“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me …. that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.”
-John 15:1-2
First Presbyterian Foundation
It is amazing what we can do when we are the branches of the vine of God. Jesus gives us the strength of the vine and the wonderful ability to bear fruit in our lives through talents and treasure. The First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa Foundation offers us a chance to bear fruit that continues the mission and ministries of First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa in perpetuity.
The foundation was established in 1962 with 88 shares of stock and has grown over the last 50 years to a $20 million endowment. The fruit that is pruned from that endowment, has added up to $11 million over the last 25 years. Earnings from the foundation support the mission and ministries of First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa.
The purpose of the foundation is to support the operations, benevolent, charitable, educational and missionary work of the Church. A board of trustees elected from the congregation for three-year terms governs the foundation’s operations. Independent investment advisors carefully selected and overseen by the board, manage its assets.
In 2020, the unrestricted Forward Fund and the five restricted ministry funds distributed $530,000 to the life of the Church. They included the areas of music and worship, scholarship and education, mission, nurture and care of families, and long-term maintenance and repair.
Join the Legacy Society
At over 130 years old as Tulsa’s oldest Church, First Presbyterian Church has a deep and integral history in our community. We appreciate and honor the legacy of those who have gone before us. We want these facilities and outreach missions to continue to spread the word and the grow relationships with God for generations to come to be part of our legacy.
A gift to the foundation is for everyone who wants to designate their gifts while they are living. For those who want to see their legacy start during their lifetime, you may donate at any time to the foundation. Making a charitable bequest assures that you have complete control of your gifts during your lifetime and brings the satisfaction that your will reflects your faith and stewardship values. The gift can be made to a specific mission or to the Forward Fund which supports the future of our church. These gifts will be part of the foundation’s endowment which will live in perpetuity and support the mission of the Church.
How can I give?
The following giving options may provide important personal benefits while supporting First Church for generations to come.
- Cash donation
- Bequest through your will or trust
- Privately held securities
- Charitable gift annuities
- Real estate assets (income producing real estate can be maintained and managed by the foundation trustees)
- Retirement assets (i.e., pension plans, IRAs)
- Life income gift through a trust
- Donor Advised Fund
- Naming the Church as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy
- Oil and gas interests and royalties
It is a simple sentence
The following language may be appropriate for a bequest of a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a description of the property you wish to give.
"I give $________ to the First Presbyterian Foundation, located at 709 S. Boston, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74137, to be for its Forward Fund (or for the specific purpose of ______)."
NOTE: With any decision regarding legal and financial matters, you should consult your own independent professionals such as an attorney, accountant, trust officer, life insurance professional, or investment advisor.
How do I take the next step?
To get started on your will or estate plan, contact your attorney, accountant, trust officer, life insurance professional, or investment advisor.
Call 918-292-9063 or email Foundation Director Katie Williams, kwilliams@FirstChurchTulsa.org. If you have any questions or to let her know the foundation is in your estate plans.
