Presbyterian Foundation

History

Presbyterian visionaries determined in 1799 that an entity was needed to ensure the long-term financial interests of the Presbyterian Church would be safeguarded. They also realized the need to develop additional monies for mission. The result was the establishment of a corporation now known as the Presbyterian Foundation.

As early as 1799, the General Assembly recognized the necessity for funds development to support the mission of the Church. The Foundation has carried out the charge of the 1799 General Assembly by soliciting from individuals and congregations, “pious donations and bequests in order to supply the funds which are absolutely necessary to carry on with advantage the great and charitable work” of the Church.

== Creating Gifts for the Church ==

From such humble beginnings over 200 years ago, the Presbyterian Foundation is charged by the General Assembly with the responsibility and accountability for raising money and today, through New Covenant Trust Company, providing investment management services for the mission of the entire denomination. The Presbyterian Foundation stands as one of the largest religious foundations in the United States.

The Foundation is committed to strengthening congregations, presbyteries, synods, the General Assembly, seminaries, colleges and universities, retirement communities and other agencies of the Church by developing gifts and managing funds on their behalf. The Foundation is here to serve the Church and its missions, not ourselves.

Our nationwide staff of charitable giving specialists is comprised of professional gift planner. The focus of our development staff is individual giving to support mission. Donors identify the areas of mission they wish to support – whether global, national or local mission – and our development staff offers a way to give that will best meet their needs.

== Safeguarding and Managing Assets ==

In addition to raising money for mission, another of the Foundation’s primary and perpetual tasks is the investment and safeguarding of assets. This fiduciary responsibility has been a prime focus for more than 200 years. Through volatile markets, the Foundation has endeavored not only to safeguard the assets entrusted to it but also to properly grow them so as to undergird and enhance the mission of the Church