WHAT IS THE MCDOUGALL UNITED CHURCH FOUNDATION? March 2025

Many Church members have expressed a need to better understand “The Foundation”.  This informational letter provides a broad explanation about The Foundation and the way it works.

Why was it created:

A need was recognized to create a separate non-profit business unit that could accept gifts dedicated to the long term benefit of McDougall United Church.  It was established according to the Societies Act of Alberta with registered bylaws and regulations.  It is distinctly separate from the Church’s operating funds and business. It can accept gifts of monies, shares, bonds, life insurance, bequests, endowments and real property.  However, the Foundation can accomplish nothing without the support and generosity of Church members.

What are the benefits:

A Foundation can issue Government approved, charitable donation receipts which entitles members to lower their income taxes.  Bylaws allow investment of funds until required by the Church Council.  These funds are only for McDougall’s ministries and new programs.  In 2002 the Foundation was asked to act as the holding unit for all donations to the Building and Development Fund (B&D).  Some of the Foundation executive also volunteered to serve on the Church’s first capital campaign 2004-2009.  As a result, church members donated $2,190,792 to the B&D Fund.  The Foundation is also allowed to apply for and receive Government Grants while a church cannot.  Past Chairman, Brian Dowse, guided the Foundation’s applications which resulted in a total of $350,000 in grants prior to Sept 2009.  These grants assisted McDougall to develop the community related parts of the B&D project.

Who are the members:

All members of McDougall United Church whose names appear on the Church rolls are automatically voting members of the Foundations. They elect directors who serve for a three year term. The directors elect their own executive and collectively the Executive and the Directors, guide the Foundation’s business according to its bylaws and regulations.

What qualifies as a donation:

The Foundation can accept cash, direct transfers of a members shares in a corporation thus not triggering capital gains, a will bequest, an endowment, life insurance, real property, etc.  Named endowments can be created in a member’s name to provide perpetual funds for any church ministry the member chooses.

Advantages:

Bequests left to the Foundation in a person’s will qualify for a charitable donation receipt and 100% of this donation is deductible from estate taxes.  The McDougal United Church Foundation can arrange annuities for members, often at advantageous rates of interest. 

Your support is necessary and Appreciated: The current 2025 Foundation directors are Ken Meuse, Teresa Lang, Barry Clayton and Frank Kurucz.  To contribute or to discuss any of the Foundation’s workings contact the church office or the current Chair Ken Meuse, at kvmeuse@shaw.ca