UM Foundation
What We Do:
The United Methodist Foundation for the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference partners with churches, institutions, ministries, and individuals to strengthen their financial foundations and support ministry for generations to come. Rooted in the Wesleyan tradition of stewardship, we believe financial resources are a powerful tool for advancing the mission of the Church.
Who We Serve
We provide professional investment management and fund administration for long-term and permanent funds, helping churches and institutions steward their resources wisely while freeing them to focus on ministry.
Through flexible account options, planned giving, and trust and bequest services, we also help individuals and families create meaningful legacies that support the churches, ministries, and institutions they care about.
How We Help
The Foundation provides educational resources to help churches and pastors strengthen financial stewardship, as well as practical support for managing funds designated for missions, building projects, endowments, and other ministry needs.
Our approach is grounded in transparency, fiduciary responsibility, and a commitment to being a trusted ministry partner.
We are here to serve.
Why It Matters
We help ministry partners across the Conference manage their resources with confidence and purpose—
They can focus on what matters most: serving their communities and advancing the mission of the Church.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Who owns the Foundation?
The Foundation is part of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church and guided by a Board of Directors elected by the Conference. Each year, we share our work and financial stewardship through an Annual Report and the Conference Journal, ensuring transparency and accountability to the ministries we serve.
Q: Who supervises the Foundation?
The Foundation is guided by a Board of Directors made up of 30 elected members and five advisory members. The Board meets quarterly, with committees focused on executive leadership, investments, credit, personnel, audits, and nominations. You can find a current list of Board members on this website and in our Annual Report.
Q: How is the operating budget of the Foundation funded?
The Foundation’s operating budget is supported by income from its endowment, modest management fees, and investments in the United Methodist Development Fund of TN/KY, Inc.
Q: What does the Foundation do?
The Foundation helps United Methodists turn their generosity and love for ministry into lasting legacies. We help individuals and families find meaningful ways to support the churches, ministries, and institutions closest to their hearts. From exploring giving options to serving as a trustee and managing investments, we offer thoughtful guidance to honor each donor’s wishes and help their generosity make a lasting difference.
Q: How does the Foundation serve local churches?
The Foundation partners with local churches in many ways, offering guidance, resources, education, and support for faithful stewardship and planned giving.
- Resources and guidance: We help churches establish wills and legacies initiatives and provide resources to support their efforts.
- Speaking and education: Our President and Field Staff Representative are available to speak at churches and church groups, lead seminars, participate in retreats and special events, and preach upon invitation.
- Partnering with Pastors and Donors: When individuals are considering significant gifts or bequests, we can work alongside pastors and families to explore their options and answer questions.
- Trustee services: The Foundation can serve as trustee for gifts benefiting local churches and Conference-related ministries.
- Gift management: We can manage and invest gifts on behalf of local churches, helping them maximize the long-term benefit of those gifts.
Q: Does a gift given to or managed by the Foundation have to benefit the Foundation?
Absolutely not! In fact, most of the funds managed by the Foundation benefit other United Methodists, churches, ministries, and institutions. Supported by its own endowment and modest management fees, the Foundation is able to focus on its mission: helping United Methodists support the people, ministries, and places of the Church that matter most to them—not raising funds for itself.
Q: Can the Foundation handle a gift that benefits more than one person or institution?
Certainly. The Foundation serves as trustee for charitable funds that benefit multiple institutions or programs.
Q: Should a gift to the Foundation be designated to a specific purpose?
It depends on what the donor hopes to accomplish. Gifts may be designated broadly or for a specific purpose. The Foundation can help donors choose an approach that honors their intentions while allowing flexibility for future needs of the church, particularly when establishing endowments.
Q: Can the Foundation serve as executor in a will?
An executor is the person named in your will to manage your affairs after your death. In some cases, having a trusted institution serve in this role can provide added peace of mind. If you’re considering the Foundation, we can review your estate and determine whether we’re able to serve as executor, providing thoughtful and dependable stewardship of your wishes.
Q: Will the Foundation write my will for me?
The Foundation strongly recommends working with an attorney to prepare your will. If you wish to include the Church in your plans, we can help you think through your goals and priorities so your attorney can create a will that reflects your wishes and provides for the ministries you care about.
Q: What type of giving plans does the Foundation offer?
There are several ways to make a meaningful gift, each offering different benefits. The Foundation can help you explore the option that best fits your goals.
- Outright gifts are made during your lifetime and may be fully deductible for income tax purposes, subject to federal limits. These gifts are irrevocable.
- Life income gifts allow you to make a gift during your lifetime while continuing to receive income from the gift for the rest of your life. The Foundation offers several life income options, each with its own benefits and tax considerations.
- Bequests allow you to make a gift through your will that takes effect after your lifetime. For many, this provides an opportunity to make a significant gift while retaining full use of their assets during their lifetime. Charitable bequests are generally deductible for estate tax purposes.
- Whether you’re considering a significant gift or simply want to learn more, the Foundation is here to help you explore your options with confidence.
Q: Does the Foundation accept gifts of real property?
Certainly. Many charitable funds managed by the Foundation were established through gifts of real estate or securities. These gifts can offer significant tax advantages compared with giving cash. The Foundation is happy to help donors understand these options and determine what may best fit their giving goals.
Q: How can I receive more information about the Foundation?
Contact our President:
Rev. Dr. David Weatherly
1908 Grand Avenue, Suite 210
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: (615)259-2008
Email: david.weatherly@umftwk.org
Rev. Dr. David Weatherly
1908 Grand Avenue, Suite 210
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: (615)259-2008
Email: david.weatherly@umftwk.org