Grant and Funding Programs Offered by The McDougall United Church Foundation

The McDougall United Church Foundation is an incorporated non‑profit society created to support the long‑term sustainability and growth of McDougall United Church in Calgary, Alberta. Established under the Societies Act of Alberta with its own bylaws and regulations, it operates as a distinct business unit, separate from the congregation’s regular operating funds. Its central role is to receive, manage and invest charitable gifts that are then used to strengthen McDougall’s ministries, new programs and capital projects.

The Foundation can accept a wide range of contributions, including cash, securities, life insurance, bequests, endowments and real property. Donors can also establish named endowments to provide perpetual support for particular church ministries of their choosing. Because the Foundation is a registered charity, it issues official donation receipts that may provide significant income tax and estate tax benefits to contributors.

Funds held by the Foundation are invested until they are requested by the Church Council for approved purposes. The bylaws restrict their use to McDougall’s ministries and new programs, ensuring that resources are directed toward worship, education, pastoral care, outreach and community‑oriented initiatives. The Foundation has also acted as the holding unit for major funds such as the Building and Development Fund, helping to finance community‑related components of church redevelopment projects.

Although detailed program guidelines are not published, the structure clearly mirrors a grant‑making function: the Foundation stewards capital and distributes proceeds to internal ministries and projects that align with the church’s mission and long‑term vision. Its governance model, with directors elected from among church members, provides oversight for investment decisions and disbursements.

The Foundation actively encourages planned giving as a way for members and friends of McDougall United Church to contribute to future ministry. In addition to accepting immediate gifts and bequests, it can arrange charitable annuities, often at favourable interest rates, providing both income to the donor and eventual benefit to the church. Bequests left to the Foundation qualify for charitable donation receipts and can be fully deductible against estate taxes, making the Foundation an important vehicle for legacy planning.

Through these mechanisms, the McDougall United Church Foundation plays a specialized funding role within the life of the congregation, transforming donations and endowments into ongoing financial support for worship, outreach, social justice and community‑focused programs based at McDougall United Church.