History

The Trenholm Road United Methodist Church (TRUMC) Foundation began in 1989 under the leadership of Marshall Shearouse. As the Senior Trust Officer for C&S National Bank, Mr. Shearouse was instrumental in organizing the Foundation. He drew the organizational documents and served on the Board of Directors while the Foundation was in its infancy.

While Trenholm Road United Methodist Church has been around for more than 60 years, it is comparatively young in the Forest Acres neighborhood. At 27 years old, the Foundation is also rather new. Made up of more than a dozen funds named for donors, legacy gifts, and designated purposes, the Foundation’s asset base is healthy.

A congregation’s unity promotes stability and sustainability within a church. From liturgy to outreach, worship to community involvement, a church’s true core is the commonality of its parishioners, the belief we have in Christ and our mission to represent Christ through our time, talents, gifts and service. It was in the spirit of this common purpose that the Trenholm Road United Methodist Church Foundation was established.

How the Foundation Works

As a separate yet supportive entity from TRUMC, the Foundation is a pillar of financial support. Donors add their gifts to the Foundation’s separately managed designated funds. These are additional gifts, separate from primary tithes and donations to the Church’s annual operating budget. Some are part of estate settlements. Some are in memoriam or honor gifts.

The Central Carolina Community Foundation, a local non-profit organization that provides investment guidance for philanthropic organizations, manages the TRUMC Foundation’s financial assets. The Central Carolina Community Foundation does not serve in a Board capacity for our Foundation; rather they are retained as the registered investment advisor.

Foundation funds are not available to support the general operating budget of TRUMC. Rather, the Foundation is intended to supplement and complement the Church’s mission.

Within the Foundation are several trusts named for founding members, the estates that bequeathed the funds, and the members honored by the gifts. Foundation trusts are designated funds for specific TRUMC programs:

• Music Ministry

• Youth Ministry

• Building Renovation & Improvement

• Faith Education for Church Leaders

• Missions Ministry

There are also non-restricted or open use funds within the Foundation. These funds are administered by the Foundation’s Board of Directors, which rotates members who serve three-year terms.  Directors can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms.

Named Trusts

The following are funds named in memoriam and in honor of valuable TRUMC members, families, and friends.

• Paula Wilson Music Fund

• James Rogers Ellison Education Fund

• Dorothy J Murphy Music Fund

• Cross Music Endowment

• Otho S. Pool, Jr. Family Fund

• Thalia Davis and Charles H. Ham, Sr. Memorial Fund

• David and Jan Fary Youth-Music-Missions Fund

• Chris Riddle Scholarship Fund

• John and Betty Warren Capital Improvements Fund

TRUMC Foundation also invests and manages the:

• Unrestricted General Fund

• Unrestricted Music Fund

• General Building Fund

Benefits of the TRUMC Foundation

Since its inception, the TRUMC Foundation has provided supplemental financial support for the programs and people that enhance the ministry of Trenholm Road United Methodist Church.

The Foundation grants financial assistance to programs and causes that enhance the life of the church. The Foundation contributes annually to the Youth Salkehatchie mission trip, with most of the funding enabling youth from Epworth Children’s Home to participate in this life-changing community outreach.  Historically, the Foundation makes annual contributions for the special music programs that enhance our worship during the holidays. Periodically the Foundation is asked to support capital improvement projects of the church. The Foundation also has made significant contributions towards the continuing education of the clergy staff as they pursue advanced education in seminary. The Foundation also contributes to other mission projects, both locally and outside of our community.

How to Participate in the TRUMC Foundation

Ensuring the prosperity of the TRUMC faith community is the mission of the TRUMC Foundation. Our community gives of itself freely in missionary and ministry work. The time parishioners invest truly enhances the life of the church. Consider serving on the TRUMC Foundation Board of Directors as a possible way to give of your time and talent.

A monetary gift to the TRUMC Foundation is an investment in the prosperity of our faith community. Consider making a one-time donation to one of the established funds or a recurring donation to support our many ministries.  Even consider making a large donation that would allow you to establish a fund in your own or a loved one’s name.

A final estate plan that includes the TRUMC Foundation creates opportunities to preserve your gifts to TRUMC in perpetuity.  The Foundation preserves the legacy of you or your loved ones through named or designated funds that support specific church activities. Make the TRUMC programs you and your loved ones treasure your legacy through a TRUMC Foundation gift.

How can I get involved?

• Volunteer for the Board of Directors

• Share the stories of Foundation-funded work

• Donate to an existing fund in the Foundation

• Make the Foundation part of your estate plans.

How do I give to the TRUMC Foundation?

• Small Gifts can be added to the offertory if designated to the TRUMC Foundation

• Larger gifts can be arranged through the Business Office.

How can I learn more about the TRUMC Foundation?

• Read our blog with stories about Foundation grants.

• Look for Foundation announcements in regular church communications.

• Questions? Contact one of the nine board members for additional information.