At the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation, we often speak of stewardship as a way to “touch lives together.” When you consider your long-term legacy, you may want to support a specific congregation or ministry while ensuring your gift remains responsive to the needs of the future during your life.
Our Field of Interest (FOI) Funds offer a unique solution that functions much like a cross between a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) and a named endowment, but with an added layer of flexibility.
A Fund with a Vision
Like a traditional endowment, an FOI fund allows you to specifically name the beneficiaries you wish to support either at the beginning or at any time during the Fund’s existence. Of course, beneficiaries must be affiliated with the Christian Church—whether that is your home congregation, a favorite camp, or a specific regional or national ministry. Grants from the account can be made at any time with the donor’s input.
Why Choose an FOI Fund?
The “Field of Interest” designation adds a powerful advantage: flexibility. Beneficiaries and grant amounts are fluid. Over time, change happens, and the FOI Fund can respond to those changes.
Purpose-Driven: During your lifetime, if a specific program or beneficiary changes, you simply advise us, and the Foundation will ensure your support goes toward your purposes.
Responsive Stewardship: It allows the Foundation to act as your advocate, ensuring your gift is always used where it will have the greatest impact for Christ’s work, even as the “how” of ministry changes over time.
Final Wishes
The agreement with the Foundation will specify the final distribution from the FOI when you claim the promise of your Faith. Whether that is an outright gift to a Disciples entity or placement of the funds in an endowment is your choice. We encourage endowments that provide future grants. This honors the donor as well as continues to direct the fund distributions toward the greatest need in the areas important to the donor.
Start Your Legacy Conversation
Whether you wish to bolster your local church’s future or sustain a ministry that shaped your own faith journey, an FOI fund ensures your passion lives on. We would be honored to help you explore how this “flexible endowment” can fit into your vision for faithful stewardship. Feel free to reach out to us via our website or call us by phone at (405) 525-6530.