Partnering for Impact
Strengthening ministry through trust, stewardship, and collaboration.
ANNUAL REPORT
Dear Partners in Ministry,
As we reflect on 2025, we do so with deep gratitude for the relationships that continue to define and strengthen the work of the Florida United Methodist Foundation. This past year has been one of meaningful progress—supporting churches, empowering leaders, and stewarding resources in ways that advance the growth of Christian ministry across Florida and beyond.
Throughout 2025, we remained committed to walking alongside our ministry partners in tangible and impactful ways. From strategic lending that enables congregations to expand their reach, to investment management that supports long-term sustainability, to legacy and planned giving that secures ministry for generations to come—each engagement represents more than a service; it reflects a shared calling.
At the heart of it all is a belief that faithful stewardship, when paired with strong relationships, creates lasting impact. We have seen this lived out through new partnerships formed, ministries strengthened, and individuals equipped with the tools and confidence to move forward with clarity and purpose.
We also recognize that this season continues to present both challenges and opportunities for the Church. Yet, we are reminded daily that our work is not rooted in uncertainty, but in hope.
Rather than lingering in what has been lost or disrupted, we are energized by what lies ahead—and by the role we are called to play in helping shape that future.
As we look toward 2026 and beyond, we do so with a renewed sense of momentum. We are actively expanding our outreach, strengthening our processes, and exploring new ways to serve with excellence and responsiveness. Our focus remains clear: to be a trusted partner to churches, ministries, and individuals as they navigate both immediate needs and long-term vision.
Thank you for the trust you place in the Foundation and for the opportunity to serve alongside you. It is a joy and a responsibility we do not take lightly.
With gratitude and anticipation,
Rev. Edward New President & CEO
Bruce Ford Chair, Board of Directors
2025 Year in Review |
At the Florida United Methodist Foundation, 2025 has been a year defined not simply by numbers, but by presence—walking alongside churches, agencies, and ministry leaders as partners in faithful stewardship and long-term sustainability.
Our mission remains clear: to support and empower the growth of Christian ministry. That calling is not abstract. It is lived out in conversations across conference rooms, coffee tables, video conferences in strategy sessions with church leaders, and in the day-to-day realities of ministry life. We are privileged to be present in the lives of those we serve.
In 2025, that presence was tangible. Our team visited more than 150 ministry partner churches and agencies across Florida, strengthening relationships, listening deeply, and helping leaders navigate both opportunities and challenges. These visits are not transactional— they are foundational to how we understand needs and come alongside ministry in meaningful ways.
Our commitment to ministry growth was also reflected through our scholarship and grant programs, where we invested in the development of future leaders and
PRESENT, PURPOSEFUL, AND COMMITTED TO MINISTRY GROWTH
supported impactful ministry initiatives. While often modest in size, these grants are intentional—focused on fueling discipleship, outreach, and transformational ministry in local contexts.
We also continued to prioritize clergy financial wellness, recognizing that healthy leaders are essential to healthy churches. Through financial readiness resources, retirement planning conversations, and ongoing support, we are working to equip clergy not only for today’s ministry, but for long-term sustainability and peace of mind.
This year also marked the beginning of a threeyear strategic plan, focused on strengthening and streamlining how we deliver our ministry. This work is rooted in a simple but important question: how do we serve more effectively? By refining processes, enhancing tools, and aligning our efforts, we are positioning the Foundation to better support churches and ministry partners in an increasingly complex environment.
Through all of this, our core financial ministries remain a vital part of our impact.
$12,912,185 IN 2025, OUR TOTAL MINISTRY IMPACT REACHED
That impact reflects far more than a single figure. It represents the collective ways we come alongside ministry partners, including:
• Interest earned on Development Fund deposits that support churches’ financial stability
• Interest savings realized through low-cost lending that enables ministry expansion
• Trust and investment earnings stewarded on behalf of churches and agencies
• Services provided at no cost to churches, clergy, and affiliated organizations
Each of these areas is an expression of our commitment to faithful stewardship—ensuring that financial resources are not simply preserved, but actively aligned with ministry purpose.
