Moravian Ministries Foundation in America Impact Report 2024 by Mike Riess

Impact Report 2024

Moving ministries forward, together.

From our president...

It is a blessing for us to have served Moravians for 26 years. 2024 was a year of up markets, wild politics, and constant news that often made us cling closer to our faith. Thank you for trusting us as your foundation. I am incredibly thankful to have a team and board that value what we do and remain passionately committed to our work. We will continue to answer the phone, respond to emails, and serve you to the best of our ability in the future, and I greet each day with gratitude for the chance to do that. Thank you to our investors, donors, and all relationships that enable us to envision thriving Moravian ministries that glorify God.

I hope you will read through our impact report. Enjoy this new format in the Moravian Magazine. I am thankful for our Moravian partners like the IBOC, who are linking their hands with us to serve. I especially want to thank Mike Riess for his partnership in publishing this report. Our mission is to help individuals, churches, and agencies grow and sustain the ministries that are central to our Moravian faith. We do that through four core services: investments, stewardship, gifts, and grants. Our report has impact items from each of those areas.

You will review raw numbers related to our nearly $8 million in new investments for 2024. The Common Fund concluded the year with its highest year-end value, exceeding $207 million. Enjoy reading updates on our stewardship services and imagine how this free service can help your church or ministry thrive in the future. With our gifts service, you will learn how giving now impacts us and see an example of a future gift that materialized in 2024 through scholarships. Many generous Moravians bless us; our future ministry relies on continued dedication and sacrificial giving. With our grants work, I hope you appreciate the volume of money directed toward ministry last year. Enjoy reading about the relationship and impact of a partnership with Lake Auburn serving their community.

May you be refreshed and encouraged as you read our report. I hope this is a bright spot in your day. Please join us in our continued work for you and with you to move ministries forward.

Chris Spaugh, President, MMFA

Our Vision

We envision thriving Moravian ministries that glorify God.

Our Mission

We help individuals, churches, and agencies grow and sustain the ministries that are central to our Moravian faith.

Our Strategic Focus Through 2026

• Promote our identity to strengthen our base.

• Provide programs that enhance Moravian ministries.

• Equip constituents to invest in and with MMFA.

Our History

Before 1997, the Northern and Southern Provinces of the Moravian Church in North America operated independent planned giving programs. The Rev. Gene Glasser led the effort in the Northern Province, while Dick Gillett guided the Southern Province’s program.

In 1998, the Synods of both Provinces authorized the formation of the Moravian Ministries Foundation in America (MMFA), uniting the two programs into one. This new Foundation was created to:

• Use the Provinces’ shared resources more wisely

• Provide a stronger, unified voice to promote planned giving and stewardship services to individuals, churches, and ministries.

The Moravian Ministries Foundation in America is proud to have earned the 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid. We believe in transparency, accountability, and sharing the full impact of our work.

Meet the MMFA Staff

Moving ministries forward, together.

Chris Spaugh President & CEO

Laura Watson Vice President / Director of Programs

Valerie Kiger, CPA Director of Finance

Hanna Jackson Director of Marketing & Communications

Libby Davis Administrative Assistant

Our Board of Directors

• Larry Johnson – Congregation: Castleton Hill | Northern Province, Eastern District

• Keith Kapp – Congregation: Raleigh | Southern Province (PEC Southern Province)

• Brenda Genemans – Congregation: Graceham | Northern Province, Eastern District

• Brent Waddell – Congregation: Friedberg | Southern Province

• Gail Theard – Congregation: Grace | Southern Province

• Bruce Shoger – Congregation: Lake Auburn | Northern Province, Western District

• Lou Jackson – Congregation: New Philadelphia | Southern Province

• The Rev. Virginia (Ginny) Tobiassen – Congregation: Home | Southern Province

• Justin Peart – Congregation: Margate | Southern Province

• Rob Meyer – Congregation: Ephraim | Northern Province, Western District

• William (Bill) Matz, Jr. – Congregation: East Hills | Northern Province, Eastern District

• Keith Gohdes – Congregation: Canaan | Northern Province, Western District (PEC Northern Province)

Moravian Ministries Foundation in America, Inc. (MMFA) is a qualified 501(c)3 public charity incorporated in North Carolina. We do not provide tax or legal advice. It is recommended that all Foundation clients seek tax or legal advice from their respective providers before engaging in any relationship with MMFA. Past investment performance does not guarantee future returns. Turlington and Company, L.L.P. CPAs perform an independent audit of our financials annually.

