FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Please refer to the following answers to frequently asked questions about the United Methodist Foundation of Indiana.


1832
The soon to be called, Preacher’s Aid Society of Indiana, is created from gifts left by two laymen, Col. James Paxton and Isaac Swearingen. The purpose is to provide assistance to “… the most needy preachers … either effective or superannuated…”
1834
The Preacher’s Aid Society of the Indiana Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church is officially created.
1844
Indiana Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church divides into the Indiana and North Indiana Conferences
1852
Methodist Episcopal Church in Indiana divides into four conferences called the Indiana, the Southeastern Indiana, the North Indiana, and the Northwestern Indiana Conferences.
General Questions about the Foundation
What does the Foundation do?
Is the Foundation a charity?
How does the Foundation serve local churches?
• We offer training and support for congregations in developing well rounded stewardship ministries, including annual campaigns and planned giving ministry programs at their locations.
• We work with Endowment Committees in creating the charter and policies necessary to properly manage a planned giving ministry.
• We assist churches in further developing their planned giving ministry by providing seminars in their churches on estate planning for their members.
• We provide access to socially screened market based investment funds inaccessible to local congregations.
• We manage, on behalf of many local congregations, charitable gift annuities or charitable trusts established by their church members, or endowment or trusts created to benefit the local congregation.
• We assist local churches in developing an understanding of the process of a capital campaign.
• We consult with local congregations, pastors and treasurers on a wide variety of financial based topics.
How is the United Methodist Foundation related to the Indiana Conference?
How can I receive more information about the Foundation?
Can the Foundation help my church create an endowment program?
Is there a fee for your services?
How is the operating budget of the Foundation funded?
Is the Foundation audited?
Does the Foundation file a 990 Tax Return?

1864
The Mutual Aid Society is created. It is an organization of ministers that pledge to support the widow or family of deceased ministers.
1867
The Preacher’s Aid Society fund is separated into four parts, following the separation of the Indiana Conferences.
1895
Southeast Indiana and Indiana Conferences unite and the related Preachers’ Aid Societies follow.
1916
The Mutual Aid Society and the Preacher’s Aid Society merger.
Investing through the Foundation
How does my church open an account with the Foundation?
To open a new investment account at the United Methodist Foundation of Indiana, your organization should complete and submit the following two forms which can be found on our resources page.
• ISF Participation Agreement
• ISF New Account Form
Mail your completed ISF Participation Agreement, New Account Opening Form, and check to the Foundation.
Can I invest my personal funds in the investment pool at the Foundation?
Can the Foundation assist my church in investing our endowment funds?
Do you offer socially responsible investments?
Is there a minimum amount to open a new account?
Can my church have more than one fund invested with the Foundation?
What does ISF stand for?
ISF is short for Investment Service Fund. These are the funds that are available for local congregations to use for investing their endowment or other investible funds.

1916
The first permanent endowment fund is created to fund minister’s support.
1939
Methodist Episcopal and Methodist Protestant merge dropping both surnames and “Episcopal.”
1961
Conference-wide program on Wills and Bequests developed.
1968-69
Evangelical United Brethren Church merge with Methodist Church to form United Methodist Church. Preachers’ Aid Society changes their names accordingly.
Giving through the Foundation
Can I give shares of stock to my local church through the Foundation?
Can I personally create an endowment at the Foundation for my church or other ministry?
Does a gift given to or managed by the Foundation have to benefit the Foundation?
Can the Foundation handle a gift that benefits more than one ministry or institution?
Must a gift to the Foundation be designated for a specific ministry?
What type of giving plans does the Foundation offer?
Does the Foundation accept gifts of real property?

1985
Purpose of Foundation expanded to also assist in the charitable, educational and religious purposes and to offer investment opportunities to local churches.
2001
A church loan fund program is created.
2010
The North Indiana and South Indiana Conferences merge.
2011
The Indiana Area United Methodist Foundation, North Indiana United Methodist Foundation and the United Methodist Foundation of South Indiana follow with their merger.