As we reflect on 2025, we do so with gratitude—for the churches boldly stepping into new seasons of ministry, for the leaders navigating complex decisions with faith and wisdom, and for the opportunity to serve in a role that is both practical and deeply mission-driven.
Looking ahead, our commitment remains unchanged. We will continue to show up, to listen, to guide, and to invest in ways that strengthen the Church for generations to come.
Because at the end of the day, this work is not about transactions—it is about transformation.
Investing in Minds, Forming Disciples
Education has always been central to the life of the Church—not simply as the pursuit of knowledge, but as the formation of faithful disciples equipped to serve Christ in the world. At the Foundation, it is both a privilege and a sacred responsibility to come alongside students, churches, and families in this journey.
Through our scholarship ministries, we are honored to support students pursuing both undergraduate and seminary education. The Sinclair Scholarship continues to invest in college-bound students as they grow in faith and knowledge, while the Ben & Martha Simmons Scholarship for Seminary supports those answering a call to ordained ministry and theological education. Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to raising up both lay and clergy leadership for the future of the Church.
At the same time, our work extends beyond direct scholarships. The Foundation serves as a trusted steward for numerous church-established trusts and endowed funds that also award scholarships. In these partnerships, local congregations remain central—prayerfully selecting recipients and encouraging them—while we provide the fiduciary oversight and long-term sustainability that ensure these ministries endure for generations.
Together, this shared work reflects a powerful truth: when the Church invests in education, it is investing in people—leaders, servants, and witnesses who will carry the Gospel forward in countless ways.
“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”
- Proverbs 1:5
Sinclair Scholarship Recipients Build Communities & Live Their Faith
This
year’s recipients balance academics, service, and spiritual growth with the support of a life-changing scholarship.
Brody Beaupre
Perseverance, Faith, and Calling
For Brody Beaupre, from Gainesville, baseball is life—but faith is what sustains him through both its highs and lows. After suffering a meniscus tear during a college showcase, Brody leaned on his trust in God’s greater plan to navigate recovery and regain perspective.
Brody carries with him a deep desire to serve others— shaped by mission experiences and a growing understanding that life’s purpose extends far beyond the field. The Sinclair Scholarship helps make that next step possible, removing financial barriers as he pursues both his academic and spiritual calling.
Micah DeHaven Rooted in Community, Looking to the Future
A lifelong member of Cedar Key United Methodist Church, Micah DeHaven understands that the Church is more than a building—it is a people united in faith. After witnessing hurricane damage to his home church, Micah gained a deeper appreciation for the resilience of Christian community.
Micah carries both his faith and his roots with him. The Sinclair Scholarship provides meaningful support for his education, allowing him to pursue his ambitions with confidence and hope.
Juliana Subbert Serving Others, Shaping the Future
Juliana Subbert’s passion for service is evident in every aspect of her life—from leading children’s ministry to supporting individuals with special needs through local outreach efforts. Her heart for others is matched by her curiosity and drive, seen in her work with robotics and her aspirations in environmental engineering.
Juliana represents a new generation of leaders committed to both innovation and compassion. The Sinclair Scholarship enables her to focus on building a future that benefits both people and the planet.
Isabel Lopez Faith Without Boundaries
For Isabel Lopez, faith is not confined to a place—it is a constant presence. During the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, she discovered that her relationship with God could sustain her anywhere.
Isabel is driven by a desire to communicate truth and make an impact in the world. Her involvement in mission work, music ministry, and church life reflects a faith that is both active and outward-facing. The Sinclair Scholarship affirms her calling and supports her pursuit of higher education without the burden of debt.
Marley Brooks Leadership Beyond the Classroom
Marley Brooks brings a vision for impact that extends far beyond academics. She has already demonstrated leadership through service initiatives supporting young girls in her community.
Marley feels called to a future in education—where she can influence and guide the next generation. Her perseverance through academic challenges and her reliance on faith have shaped her journey. The Sinclair Scholarship helps open doors for her continued growth and leadership.
