HELP US TO CONTINUE OVER 100 YEARS OF MINISTRY!
The programs and sites so unique to The Firs wouldn’t exist if not for the support and partnership of our volunteers and donors. There are many opportunities for you to be part of The Firs’ ministry. Whether offering a few hours of time or becoming a major donor, to advance us toward the future, each person is highly valued and appreciated.
SUPPORT THE FIRS
WAYS TO GIVE
WHERE TO GIVE
General Fund
GIVING TO THE WHOLE ORGANIZATION
Gifts given to the General Fund go directly towards covering operational expenses of the whole organization -- The Retreat Center, The Chalet Fircreek Day Camp, Camp Firwood, ASA, and Firs & Fiddleheads. You can choose to give a one-time gift to the General Fund or you can give on a regular basis throughout the year.
Giving to the General Fund is extremely beneficial to The Firs and supports every aspect of our ministry. Monthly, semi-annual, or year-end contributions are a few of the ways to give to the General Fund.
CAPITAL PROJECTS
FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS
Beyond our operational expenses at The Firs are our needs for facility improvements. These are an ongoing necessity at each of our ministry centers. These capital projects include such matters as furnace replacements, new roofs, vehicle acquisitions, kitchen equipment, new waterfront toys, and much more.
As money comes into our designated Improvement Fund, we are able to tackle priority projects on our growing list of "to do's".
CAMPERSHIP Fund
KEEPING CAMP AFFORDABLE
One of our primary concerns at The Firs is to do all that we can do to keep camp affordable for all campers. We do this in two ways, by relying on contributions to our General Fund and, therefore, subsidizing the growing expenses of our programs and by accepting donations to our established Campership Fund. This fund serves as a means for parents who can’t afford to send their kids to camp to have the opportunity to do just that. Through this fund, we are able to disburse $25–50,000 per year, but the needs are much greater. Contributions to this fund go directly to helping get these kids to camp.
START THE CONVERSATION
The Firs is a member in good standing of the ECFA (Evangelical Council of Financial Accountability) and goes through a full audit every year.
In Support of The Firs
Since its inception, the ministries of The Firs have been supported and grown by the generous gifts of friends whose lives have been touched at one or more of our facilities and programs.
Today about 7% of our operating budget and nearly all of our capital or building projects are funded by regular gifts, pledges and donations. Each year hundreds of people give to our ministry as they believe the Lord is directing them.
While cash gifts are essential they are not the only way to give. Some folks make a bequest to The Firs in their estate plan or add The Firs as a life insurance policy beneficiary. Some name The Firs in their trust or may establish a gift annuity contract. Others give a gift of stocks, bonds, mutual funds or even tangible items such as property, land, automobiles or boats.
Electronic Funds Transfer
The Firs has in place a way for you to give through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Giving via EFT is an efficient and convenient way to support the ministry. It will save you time and money.
As a donor you will find giving via EFT will:
-
Save you time by eliminating the need to write out checks
-
Reduce the expense of mailing in donations
-
Assure that your donation is received consistently
The Firs recommends giving via EFT because it helps to reduce administrative costs and provides consistent support for the ministry. Thank you for considering the EFT option as a way to partner with us in this manner.
If this is something you are interested in, please feel free to call Marc Watson with questions or for more information:
360-733-6840 or 800-765-3477, ext. 215.