Financials & Impact

The earliest Moravians lived out their faith by joining resources to care for their communities and further God’s work. They took only what they needed and gave the rest—creating a shared economy rooted in generosity and trust.

That same spirit is alive today through the Moravian Common Fund. When churches, agencies, and organizations invest with MMFA, they retain ownership of their assets while benefiting from a professionally managed, cost-effective investment solution that supports their ministry goals.

By pooling funds, we become a larger investor—reducing overall costs, increasing efficiency, and keeping investment fees within the Moravian community. These fees support the many services MMFA provides at no charge to individuals, congregations, and ministries.

As of December 31, 2024, Moravians had $207,455,863.92 invested through MMFA. These assets represent collective endowments, trusts, scholarships, donor-advised funds, gift annuities, pensions, and more, each one helping move ministries forward.

In 2024, we welcomed...

1 charitable gift annuity

2 new church investors: Come & Worship and First Moravian Church (NY)

3 new donoradvised funds

6 new perpetual funds: 3 brand new and 3 created through fund restructuring

16 additional fund investors, opening 20 new funds, including from: Central, Calvary WS, Edgeboro, Fellowship, Friedberg, Graceham, Hope IN, MCSP, Moravian Archives NP, New Dorp, Schoeneck, Raleigh, Wachovia Historical Society, Trinity NC, United, and West Side WI

Together, investors deposited $7,970,975.71 into the Moravian Common Fund. At the same time, $14,990,500 was distributed to support ministry and mission across the Moravian Church.

$183,764,147

Stewardship

MMFA’s stewardship services help people generously use all they have and all they are in faithful service to God, creation, and humankind. We provide coaching, support, and resources to Moravian communities of faith and organizations at no charge.

In 2024 we worked with 29 ministries, which included:

• Leading board workshops on the four essentials of stewardship

• Working with stewardship teams to plan and set goals

• Conducting feasibility studies for capital fundraising

• Bringing stewardship messages during worship

• Assisting with congregational gift planning efforts

“MMFA helped Edgeboro talk about stewardship less from a mindset of scarcity and more from a mindset of ministry, which then helped Edgeboro’s Joint Board use and reclaim the word “stewardship” confidently again in meetings and worship.

Each time Edgeboro has interacted with MMFA, our relationship has strengthened.

Through receiving stewardship education from MMFA and doing the church business of moving Edgeboro’s memorial funds, endowment funds, and online giving activity to MMFA, the congregation has grown in comfort and recognition of MMFA and realizes it to be a vital ministry and service of the Moravian Church in North America.“

– The Rev. Dan Miller, Edgeboro Moravian Church (Former Pastor)

At the Moravian Ministries Foundation in America, our goal is to foster meaningful and impactful generosity. We offer gift planning services, reliable giving resources, and annual giving programs aimed at assisting individuals and churches in supporting their beloved ministries both now and for future generations. Whether you decide to make a one-time donation or establish a long-term plan, MMFA is here to guide you through every phase of the process.

Gift Planning

MMFA collaborates with individuals, couples, churches, and organizations to strategize for the future using various charitable tools. We assist churches and ministries in recognizing needs, formulating gift acceptance policies, engaging members and volunteers, and integrating estate planning into their stewardship. For individuals and families, we provide expert advice to ensure their giving aligns with their values and long-term aspirations.