A Shared Impact
Each of these students represents more than individual achievement— they reflect the collective impact of a Church committed to investing in the next generation. Through the Sinclair Scholarship, the Ben & Martha Simmons Scholarship for Seminary, and the many church-based scholarship funds we are privileged to steward, lives are being shaped, callings are being affirmed, and ministries are being strengthened. We remain grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside these students—and the churches that nurture them—as together we support and empower the growth of Christian ministry for years to come.
Grants in Action:
Meeting Needs, Growing Ministry
The work of the Church is lived out most powerfully where faith meets real, everyday needs. In 2025, the Foundation had the privilege of supporting a wide range of ministries through strategic grantmaking—each one rooted in a desire to share the love of Christ in tangible, transformational ways.
What follows is a snapshot of just a few of these ministries— representative of a broader portfolio of grants awarded this year—each one uniquely positioned to reach people, build relationships, and strengthen communities.
Creating Space for Belonging: The Table at Florida Southern College
On the campus of Florida Southern College, The Table has become exactly what its name suggests—a place where students gather, connect, and belong.
Each week, dozens of students come together for a shared meal and a message of encouragement, forming relationships across backgrounds and experiences. Designed with intentional hospitality, the ministry ensures that all students—including those with specific dietary needs—feel welcomed and valued.
In the midst of busy academic schedules, The Table provides something deeper: a pause, a community, and a reminder that they are not alone.
Reaching the Next Generation: Pizza, Gatorade, and Jesus
At Hope United Methodist Church in Cape Coral, a simple but powerful idea is creating meaningful connections with youth: gather, share a meal, play, and talk about Jesus.
“Pizza, Gatorade, and Jesus” is more than a weekly event—it is a relational ministry designed to meet middle and high school students where they are. Through consistent Friday gatherings, students are invited into a safe, welcoming environment where barriers come down and authentic faith conversations begin.
With a vision to reach both churched and unchurched youth, the program blends recreation, fellowship, and spiritual formation—creating space for young people to encounter Christ and build lasting community.
Reclaiming Campus Ministry: South Florida Wesley at USF
At the University of South Florida, a new chapter is unfolding as the Wesley Foundation is relaunched—restoring a longstanding United Methodist presence on campus.
What began with a small group of students gathering for worship and fellowship has quickly grown into a renewed movement of campus ministry. With strong collaboration between district leadership, local churches, and broader Methodist partners, this initiative is laying the groundwork for sustained impact—both spiritually and relationally.
The vision is clear: to rebuild a vibrant campus ministry that forms disciples, fosters community, and reclaims sacred space for generations of students to come.
Restoring Dignity: Laundry Love in North Fort Myers
Sometimes ministry looks like something as simple—and as essential—as clean clothes.
Through the Laundry Love initiative led by Good Shepherd United Methodist Church and partner congregations, individuals and families across Lee County are given access to free laundry services, along with food, water, and prayer.
This ministry meets a deeply practical need while offering something even greater: dignity, compassion, and human connection. Volunteers walk alongside participants, creating space not just for service, but for relationship and spiritual care.
As demand continues to grow, so does the impact—extending far beyond the laundromat into the lives of those served.
A Broader Story of Impact
These ministries—alongside many others supported in 2025—reflect the heart of the Foundation’s grantmaking approach: investing in programs that are relational, sustainable, and deeply rooted in Christian mission.
Feeding Neighbors, Sharing Hope:
Keystone UMC Food Pantry
For nearly two decades, Keystone United Methodist Church has faithfully operated a food pantry serving families facing food insecurity in their community.
In a time when need is increasing and resources are stretched thin, this ministry continues to respond with compassion and persistence. Through congregational support, local partnerships, and creative engagement, the pantry provides essential food items while bearing witness to God’s provision and care.
This grant helps sustain and strengthen a ministry that is not only meeting physical needs, but also offering hope and stability to those who need it most.
From youth gatherings to campus ministries, from meeting basic human needs to building long-term community connections, each grant represents more than funding—it represents partnership.
We are grateful for the opportunity to support these ministries and to witness the ways God is at work through them—transforming lives, strengthening communities, and advancing the mission of the Church.
