Because Someone Gave . . . MINISTRY TOOK ROOT
Foundation Staff
L to R: Britney Winn Lee, Rachel Baio, Chris Spencer, Tamara Bello, Kelly Johannessen, Jodi McKey and Tracie Wharton
Letter From the President
Because Someone Gave . . .
In 2025, the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana celebrated 50 years of faithful service. As we reflect on this milestone, one simple truth rises above all others: Because someone gave, lives were changed.
Because someone gave, churches were strengthened and ministries took root in communities across Louisiana. Because someone gave, students answered God’s call to serve. Because someone gave, faithful stewardship ensured that the mission of the United Methodist Church would continue beyond a single lifetime.
For five decades, the Foundation has been entrusted with a sacred responsibility—to receive generous gifts and steward them wisely for the work God is doing now and for generations to come. This Annual Report tells the story of that trust in action. Within these pages, you will see the impact of planned gifts, the reach of grants and the faithful management of resources that sustain ministry throughout the Louisiana Conference and beyond.
In 2025, we also embraced a refreshed logo and new visual identity. While our look may be new, our purpose remains unchanged: to partner with donors, churches and leaders to advance God’s work through generosity.
As we honor the past, we also look ahead with hope. The ministries we celebrate today exist because of faith-filled decisions made years ago. Likewise, the impact of tomorrow depends on the generosity we choose today.
Thank you for being part of this story. Thank you for giving faithfully, praying continually and believing in the power of generosity to transform lives.
Because someone gave—and because you continue to give—the future of the Church is strong.
With gratitude,
Chris Spencer
President/CEO
United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana
Lives WereChanged .
Statement of Activities
LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS
Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2025
By the Numbers
1975 - 2025
Because Someone Gave . . .
$269,058,088 Assets Under Management
$51,000,000 Planned Gifts
$8,400,000 Grants Awarded
$39,000,000 Loans to Ministries
2025 Highlights
Celebrating the Foundation’s 50th Year
As we entered 2025, our 50th year, the Foundation embraced a new look that reflects its growth and stability. The new logo, at right, was unveiled in January. It features blue to symbolize steadfastness and trust, and green to represent thriving growth.
“The new design honors the Foundation’s legacy and the road ahead, as well as the gifts of hope and opportunity still to come,” said Chris Spencer, Foundation President and CEO.
such as Omer Davis, Bert Faulk, Rob Fairly, Bishop Delores Williamston and Dr. Van Stinson— individuals who have played a role in shaping and witnessing the Foundation’s legacy.
The video also spotlighted grant and scholarship recipients whose lives and ministries have been transformed by the Foundation’s support, all of whom have gone on to give back to the Conference in meaningful ways.
The Foundation hosted a special luncheon event in April at the Lod Cook Conference Center in Baton Rouge. The gathering of more than 100 guests featured keynote speaker Bishop Tom Berlin of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, who delivered an uplifting message about the future of the church and praised the Foundation for its enduring and impactful ministry.
During the event, Spencer premiered a special video celebrating the Foundation’s 50-year journey of growth and impact. The video included reflections from key Foundation leaders
Bishop Tom Berlin of the Florida Conference delivered an inspiring keynote address at the Foundation’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon, reminding attendees of the power of generosity.
President Chris Spencer welcomes guests to the Foundation’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, reflecting on five decades of faithful stewardship and casting a vision for the future.
2025 Highlights
New Leadership
The Board of Trustees meeting, held just prior to the luncheon, marked a transition in leadership. Bobby Fahey, a member of University UMC of Baton Rouge, concluded his term as Board Chair, passing the role to Rev. Jo Ann Cooper, senior pastor at Henning Memorial UMC in Sulphur. Additional leadership appointments included Rev. Drew Sutton, senior pastor at St. Andrews UMC in Baton Rouge as Vice Chair; Val Lavigne, a member of Camphor Memorial UMC in Baton Rouge as Secretary; Bob Kimbro of Gretna UMC as Investment Chair; and Rev. Mimi McDowell, retired clergy from Shreveport, as Grants Chair.
as Secretary; and Dianne Wilkinson concluded nine years of service, including her valued contributions on the grants committee and presenting Best Practices in the Church Office Seminars around the state for church staff and administrators.
