We promote fellowship locally and throughout the nation and world in missions, evangelism, and education. We steward resources for God through efforts including financial planning workshops, individual meetings with potential donors. We receive and administer gifts and donations; we encourage and promote planned giving.

In essence, the Schweitzer Church Foundation supports the church mission in perpetuity, stewarding gifts that keep giving for future generations.

The purpose of the foundation is to gratefully receive, wisely grow and use generously gifted resources to create and sustain future ministry. The foundation will also serve an educational resource to the church, helping people with creating a lasting tangible, and intangible, legacy.
The Foundation will host classes and seminars to help educate and prepare people for life’s big decision. This includes: Binder For Life and Having the Last Word. Classes will be routinely offered to assist individuals and families with organizing/preparing their life affairs and planning for memorials and Celebration of Life services.
These classes and seminars provide opportunities to plan ahead, finish well, and ease the burden of loved ones while celebrating faithful lives.

You might wonder, "Why should I give to the church foundation instead or in addition to the church? Here's why. As faithful followers of Jesus, we are compelled to give generously (tithe is the goal) to the ongoing operation of Christ’s church. Giving to the Foundation is generosity above regular giving that moves the mission and vision of the church into the future in a unique way.  

Examples include giving that provides funding for new church plants, assists with growing ministry leaders by defraying seminary or other educational expenses, national or international mission experiences, acquiring real estate to advance mission, etc.

WHO MANAGES THE FOUNDATION?
The Foundation is led by a Board of Directors. Pastor Jim Mason serves as the Foundation Director. Neil McCall serves as the President of the Board.
Foundation Board nominees are put forth by two directors, plus the Lead Pastor of Schweitzer Church. They are approved by no less than 2/3 vote by the Board of Directors of Schweitzer Church. All Foundation directors must be in good standing of Schweitzer Church.

2023-2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jim Mason, Donna Roberts, Phil Wieneke, Carolyn Hoffman, Spencer Smith (Lead Pastor), Jenifer Roberts, Brett Foster, Neil McCall (President)
Not pictured: Judy Breeding (Vice President ) and Kevin Lubbering.

WHAT THE OFFICIAL NAME & CONTACT
Schweitzer Church Foundation
2747 E Sunshine St.
Springfield, MO  65804
You can leave a message for Foundation Board Member by calling the Schweitzer Church office at 417-881-6800 or by emailing
foundation@schweitzer.church

HOW IS FOUNDATION INCOME DISTRIBUTED?
The distributions of the Foundation may be designated, but not limited to the following purposes: local missions, outreach, evangelism, scholarships, ministry to youth, ministry to the aged, promotion of worship services, provide for growth, and support to the Schweitzer Church pastoral team.
The method of distribution will be determined by the Foundation Board at the beginning of each fiscal year based upon the approved spending plan.

HOW DO I MAKE GIFTS TO THE FOUNDATION?
By making an outright gift during your lifetime.
Gifted appreciated securities could have significant tax advantages where you gift the appreciated stock to the Schweitzer Church Foundation and avoid capital gains tax. (Another example is Required Minimum Distributions “RMDs”)
 
• By making a gift under your will or trust agreement to the Schweitzer Church Foundation.
• By naming the Schweitzer Church Foundation as beneficiary of a life insurance policy, annuity, individual retirement account (IRA), or other qualified account.
• By naming the Schweitzer Church Foundation as beneficiary under “Payable On Death” (POD account) or “Transfer on Death” (TOD) account.
• By naming the Schweitzer Church Foundation as beneficiary under a charitable remainder trust or a charitable lead trust.
• By retaining the use of a residence or farm real estate during your life and giving the “remainder” to the Schweitzer Church Foundation.
• By consulting with a Foundation Board representative.

WHAT KINDS OF GIFTS CAN I MAKE?
Charitable bequests
A popular way to leave a legacy gift. It’s easy to understand and does not require donors to part with their assets during their lifetime. This type of giving offers donors a sense of financial security and peace of mind knowing their assets are available to meet some unforeseen expense.
An example is the donor pledges to give 10% of remaining assets upon time of death.
Per Rev. Clayton Smith, it’s important to “teach people to tithe in death just as in life. Why would one not tithe in death as in life? This leaves a tangible legacy and witness for one’s family, how God and church are first (a priority) in life and in death.”

Cash
This an easy way to provide a gift that has immediate impact per the donor’s desires.

Stock
In a time when many people own stock and have investments, these assets may be offered in planned giving.

Donor Advised Funds
For gifts exceeding $10,000, the donor may designate how the funds are to be used in mission, etc.
A donor agreement will be drafted to explain the donor’s wishes.

Retirement Plan Assets
Proceeds from 401K, 403b. Required Minimum Distributions (upon reaching age 73) are common ways of planned giving.

Life Insurance
Proceeds of life insurance policies that extend beyond immediate family needs are a way to leave a legacy gift.

Real estate or “In-Kind” Gifts
Property or other tangible assets like autos, etc. may be given.