Outreach, Presence & Relationships
At the Florida United Methodist Foundation, we believe that ministry begins with presence. Before strategies are formed or solutions are offered, there is a simple and sacred commitment: to show up.
In 2025, that commitment took us across Florida—into sanctuaries, fellowship halls, classrooms, and conference rooms—where we had the privilege of walking alongside more than 150 churches and ministry partners. These visits were not about transactions or checklists. They were about listening. About understanding the unique story of each congregation and agency. About being present in both moments of celebration and seasons of challenge.
Statewide Presence
From the Panhandle to South Florida, our team remained actively engaged in the life of the Church. Each visit carried its own context—some centered on growth and expansion, others on sustainability and renewal. In every setting, our role was consistent: to be a trusted partner, offering perspective, encouragement, and practical support rooted in faithful stewardship.
Legacy Planning & Generosity
We also continued to invest in the future of ministry through legacy planning seminars and generosity consulting. These gatherings created space for thoughtful conversations around endowments, planned giving, and long-term sustainability. Churches were equipped not only with technical tools, but with a renewed vision for how generosity can shape ministry for generations to come.
Through these efforts, we witnessed a growing desire among congregations to move beyond short-term thinking and embrace a more enduring approach to stewardship—one that aligns resources with mission in meaningful and lasting ways.
Relationships That Sustain Ministry
At the heart of all we do is relationship.
Financial tools and strategies matter, but they are most effective when built on trust. Over time, these relationships become the foundation for deeper conversations—about vision, leadership, and the future of ministry. They allow us to serve not simply as a provider of services, but as a partner in discernment.
We are continually reminded that the strength of the Church is not found in programs or platforms alone, but in the people who faithfully carry its mission forward. It is our privilege to walk alongside them.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to being present, responsive, and deeply relational—supporting and empowering the growth of Christian ministry wherever God is at work.
The Development Fund |
The Development Fund continues to serve as one of the most practical and impactful resources we offer to support churches, ministries, and individuals in their financial stewardship.
A Resource with Many Uses
A RESOURCE THAT POWERS MINISTRY
One of the strengths of the Development Fund is its versatility.
Churches and ministry partners make deposits for a wide range of purposes—reserving funds for upcoming capital projects, holding proceeds from property sales while discerning next steps, managing operating reserves, or setting aside designated gifts for future ministry opportunities. These deposits remain accessible while also contributing to the broader work of ministry through the Foundation’s loan program.
For pastors and ministry leaders in particular, the Development Fund can provide a trusted place to build financial stability in a vocation that often carries unique financial challenges.
Stability Rooted in Stewardship
In an ever-changing financial environment, stability matters.
At its core, the Development Fund provides a stable, interest-bearing place for deposits—funds that need to remain accessible while still being aligned with the mission of supporting Christian ministry. But these deposits do more than sit safely. They are actively put to work, forming the foundation that allows us to provide loans to churches and ministries across Florida.
The Development Fund holds over $130 million in deposits that contribute to the shared work of ministry.
In this way, the Development Fund becomes more than a financial resource—it becomes a shared expression of ministry.
This flexibility allows organizations to respond thoughtfully rather than reactively, making decisions with clarity and confidence—knowing their resources are both available and impactful.
Supporting Pastors, Families, and Individuals
In addition to churches and ministry partners, individuals and families also utilize the Development Fund in meaningful ways.
Many hold accounts for personal savings, building reserves for future needs or unexpected moments. Others establish accounts for children and grandchildren—setting aside funds with intention, often as part of a broader vision for generosity, education, or legacy. In each case, these deposits serve both a personal purpose and a greater one, contributing to the funding of ministry through the Foundation’s loan program.
The Development Fund is managed with a commitment to conservative and prudent fiscal policies, ensuring that deposits remain a steady and reliable resource. While it is not intended to replace long-term invested funds, it plays a critical role in providing liquidity and consistency for near- and midterm needs.
At the same time, those same deposits are stewarded in a way that allows them to be deployed through loans—supporting repairs, renovations, and expansion efforts that strengthen ministry across the state.
This balance—between accessibility for the depositor and impact for the Church—is what makes the Development Fund such a vital part of a broader financial strategy for ministry.
