Training opportunities are scheduled at your site during the day, in the evenings, or on weekends to meet the availability of your congregation.

Church Endowment Development

The United Methodist Foundation regularly meets with churches to help them consider starting endowment funds. We provide sample documents, educational materials, and other valuable resources.

Bequests provide a vital source of revenue to fund new and exciting ministries in your church. By not receiving these gifts, it is likely you are limiting the growth and vitality of your congregation. Approximately 70% of Americans die without a will. Most of the remaining are rarely asked to add their church to their will. If you do not offer the opportunity to provide lasting gifts to support for your church or ministry, it is unlikely your members will.

To find out more about how we can help you develop a plan to encourage planned estate gifts, contact us.

Capital Campaign Process

The United Methodist Foundation can provide training for local churches in capital campaign management. The training process includes an overview of capital campaigns and insight into key indicators.

Stewardship Mentoring

The United Methodist Foundation can provide a stewardship mentor to assist a congregation in developing a holistic stewardship program. The program is based on the Conference Stewardship Standards and can be tailored to your congregation’s needs.

Investment Strategy Development

An investment strategy serves as a foundation upon which sound investment stewardship is built. The investment of cash gifts can help provide the future funding necessary to support the vital ministries of your church. The Foundation can provide information to or mentor your Endowment, Trustee or Finance investment team through the process of creating your own custom investment strategy.

Planned Giving or Taxwise Giving Seminars

The United Methodist Foundation partners with local churches in encouraging strong stewardship disciples throughout our congregations. We provide seminars and workshops for your leadership, congregation, and community in the following:

Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning Ideas

This seminar outlines the necessities of essential basic estate planning documents — for members of all ages — and explains in broad terms the uses, advantages, and disadvantages of trusts and other planned giving tools.

Taxwise Giving

This seminar is especially helpful during a capital campaign because it outlines the tax consequences for various giving options and provides participants with new ways of creating gifts.

Stewardship Development and Holistic Ministry

This seminar develops the concept of stewardship beyond the annual campaign. It incorporates the Stewardship Standards developed by the Conference Generosity and Gratitude Team and encompasses year-round education, narrative budgeting, and a holistic concept of stewardship that includes not only financial endeavors but also time, talents, and gifts.