New Board Members Named
The Foundation also recognized three long time board members who rotated off the board: Omer Davis served with distinction on and off since 2001, as both Board Chair and Investment Chair; Sandra Kuykendall, a dedicated board member since 2009, faithfully served most of her tenure
The Foundation announced the election of three new members to its Board of Trustees, who began their three-year terms on June 1, 2025: Rev. Katie Black, senior pastor at First United Methodist Church of Houma; Brent Graham, a financial advisor based in Baton Rouge; and Dr. Van Stinson, Executive Director of Mission and Ministry and Assistant to the Bishop for the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Rev. Jo Ann Cooper (center) is welcomed as the new Chair of the Board by outgoing Chair Bobby Fahey (left) and Foundation President Chris Spencer (right) during a special moment at the 50th Anniversary Board Meeting.
Black Graham Stinson
Chris Spencer, second from left, stands alongside the outgoing board members, L to R: Dianne Wilkinson, Omer Davis and Sandra Kuykendall
Shared Ministry Moments
Practical Church Leadership at Dakota Wesleyan University
The Foundation has been a longtime supporter of clergy leadership development. Our most recent effort has been sponsoring clergy in the Practical Church Leadership Program at Dakota Wesleyan University.
In 2025, three additional clergy participated in the one-year graduate certificate program: Rev. Marissa Horvath, Rev. Alice Boutte and Rev. Kaseem Short. Since 2020, 30 Foundation-sponsored clergy from Louisiana have graduated from this program, allowing them to earn 21 graduate credits in the areas of finance, personnel management and stewardship.
Finding Alternative Revenue Sources for Churches
In August, the Foundation teamed up with First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge for an energizing workshop featuring Pastor Mark DeYmaz, author of The Coming Revolution in Church Economics and founding pastor of Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas. With more than 100 pastors and church leaders in attendance, the room was filled with excitement as participants gained practical strategies and heard powerful, real-world
Investing in strong, faithful leadership for the future: 2025 Practical Church Leadership participants, left to right, include Rev. Marissa Horvath, Rev. Alice Boutte and Rev. Kaseem Short
Exploring new possibilities for ministry sustainability: Left to right are host Chris Spencer, Speaker Mark DeYmaz and host Rev. Brady Whitton at the Alternative Revenue Sources seminar in August.
Over 100 pastors and church leaders from around the state gathered at the Alternative Revenue Sources for Churches Seminar in Baton Rouge
2025 Highlights
examples to help their churches not just survive—but truly thrive.
Conversations sparked fresh ideas around leveraging church assets, creating multiple streams of income, adapting to changing demographics and reimagining how churches can bless their communities.
Spencer Elected to National Position
Chris Spencer, president of the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana, was elected vice president of the National Association of United Methodist Foundations (NAUMF) at its 2025 annual meeting in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. He will serve a three-year term as vice president, followed by a three-year term as president, while continuing in his leadership role in Louisiana. NAUMF is a nationwide network that equips United Methodist foundations
to strengthen ministry through stewardship, generosity and planned giving.
NAUMF President Sheri Meister praised his wisdom and dedication, noting that his leadership will be a valuable asset to the organization and its shared mission.
Because Someone Gave . . .
New leadership for NAUMF: President Sherri Meister of the Dakotas United Methodist Foundation, and Vice President Chris Spencer
Foundation staff stand together in support for the future homeowners of Habitat for Humanity’s Interfaith Build in Baton Rouge.
Chris Spencer shares an update from the Foundation at the Louisiana Annual Conference in Baton Rouge in June, offering a glimpse into the impact of generosity and the work unfolding across our ministries.
A Year of Blessings
For the third year, the Foundation participated as a major sponsor of the Louisiana United Methodist Children & Family Services Annual Golf Classic. The Foundation’s team included,
Staff Volunteer Day
Wanting to be hands-on in their support, the Foundation staff spent a day volunteering on Habitat for Humanity’s Interfaith Build in Baton Rouge in November. The workday followed a significant grant supporting the organization’s Interfaith Build, where churches from across the community joined together to help construct a home for a local family. By stepping onto the job site themselves, staff experienced firsthand the impact of collaborative generosity—turning faithful giving into tangible, lasting change.