Gift choices encompass donor-advised funds, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder and lead trusts, perpetual funds, and donations of stocks, real estate, or other appreciated assets. Regardless of where you stand in your giving journey, MMFA is committed to helping you examine your options, make well-informed choices, and enhance your overall impact.

Since its launch in 2019, the Moravian Giving Portal has become an essential tool for generosity, especially during the pandemic, when it helped congregations pivot quickly to online giving. Today, it continues to serve as a convenient and secure giving platform for all Moravian churches, ministries, and organizations in the U.S. MMFA proudly covers 100% of processing fees, ensuring ministries receive every dollar.

Donor Story - A Father’s Legacy, A Son’s Vision:

The Bishop W. Herbert Spaugh Ministerial & Children’s Education Fund

Herb Spaugh, Jr. lived a life of action, service, and deep faith, much like the man he admired most: his father, The. Rt. Rev. W. Herbert Spaugh. A pastor, community leader, and writer, Bishop Spaugh was known across Charlotte, N.C., and the Moravian Church for his thoughtful leadership and tireless commitment to both congregation and community.

Born June 6, 1930, Herb Jr. inherited his father’s drive and generosity. His life journey included time as an Air Force pilot, a city councilman, a sailboat racer, and a financial planner who built a successful firm serving healthcare professionals. He also helped start New Beginnings Moravian Church in Huntersville, NC, continually seeking ways to serve and strengthen his community and the church he loved.

But among all his roles, Herb found special purpose in honoring the man who shaped him. Through the Moravian Ministries Foundation in America, he created the Bishop W. Herbert Spaugh Ministerial and Children’s Educational Fund to recognize his father’s impact and support the church’s leaders of tomorrow.

Initially, the fund focused on helping clergy and seminary students, providing resources for theological education and continuing education opportunities for ministers. Herb saw firsthand how hard it could be for ministers and their families to shoulder the financial demands of education, and he wanted to ease that burden.

Moravian Day of Giving 2023: February 13, 2024

Our fourth annual Moravian Day of Giving inspired incredible generosity across the Moravian community. Nine hundred thirty-two donors gave over $268,000 to support 128 churches, ministries, and organizations. This special day continues to be a powerful expression of faith in action, mobilizing big and small gifts and making a lasting impact where it matters most.

Herb entered the more immediate presence of our Savior on July 14, 2023, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the fund.

In 2024, the fund awarded scholarships for the first time to children of Moravian clergy, a key initiative Herb had envisioned but had not implemented during his life. This enhancement realized his vision, extending support to those beginning their ministry and the families accompanying them in service.

These scholarships signify more than just financial support; they reflect Herb’s lasting commitment to uplifting others and fostering the church. Throughout his later years, Herb remained actively involved with the Foundation and was sincerely eager to hear the experiences of those helped by the fund. He contributed with a joyful spirit, always looking forward to seeing how his generosity would make an impact.

The Bishop W. Herbert Spaugh Ministerial & Children’s Education Fund is a lasting tribute to both father and son: to the faithful leadership of Bishop Spaugh and to Herb Jr.’s remarkable ability to turn gratitude into action.

Three remarkable students received the inaugural Bishop W. Herbert Spaugh Scholarships for children of pastors, each awarded $3,500: Anna Cadogan of Philadelphia, Pa., is studying computer science at Temple University. She is the daughter of Rev. Nasel Ephraim of Redeemer Moravian Church.

Hilda CiezaRegalado of Winston-Salem, N.C., is pursuing architecture at UNC-Charlotte. She is the daughter of Rev. Angelica Regalado Cieza of Estamos Unidos.

Isabella Kilps of Hope, Ind., is majoring in graphic design and marketing at Ball State University. She is the daughter of Rev. Andy Kilps, formerly of Hope Moravian Church.

Grants

Five Years of Grantmaking Impact

In 2024, the Moravian Ministries Foundation in America celebrated five years of grantmaking through our Field of Interest (FOI) funds. Since launching the Hunger and Thirst Fund in 2019, this ministry has grown into a meaningful way to support organizations doing Christ-centered work in areas such as food security, housing, healing, environmental care, and racial repair.