As we continue forward, we remain committed to offering resources like the Development Fund that empower churches, ministries, and individuals to steward their resources faithfully—with flexibility for today and impact for tomorrow.
Development Fund Loans
A POWERFUL TOOL FOR MINISTRY
At their best, loans are not burdens—they are tools.
When approached with wisdom, discipline, and clear purpose, strategic lending becomes a powerful way for churches to advance ministry while practicing responsible stewardship. Rather than delaying needed action or depleting hard-earned reserves, loans allow churches to move forward in faith with structure, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
This is the role of Development Fund loans: not simply to finance projects, but to strengthen ministry for the long run.
One of the most common patterns we see is this:
A church identifies a need—space is limited, systems are aging, or ministry opportunities are expanding— and the first instinct is to turn inward.
“We have reserve . . . we’ll just use those and pay it back.”
It sounds responsible. It feels prudent.
But in practice, it rarely works that way.
The Reality of Depleted Reserves
When reserves are used to fund major ministry needs, they are almost never rebuilt as intended.
Meanwhile, ministry continues, new needs emerge, giving shifts and what was meant to be temporary becomes permanent.
Over time, we see:
• Emergency reserves quietly disappear
• Financial flexibility diminish
• Future opportunities delayed or missed
What began as a faithful decision can unintentionally limit the church’s ability to respond to what comes next.
A Better Approach: Strategic Lending for Ministry
Development Fund loans offer a different path—one that allows churches to move forward without sacrificing long-term stability.
These loans are not generic financing. They are designed around real ministry needs:
Creating Space for Worship and Discipleship
Destiny Church in Jacksonville moved from a rented movie theater into the development of a permanent campus—designed for worship, fellowship, and children’s ministry.
Strengthening Existing Facilities for Ongoing Ministry
St. Paul’s UMC in Ocala used financing to expand its school, improve worship and gathering spaces, and address critical infrastructure—positioning the church for renewed momentum.
Expanding Outreach and Community Impact
Family of God UMC in Palmetto added classrooms and gathering space to support ministry growth, including expanding its thrift store outreach to better serve the surrounding community.
In each case, the purpose is not the building itself— it is what happens inside it.
Stewardship That Looks Ahead
Reserves represent years of faithful giving, careful leadership, and disciplined stewardship. They provide stability in uncertain moments and flexibility when opportunities arise.
Protecting Those Reserves Matters
Strategic lending allows churches to honor that stewardship while still taking meaningful steps forward. It replaces uncertainty with structure, and good intentions with a clear plan.
Because the goal is not simply to complete a project.
It is to ensure the church remains strong, adaptable, and ready for the ministry still to come.
A Hard Truth Worth Naming
“We’ll pay it back” is almost always said with the best of intentions.
But
in the life of a church:
• New ministry needs arise
• Priorities shift
• Giving is directed toward the present, not the past
• And reserves, once used, are rarely restored.
Development Fund loans provide a better path—one that allows churches to move forward today without compromising tomorrow.
Faithful Investment Management:
STEWARDSHIP FOR THE LONG GAME FOR MINISTRY
At the Florida United Methodist Foundation, investment management is not simply about returns—it is about faithfulness.
We are entrusted with resources that represent decades of generosity, sacrifice, and commitment to ministry. That responsibility calls us to an approach that is disciplined, prudent, and anchored in a long-term vision. In a financial world often driven by short-term gains and reactive decision-making, we remain committed to a steadier path—one that prioritizes sustainability, resilience, and mission impact.
We often say that in certain seasons, we may feel “penalized for prudence.” That is the nature of disciplined investing. But over time, it is precisely this prudence that protects and grows the resources entrusted to us, ensuring they remain available to support ministry not just today, but for generations to come.
Our investment philosophy is built on diversification, thoughtful risk management, and a long-term horizon. Rather than chasing trends, we focus on constructing portfolios that can weather market cycles and deliver consistent, mission-aligned outcomes over time.
