The Foundation of First Presbyterian Church-Davenport

A board of trustees consisting of nine church members oversees the operation of the foundation. In any given year, at least one-third of the trustees will have more than two years’ experience, one-third will have served more than a year, and no more than one-third could be in their first year of office. Trustees may serve up to nine years. After one year off, they may serve up to another nine years.

The Foundation operates according to the Iowa Uniform Management of Institutional Funds Act.

Donors are assured of their gifts being used as directed. Donations or bequests may be made to the Foundation with the understanding that these assets will not be used for general day-to-day church maintenance or operation, but will be applied to new, lasting improvements or mission projects. Donations or bequests may be made to the Endowment Fund, the Development Fund, or the Unrestricted Fund. Unrestricted gifts provide maximum flexibility to the Foundation to meet future unanticipated or strategic needs of the church.

You can provide both the inspiration and the means for meeting particular church needs or making special church improvements and acquisitions. The Foundation is here to help bring your good ideas to reality. Past gifts have included kitchen equipment, chairs and tables for Fellowship Hall, choir room air conditioning, a much needed stair handrail, and the establishment of the Boys and Girls Club housed in the church.

Long-time member Lucy Norton and her family helped the trustees of the First Presbyterian Church Foundation establish The Kirkwood Tower Circle. This honor is bestowed upon any member or friend of First Presbyterian Church who indicates to the trustees that he or she has included The Foundation of First Presbyterian Church in his or her estate planning.

Those honored will receive a certificate of membership and a beautifully framed, matted, color print of the Kirkwood Tower of the First Presbyterian Church of Davenport painted by noted Quad City artist, Paul Norton, who was a First Presbyterian member for many decades.

The original water color was presented to the trustees in a service of worship on January 28, 2001, when family and friends of Lucy gathered to celebrate her 90th birthday. In making that gift, Lucy challenged all members and friends of First Presbyterian to include the church in their estate planning just as she and Paul did years ago. She wanted the Kirkwood Tower watercolor print to hang in every household indicating that individual or family has intentionally included the church in its planned giving. “The church needs to be here for the youth of tomorrow,” Lucy pointed out. “The church…is where you spiritual heart is,” she added. Wise investment of the accumulated financial resources of members and friends who bequest them to the church when they no longer need them for themselves guarantees the continuation of the ministries of Jesus Christ at the corner of Kirkwood and Iowa long into the future.

The Foundation and staff invite inquiries, but recommend donors consult with a family lawyer, tax consultant, broker, or insurance professional.

For additional information about the Foundation of First Presbyterian Church, contact the church Business Office at 563-326-1691, ext. 219, or olson@fpcdavenport.org.