In just five years, MMFA has awarded 166 grants totaling $1,366,830.78 to 98 organizations through both FOI and designated funds. Each FOI fund reflects the priorities of donors and the needs of our communities, providing focused support in areas such as hunger, healing, housing, and more. In addition to FOI grants, MMFA administers Designated Funds, which offer assistance for specific causes named by donors, expanding the impact of our grantmaking and allowing us to meet a wider range of ministry needs.

Here is a look at the impact of our Field of Interest funds over the past five years:

• Hunger and Thirst, our first and most active fund, has received 92 applications and awarded 80 grants, 47 of which have been fully funded. It has distributed $993,845, addressing food insecurity in communities across North America and abroad.

• Clothing, a smaller but impactful fund, has fully funded 4 out of 10 awarded applications, totaling $14,100 in support.

• Housing and Shelter has awarded 13 grants, 10 fully funded, totaling $39,700 to support organizations offering safe places to live.

• Healing and Health has awarded 17 grants totaling $41,484, many of which help promote mental, physical and spiritual well-being.

• Prison Ministry has provided $27,630 in support to programs that offer restoration and hope to incarcerated individuals and their families, funding 11 projects, 10 of which have been fully funded.

• Environmental Stewardship has made 12 awards and distributed $30,552 to support creation care and sustainability efforts.

• Racial Awareness Equity and Repair has awarded 10 grants, five fully funded, and distributed $31,244 to ministries working toward justice, reconciliation, and repair.

• Violence Against Women, a non-application fund, has granted the Unity Women’s Desk $18,031 through its unique fund agreement.

Each number represents lives changed, ministries strengthened and communities supported through faithful giving.

Grant Recipient Story: A Souper Effort

Lake Auburn Moravian Church/Humanity Alliance, Victoria, Minn.

The Humanity Alliance of Victoria, Minnesota’s mission is simple: to redefine how we address access to nutrition and housing with love and dignity.

Lake Auburn Moravian Church, neighbor of the Alliance, has been connected with them for five years, helping with food preparation and the delivery of 5,000 ready-to-enjoy healthy meals each Friday to cover the weekend gap for low-income individuals and families in the area.

Last year, The Humanity Alliance began a pilot Soup Stock program to provide a soup starter to community food shelves. Lake Auburn received a $3,200 grant from the Hunger and Thirst Fund to support the program, whose goal was to produce 144 thirty-twoounce containers of soup stock a week. Over the pilot period they produced 275 containers a week!

Rev. Judy Ganz, the former interim pastor of Lake Auburn, shared, “The soup stock was taken from the shelves almost as soon as it was put out.”

Lake Auburn’s relationship with The Humanity Alliance continues to develop as volunteers from the church help in other ways, such as cutting vegetables for meal delivery.

In a post of gratitude to the congregation, The Humanity Alliance shared a photo of a Lake Auburn worship bulletin which had an invitation to “lead a life worthy of your calling” on the front. MMFA is grateful for Lake Auburn’s example in leading this kind of life and for the generous people whose gifts to the Hunger and Thirst Fund enabled us to support the Soup Starter program with a grant.

2024 Grant Highlights

In 2024 MMFA’s grant program celebrated its 5th year of making awards to combat hunger, care for God’s creation, provide clothing, address the impacts of systemic racism, and much more.

2024 grant recipients include:

Hunger and Thirst

• Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation (Clemmons, N.C.)

• Rolling Hills Moravian Church (Longwood, Fla.)

• Palm Beach Moravian Church (West Palm Beach, Fla.)

• Lake Auburn Moravian Church (Lake Auburn, Minn.)

• Hopewell Moravian Church (Winston-Salem, N.C.)

• Christ Moravian Church (Winston-Salem, N.C.)

• Eastmorland Community Center (Madison, Wis.)

Housing and Shelter

• Moravian Open Door Inc. (New York, N.Y.)

Healing and Health