This work is strengthened through our partnership with CapTrust, a nationally respected investment advisor, and Hardy Reed, who serves as our outsourced Chief Fiduciary Officer. Together, they provide rigorous oversight, strategic insight, and accountability that reinforce our commitment to best-in-class stewardship.
We are also proud to maintain our CEFEX certification—a distinction that reflects adherence to globally recognized fiduciary standards. This certification affirms that our investment processes are not only thoughtful, but independently validated against the highest levels of fiduciary care.
In 2025, we saw continued growth in assets under management, alongside steady performance across diversified portfolios. More importantly, we witnessed the impact of these investments—supporting churches, ministries, and individuals in their work of making disciples and transforming communities.
Faithful investment management is not about predicting the future. It is about preparing for it.
It is about ensuring that every dollar entrusted to the Foundation is managed with integrity, wisdom, and a clear sense of purpose. And it is about staying rooted in the belief that careful stewardship today creates lasting ministry tomorrow.
As we look ahead, our commitment remains unchanged: to steward these resources with excellence, to remain disciplined in all market conditions, and to serve as a trusted partner in advancing the mission of the Church.
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
Includes FUMF Funds accounts held by churches, charitable gift annuities and the trusts the Foundation manages.
FUMF
FUND BALANCES
Ending Balance Dec. 31, 2025
$1,302,596 Cautious
$99,444,879 Balanced Growth
$14,014,674 Aggressive Growth
$4,608,006 Long-term Fund
$4,865,795 Charitable Gift Annuity
$124,235,950 TOTAL
*As of July 1, 2021, the Cautious Fund is no longer open to new investments. Those looking for low-risk investments can look at the Foundation’s Development Fund for a similar return.
**The difference in investments from 2018 to 2020 is due to the expiration of a memorandum of understanding between the Foundation and Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church in which the Foundation acted as an administrative agent of Conference funds, rather than an investment advisor or manager. As a result, those assets were transferred to the Conference and their value no longer reflected in the Foundation’s financial statement.
Clergy Financial Wellness
SUPPORTING THOSE WHO SERVE
Clergy are called to carry extraordinary responsibilities—preaching, pastoring, leading, caring, and often doing so while managing the very real pressures of personal and family finances. At the Florida United Methodist Foundation, we believe that supporting the financial wellness of clergy is an important part of supporting the health of the Church itself.
Our clergy financial wellness efforts are designed to come alongside clergy with practical tools, trusted guidance, and encouragement for both present needs and long-term planning.
One important resource is our Fresh Start Loan program, which can help clergy address burdensome debt in a way that creates a healthier financial path forward. These loans are meant to offer more than temporary relief—they are part of a broader commitment to stability, stewardship, and renewed confidence.
We also provide free, confidential Financial Health Assessments, giving clergy a space to take an honest look at their financial picture with a trusted guide. For many, this is a first and meaningful step toward greater clarity, healthier habits, and a more sustainable future.
Through our ongoing partnership with Wespath, we are able to support clergy with trusted retirement education and financial planning resources that reflect the unique realities of ministry. This partnership strengthens our ability to help clergy think not only about today’s responsibilities, but also about tomorrow’s needs.
Our One-Day Retirement Seminars continue to be an important offering for clergy preparing for the next season of life. Whether retirement is close at hand or still years away, these gatherings help clergy better understand key decisions, prepare with confidence, and move forward with greater peace of mind.
We are also grateful to provide R-10 support and related retirement planning encouragement for clergy who are seeking to better understand the road ahead. These efforts reflect our broader conviction that clergy deserve thoughtful, compassionate support as they navigate both the opportunities and the uncertainties of financial life.
Clergy financial wellness is not a side ministry. It is part of caring for those who care for others. By helping clergy pursue financial stability, make informed decisions, and prepare for the future, we are investing in healthier leaders, stronger families, and more sustainable ministry.
Looking Ahead
60 Years of Faithful Stewardship—And a Future Still Unfolding
In 2026, the Florida United Methodist Foundation marks a significant milestone—60 years of ministry. Since our founding in 1966, the Foundation has existed to serve the Church by strengthening financial resources for ministry across the connection and beyond. That calling remains unchanged. What continues to evolve is how we live it out in a changing world.
