The United Methodist Foundation (UMF) was organized in 1994 to provide churches and church organizations a means to safely and confidently manage their endowments and memorial funds.

All investments go into a common pool to purchase stocks and bonds.

Proceeds from the pool are apportioned to the account of each investor according to its share of the total.

Quarterly, dividends and interest accumulated during the previous three months can be distributed to the investor or re-invested, whichever the investor prefers.

The UMF operates a Balanced Fund, a combination of equities, fixed income holdings, and cash. The Balanced Fund is a conservative approach to protect our investors from wild swings in the financial markets. To date it has served us well.

The Foundation adheres to the requirements of the Social Creed of the United Methodist Church, which calls for socially responsible investments. We do not invest in firms whose products are alcohol, tobacco, pornography, gambling, guns, or chemical, biological and nuclear weapons.

The minimum initial investment in the UMF is $5,000. Subsequent investments should be $2,000 or greater. Withdrawals can be as little as $1,000.

Deposits and withdrawals can be made quarterly with ten days notice.

The UMF survived the market turmoil of 2007. The total fund tracked favorably versus the S&P 500. Our Balanced Fund approach served us well throughout the year.

The Fund provides a means by which churches can avoid the ever present temptation to use their endowments to finance continuing operations of the organization. It's the ideal way to set aside funds for the rainy day or for future capital projects.

Should your organization wish to explore further the advantages of the UMF, we can provide literature for your examination or arrange for a few of our representatives to visit your church. Please call or contact one of the following:

Mr. Arnold Card, Treasurer      (973) 838-6153     irenec(at)micinsurance.com

We have a manned table at each Annual Conference. Please visit us.