Capital Campaign

DGFUMC is pleased to announce our one-year capital campaign called Pave it Forward. Our Pave it Forward capital campaign will provide the funding and allow DGFUMC to proceed with the expansion of the North parking lot. In 2005, DGFUMC held an all-church meeting and voted unanimously to purchase the 1045 Grove Street property to expand our North parking lot. This capital campaign will complete this 2005 vision.

Our financial goal is to raise $500,000 in one year in order to complete the parking lot expansion as well as pay off the long-term debt owed on the property. Permeable paver bricks will be used in the north lot expansion, which allow for the most economical way to address the strict drainage requirements dictated by the Village of Downers Grove. Additionally, the bricks provide a long service life and are ecologically friendly. We estimate that each paver brick donated will contribute approximately $65 towards our campaign goal.

Our church vision is to reach and to touch as many lives as possible through worship, fellowship, music, education, and missions. The “Pave it Forward” campaign is just one of many concurrent projects that our church has planned to spread the word and love of Christ. Your financial support is essential for a successful parking lot campaign. Download the Pave it Forward pledge card. Choose the “brick package” that best suits your giving level. Simply complete the form and drop it in the Sunday offertory plate or mail it to the church office.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the goal of the Pave it Forward Capital Campaign?

In 2005, DGFUMC held an all-church meeting and voted unanimously to purchase the 1045 Grove Street property to expand the North parking lot. We want all FUMC members and visitors to be able to park on our church grounds and attend service easily. This capital campaign will complete this 2005 vision.

What are the primary benefits for expanding the North lot?

There are multiple benefits for expanding the North parking lot. An estimated 25 parking spaces will be added due to the lot expansion. We anticipate eliminating $300,000 in long-term debt currently on the church’s financial statements and receiving additional revenue by renting these 25 spaces to commuters. The lot expansion will allow for the relocation of the garbage dumpsters and will help attract new members. Completing the lot expansion will provide the church with a tax-exempt status on the 1045 Grove Street parcel, thereby reducing current property tax commitments. Finally, “green friendly” materials will be used to expand the lot.

How much will it cost to reach our campaign goal?

Our financial goal is $500,000. We estimate $200,000 to complete the construction on the North lot expansion and $300,000 to retire the debt on the property. Permeable paver bricks will be used in the lot expansion because they provide the most economical way to address the strict drainage requirements dictated by the Village of Downers Grove. We are encouraging church members to “buy bricks” to support this capital campaign. Each paver brick donated will contribute approximately $65 towards our goal. Click Here to Download the Pave it Forward pledge card. Choose the “brick package” that best suits your giving level.

What if we do not achieve our $500,000 financial goal?

The first monies received will be used to complete the parking lot expansion. Any monies received above and beyond the construction costs will go towards eliminating the property debt.

How many years will the capital campaign run?

The campaign will run for one year.

When will the parking lot expansion project begin?

Construction will begin on the lot expansion when the church has received at least $200,000 in pledge commitments.

How long will the construction last on the parking lot expansion?

We anticipate construction will last approximately three months.

Is it true that Downers Grove might impose a stormwater utility tax on churches, and if so, how much tax will be imposed on this 1045 Grove Street Property?

The Village Council of Downers Grove is considering a stormwater utility tax but no final decisions have been made.  We have asked Downers Grove for, and received, an estimate of potential stormwater utility tax on the 1045 Grove street property in the amount of $221.  This amount will be reduced by $40 because FUMC will receive a property tax credit as part of this Village proposal.  Additionally, our potential stormwater utility tax may be reduced even more by credits currently under consideration by the Village Council. DGFUMC plans on using permeable paver bricks to expand the parking lot which is a credit being considered.  It is likely that we may pay no stormwater utility tax at all.