Anniversaries invite both gratitude and clarity. We give thanks for the generations of faithful leadership, churches, and individuals who have shaped this ministry. And we look ahead with a renewed commitment to the work still before us.
2026 AND BEYOND
Our vision moving forward is grounded in a simple but guiding conviction:
We are called not just to manage resources, but to empower ministry.
A Strategic Focus for the Future
As we step into this next season, our strategic planning efforts are centered on strengthening the ways we serve churches, ministries, and individuals:
• Expanding Access to Capital for Ministry Through continued growth in our loan program, we are working to ensure that churches and ministries have access to the funding they need to move forward—wisely and confidently—without compromising longterm financial health.
• Deepening Relationships
We remain committed to being present— listening, guiding, and walking alongside churches and ministry leaders. Relationships are not a strategy for us; they are the foundation of everything we do.
• Advancing Technology to Serve Ministry
We are investing in new technology platforms and tools—such as FoundationHub—to streamline how we do ministry, improve access to information, and create a more seamless experience for those we serve. These advancements are not about efficiency alone; they are about removing barriers so that churches and ministries can focus more fully on their mission.
• Operating with Agility in a Changing Ministry Landscape
The needs of the Church are evolving, and we are committed to evolving alongside them. This means embracing more agile processes, refining workflows, and responding with clarity and speed—ensuring that we remain a relevant, responsive partner in a rapidly changing ministry landscape.
• Strengthening Long-Term Stewardship
Whether through Development Fund participation, investment management, or endowment planning, we will continue to help ministries think beyond the immediate moment and embrace the long view of faithful stewardship.
Rooted in Hope, Moving with Purpose
In recent years, it has been easy for many in the Church to focus on what is uncertain or challenging. Yet we are reminded that our work is not rooted in anxiety, but in hope.
We believe the Church’s future is not defined by what has been lost, but by the ministry still ahead.
As we look to 2026 and beyond, the Florida United Methodist Foundation remains committed to this work—
to strengthening churches,
to supporting those called to lead, and to ensuring that financial resources are aligned with the mission of Christ’s Church.
60 years is a milestone.
But it is not the destination.
The work continues.
ASSETS
Cash, cash equivalents
Notes, mortgage receivable
Cash and Investments Held in Trust as Custodian
Investment Securities
Other assets TOTAL Dec. 31, 2025 $46,242,562 $89,409,052 $116,126,205 $16,366,281 $ 2,435,892 $270,579,992
LIABILITIES, NET ASSETS
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, pledges payable
Deposits, interest bearing (Development Fund) Custodial payable
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES, CHANGE IN NET ASSETS REVENUE
Interest and dividends received Management income and contributions Net investment return
Other income, fees TOTAL REVENUE $7,957,457 $494,254 $999,494 $103,542 $9,554,747 EXPENSES
Board of Directors
OFFICERS
Rev. Dr. Robert Bledsoe Chair - Nominations & Governance
Kim Clarke Vice - Chair
Ron Coleman Jr. Immediate Past - Chairperson
MEMBERS
Bishop Tom Berlin, ex-officio
Dr. Amanda Blount
Rev. Dr. Mark Caldwell
Bruce Ford Chair
Larry Hannah Chair - Loan Committee
Emma Ruffin Chair - Scholarship & Grants
Rev. Dr. Sheryl Marks-Williams Secretary
Ben Simmons Chair - Audit Committee
James Previtte Chair - Investment Committee
William Frye Jr.
Jerry Haralson
Joseph Hurt
StaffRev. Edward New
President & CEO
Cindy Burmann Development Officer
Margaret G. Cox Chief Financial Officer
Ginny Garske
Executive Assistant to the President & CEO
Karrianne Heide Assistant Controller
Kristi Lowe Client Services Associate
Sylvia Mata Accounting Specialist
Molly McEntire, ex-officio
Rev. Richard Nussel
Rev. Alex Shanks, ex-officio
Rev. Dr. Dennis Vlassis Chair - FinanceCommittee
Elena Nicholas Director of Development
Tamika Smith Controller
Amie Steelman Development Associate