Holiday Gatherings
As 2025 came to a close, President Chris Spencer hosted holiday fellowship gatherings for pastors in several cities across the state. These gatherings provided an opportunity for clergy to share a meal, reconnect with colleagues and celebrate the season together. Attendees cherished the chance to catch up, exchange stories and strengthen their bonds of ministry.
left to right, Brent Graham, Omer Davis, Chris Spencer, Charles McKenzie and Bobby Fahey.
Pastors joined us in several cities over the holiday season, to share lunch and conversation. Shown here is the gathering in New Orleans (top), Lake Charles (middle) and Baton Rouge (bottom).
Grants
Grants Committee approves $279,418 to fund ministries in 2025
Since the first grant in 1992, the Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in grants to strengthen United Methodist churches and ministries of Louisiana and beyond.
In addition to the Grants Committee’s approved $279,418 awards this year, the Foundation partnered with the Louisiana Conference of The United Methodist Church to make a significant joint gift of $240,000 to the Lydia Patterson Institute, a private, faith-based school supported by the United Methodist Church’s South Central Jurisdiction.
This investment supports ongoing capital needs that help the school provide a high-quality education and faith-centered formation for its students—many of whom cross the U.S.-Mexico border each day to learn in a safe, supportive environment.
Other key grants are already making a tangible difference in communities across the state. Louisiana United Methodist Children & Family Services received $30,000 to strengthen the Outdoor Wilderness Learning (OWL) Center’s therapeutic recreation program near Ruston. Funding supported the purchase of “Ellie,” a new quarter horse for the equine-assisted therapy program, as well as enhancements to an educational and sensory trail.
At St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of Monroe, an $18,336 grant enabled a transition to a multi-level communications platform aligned with current best practices in church technology. Updated hardware and software now provide
lives were changed.
Dr. Carla Cardoza, President of LPI (left) with Foundation President Chris Spencer
Foundation Grants Coordinator, Britney Winn Lee, sharing a smile with Ellie, the newest member of the Outdoor Wilderness Lodge family at the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston.
Where Generosity Meets Impact
improved online tools for engagement and outreach, allowing the church to more effectively connect with in-person and online members while welcoming new participants into its ministry.
In Baton Rouge, Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church received $13,400 to support its Pathway to Wellness Campus Connection initiative. Addressing a lack of nearby grocery stores and essential services, the program provides reliable transportation for students, staff and faculty at nearby Southern University to worship, Bible study and shop. By reducing transportation barriers, the initiative enhances well-being and quality of life for the campus community.
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of Shreveport’s Front Porch Ministry grant of $11,300 is transforming the grassy hill across from the church into a visually appealing, sacred and inviting space for worship, prayer and community building.
This outdoor “front porch” will act as the launching pad for three essential ministries: 1) prayer, incorporating a prayer labyrinth, prayer room and calming room; 2) food access, with community garden projects; and 3) service rallies, beautifying public areas of the neighborhood, all which will help with healing and rebuilding the LakesideAllendale community of Shreveport.
The Pathway to Wellness Campus Connection grant, awarded to Camphor Memorial UMC of Baton Rouge, provides transportation for the Southern University community to grocery stores and other essential services.
Rev. Joseph Whalen of St. Paul’s UMC of Shreveport spearheaded the “Front Porch Ministry” project, creating a gathering place for the underserved community of Allendale.
New technology at St. Paul’s UMC of Monroe will enable the church to communicate more efficiently and effectively.
Grants: Empowering Ministry
In Natchitoches, First United Methodist Church partnered with Asbury United Methodist Church to launch “Ramps for Wheels,” an initiative focused on improving accessibility for low-income homeowners in their community. With a grant of $3,162, the churches worked together to build and install wheelchair ramps, helping residents safely enter and exit their homes.
These highlighted grants represent just a portion of the Foundation’s impact. In total, the Foundation awarded grants to more than 30 United Methodist churches and ministries statewide, supporting innovative programs that nurture faith, strengthen communities and meet critical needs. Together, these investments reflect the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to empowering ministries that transform lives—both within Louisiana and beyond.
Because Someone Gave . . .
hope took shape.
Members of First UMC of Natchitoches work on a ramp to provide wheelchair access into someone’s home.
Planned Giving
Thanks to our Donors,
New Planned Gifts Exceeded $1,000,000 in 2025
The Foundation was founded in 1975 to promote planned giving for the sustainability of United Methodist churches and associated ministries. Through the generosity of our donors, we continue to serve that purpose.
