FPL Generous Giving Committee 

Perhaps the next time you sit in the quiet light of FPL's sanctuary, you'll take a moment to thank the families who have sustained FPL and who power its future. Here's one example of how a family's generosity – combined with good stewardship – can have a significant impact. Perhaps you will feel inspired to make a gift to FPL too. 

In 1983, the Donaldson Family gave First Parish in Lincoln about $10,000, in memory of Gordon Donaldson. A hand-written note from Gordon's brother Malcolm explained that the gift should be used for the beautification and extraordinary maintenance of FPL's buildings and grounds. Over the following decades, FPL invested the funds prudently, drawing only small amounts from the fund's income. Today, the Donaldson Fund's value is over $450,000.  

The original intent of the Donaldson Fund aligns well with the Opening Doors Campaign, FPL's ongoing effort to renovate the Parish House and Grounds. The local members of the Donaldson Family (all engaged in the church) enthusiastically supported transferring $400,000 to the Opening Doors Campaign, reserving about $50,000 in the Donaldson Fund to grow for future uses. The Parish Committee, which oversees all of FPL's funds, approved the transfer. 

With the $400,000 gift from the Donaldson Fund, Opening Doors has raised $5,350,000 towards our initial fundraising goal of $6.2 million. The Opening Doors Planning Team is currently developing a recommendation for the scope of Parish House and grounds renovations given these fundraising results.  

We are deeply grateful to the Donaldson family for the generosity and vision of the original gift, their ongoing support of this congregation, and their faith in FPL's future. May the doors of all our hearts open with generosity!