Investments

Overview

United Methodist Foundation, Inc. offers churches and institutions an opportunity to participate in an investment partnership through which assets can be co-mingled for investment.

Investing with United Methodist Foundation, Inc. offers the benefits of a commitment to socially responsible investing, greater diversification of investments, and the possibility of minimizing costs and maximizing investment return. The investments are handled by professional money managers at a low cost. While a low minimum investment is required, there are no limits on the number of Permanent Endowment or Revocable Agreement accounts a church may open.

The Foundation charges a low annual fee which includes all investment management and administrative expenses. A portion of this fee enables UMF to provide planned giving and stewardship education throughout the North Carolina Conference. There are no additional fees for deposits or withdrawals or to open or close accounts.

Learn More:

Socially Responsible Investing
UMF’s Investment Policy Statements
Investment Fund Choices and Performance

Socially Responsible Investing

United Methodist Foundation, Inc. invests all funds according to the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church as described in The Book of Discipline and the Statement of Investment Guidelines published by the General Council on Finance and Administration of The United Methodist Church. The Foundation will not knowingly invest in any company whose activities are contrary to The Social Principles.

Our Guiding Principles

Based upon John Wesley’s principles on money: “Earn all you can” — in a manner that blesses others as you earn; “Save all you can” — in a way that does not deprive others of their needs; and “Give all you can” — with love as a blessing for the needs of others, funds invested with United Methodist Foundation, Inc. are uniquely managed according to The Social Principles.

Thus, all money managers are instructed to screen out of their investment portfolios any industries and companies that derive significant gross revenue from alcohol, tobacco, gambling, pornography, or armaments.

At the same time, investments are encouraged in companies that are dedicated to making a positive social, moral, and economic impact on society. UMF is dedicated to socially responsible investing (SRI) and will not knowingly invest in companies whose activities are contrary to the Social Principles.

Our fund managers follow the guidance of the UM General Council on Finance and Administration and the UM General Board of Pensions and Health Benefits (GBOPHB) in determining social responsibility of the companies in which we invest. The Board of Pensions is entrusted with the pensions of clergy and lay staff throughout the Church.

For more about Socially Responsible Investing

Investment Fund Choices and Performance

Three investment options are currently offered. A church may have multiple accounts, and the Foundation does the sub-accounting. This is a big help for Treasurers and Financial Secretaries. The quarterly reports the Foundation provides help meet the Charge Conference reporting requirements as described in The Book of Discipline.

For the most current information on investment funds performance and our asset allocation models, please Contact our office via email or phone.

  1. The Balanced Fund — a well-diversified mix of equity and fixed-income assets (65% / 35%).
  2. The Fixed Income Fund — a bond fund consisting of 100% high grade, inflation protected corporate and government treasuries (TIPS – Treasury Inflation Protected Securities / CIPS – Corporate Inflation Protected Securities) offered as an alternative to CD investments.
  3. The Short Term Investment Fund — in keeping with UMF’s commitment to invest according to The Social Principles of the United Methodist Church, this fund is invested with the Self-Help Credit Union based in Durham, NC. The Self-Help Credit Union is a federally insured, state-chartered entity founded in 1984 to “create ownership and economic opportunity for minorities, women, rural residents, and low-wealth families’ – segments of our society which are typically under-served by conventional lenders.