This year, the following donors created planned gifts through the Foundation totaling $1,059,231:
2025 Planned Gifts
Larry and Linda Miller Endowment
created for the benefit of First UMC, Alexandria
Perry Family Endowment
created for the benefit of First UMC, DeRidder
Aurora UMC Endowment
created for the benefit of Aurora UMC, New Orleans
Martha Holemon Endowments
created from a Life Estate Gift and a Charitable Gift Annuity for the benefit of Gilliam UMC, the Louisiana Children’s Home and Noel United Methodist Church
Jean and Murphy Roberts Endowment
created from a Charitable Remainder Trust for the benefit of Broadmoor UMC of Baton Rouge and the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home of Ruston
Wesley UMC Endowment
created for the benefit of Wesley UMC, Baton Rouge
Anonymous Charitable Gift Annuity
created for the benefit of St. Charles UMC, Destrehan
Endowment Match Program
Since the Endowment Match Program began in 2019, 22 United Methodist churches and ministries have taken a meaningful step toward long-term sustainability—because someone gave.
Through this program, the Foundation offers a “double your money” opportunity: a $5,000 match for $5,000 when a church establishes a permanent endowment. What begins as a single act of generosity becomes something greater—an investment in ministry that will continue to grow and give for generations to come.
In 2025, Aurora United Methodist Church of New Orleans and Wesley United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge joined this growing legacy. Each endowment is a seed—planted because someone gave—ensuring that ministry will flourish forever.
A Growing Community of Endowment Match Participants
Because Someone Gave . . .
ministry will continue for generations.
Because someone gave, Aurora United Methodist Church (above) and Wesley United Methodist Church (below) are planting seeds for the
endowments
Children and Churches Thrive . . .
Because Someone Gave
Martha Ann Thigpen Holemon lived a life of faith, service and generosity. A devoted member of Noel United Methodist Church in Shreveport, Martha loved children— teaching Sunday school, leading Bible studies and directing Noel’s Children’s Center. “Martha loved, loved, loved children,” recalled Rev. Mimi McDowell, former associate pastor at Noel.
Martha and her husband, Joe, served as missionaries in Gaza, and she was known as a prayer warrior—kind, empathetic and deeply committed to others.
Years ago, Martha learned about making a gift through a life estate. When she later inherited her parents’ home in Gilliam,
she designated it to benefit the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, in honor of her love for children, and Gilliam UMC, her parents’ church. She also created a Charitable Gift Annuity for Noel United Methodist Church. After her passing in 2024, the Foundation sold the home and established three endowments—ensuring Martha’s generosity will bless lives for generations.
Martha’s story reminds us that generosity isn’t about wealth—it’s about the heart.
Because someone gave, children are nurtured, churches are strengthened and her legacy of love continues.
Martha Holemon, whose warm smile reflected her generous heart, never let age slow her down—she even rode her bicycle to Gilliam United Methodist Church when she could no longer drive, faithfully making her way to worship.
Because of Martha’s life estate gift, two endowments were established at the Foundation to support the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home and her hometown church, Gilliam UMC—blessing lives forever.
Foundation Leadership
ExecutiveCommittee
Because Someone Gave . . .
we steward faithfully.
Rev. Jo Ann Cooper Chair
Rev. Drew Sutton Vice Chair
Val Lavigne Secretary
Bob Kimbro Investment Chair
Rev. Mimi McDowell Grants Chair
Chris Spencer President/CEO
President Chris Spencer presents the annual report to the board, guiding them through the Foundation’s accomplishments and impact over the past year.
Carrying the Vision Forward
Board of Trustees
L to R: Bob Kimbro, Joe Crouch, Val Lavigne, Rev. Jo Cooper, Bobby Fahey, Dianne Wilkinson, Rev. Mimi McDowell, Chris Spencer, Sandra Kuykendall, Rev. Clifton Conrad, Sen. Willie Mount and Omer Davis. Not pictured: Abby Cochran, Drew Kennedy, Richard Lewis, Troy Searles and Rev. Drew Sutton
Focused on faithful stewardship and future impact, Foundation board members review materials during a recent meeting, with President Chris Spencer and Chairman Bobby Fahey leading the discussion at the head of the table.
The mission of the
United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana is to be a catalyst that strengthens and preserves our current ministries while meeting the needs of a diverse and rapidly changing society.