A single act of obedience can lead to generational impact. It just needs a little intention.
Over the last 50 years, the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana has grown from a small stewardship initiative with just $5,000 in assets into a trusted ministry partner managing more than $270 million in charitable resources.
What began in 1975 as a mission to promote planned giving for the long-term sustainment of the United Methodist Church has become a multi-generational movement of generosity, stability and Kingdom impact.
At the center of that story is transformation.
Through 421 planned gifts totaling more than $50.6 million, faithful individuals and families have helped create lasting support systems for churches, clergy, ministries, outreach efforts and future leaders across Louisiana.
Those investments have already generated more than $8.4 million in grants supporting seminary education, leadership development, children’s services, outreach ministries, and vital conference institutions.
Contact a UMF Advocate today to learn more!
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You bring the vision. We willl create the plan
Align your vision and resources through a clear stewardship plan that generates lasting impact for your ministry.
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Align vision and trust for lasting impact
The generosity of your congregation deserves to be stewarded with clear accountability and direction.
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You bring the mission. We will help you fund it
The UMF Grants Program isn't just a funding source. It's a support system. Take the next step in launching that new idea!
Planned giving and financial strategy can often feel distant or overly complex.
In reality, they are simply tools that help support something much more important: a clear vision for how your church is called to serve.
That's why we don't start with financial products. We start with a simple question: What are you building, and who are you called to reach?
From there, the process becomes clear.
First, we help you define your role in a changing landscape and clarify the vision for your ministry. Then, we connect that vision to a stewardship strategy your people can understand and support. Finally, we put the right financial structures in place to sustain that vision over time.
The goal is not more complexity. It's alignment, and a plan for your ministry's future.
When vision and stewardship are aligned, generosity moves from a passive response into a leading force for good that supports your mission for generations.
Your Mission Advocates
Britney Winn Lee
Grants Program Advocate
As a former United Methodist minister, Britney’s passion for connecting our grantee partners to vital resources has transformed our Grant Program. From grant writing support to program concept development, Britney is the ideal support person for any ministry looking to pursue a UMF grant.
Reach out to Britney to find out how the UMF grants program can support your next big idea.
Susan Cothern
Planned Giving Advocate
Susan's entire career has been about helping ministries grow; churches, universities and faith-based nonprofits alike. As UMF's planned giving expert, she works alongside your congregation to design giving strategies rooted in your mission, so the generosity of your members keeps funding ministry for generations to come.
Reach out to Susan to start building a Planned Giving strategy for your ministry.
Tracie Wharton
Investment Advocate
For nearly three decades, Tracie has been the steady hand behind UMF's finances, and a trusted guide for hundreds of Louisiana churches navigating loans, endowments and everyday accounting questions. If it involves church money, chances are Tracie has helped a congregation just like yours figure it out.
Reach out to Tracie to find out how UMF Investment Services can equip your church for long-term financial health.
Chris Spencer
Partnership Advocate
Leading the team at UMF since 2021, Chris has used his 30+ year career in financial management and planning to equip church leaders and ministry advocates with clear strategies for securing and stabilizing the future of their mission.
Reach out to Chris to explore a partnership with UMF and discover what's possible for your ministry.
What many churches are missing about financial planning:
It is not reserved for the wealthy. It is not just an end-of-life conversation.
And it is not something you need a financial background to understand.
It is simply a decision, made now, while you have clarity, about what you want your generosity to build.
The barriers most people feel around planned giving and financial planning are real.
The process can feel complex. The language can feel exclusive.
And without someone to walk alongside you, the easiest thing to do is wait.
But waiting rarely creates better outcomes.
The earlier you define your vision and begin building the structure to support it, the more options you have, and the greater the impact your generosity can create.
That's why we exist, to help the Church navigate the gap between mission and the generosity that sustains it.
Life Insurance Policies: One of the easiest ways to transform the future of a ministry close to your heart.
Wills: An often overlooked opportunity for individuals to connect their legacy to an ongoing mission.