefront of Sarasota’s vibrant church music scene, boasting one of the most distinguished music programs in the region. Our wonderful music brings joy to the hearts of congregation. This is made possible by the generous financial support of our church members.
Testimonials
Keep the Music Playing
Extend Our Church's Welcome into the Future
Just Do It!
Contact the Endowment Team
Engaging in conversation about your charitable goals with our team can yield a more optimal outcome compared to navigating this process independently. This ensures that your contribution aligns precisely with your desires. Take proactive steps today to responsibly manage the resources you plan to leave behind. Feel free to reach out to us via the contact form provided below, or contact a member of the endowment team through the church office at 941-953-7044.
