This year marks a remarkable milestone in the life of the Florida United Methodist Foundation: 60 years of supporting and empowering the growth of Christian ministry.
Since our founding in 1966, the Foundation has been privileged to walk alongside churches, ministries, clergy, and faithful individuals throughout Florida. What began as a vision to strengthen the financial stewardship of the Church has grown into six decades of partnership, generosity, and impact.
As we celebrate this anniversary, we do so with deep gratitude for the leaders who came before us. Their foresight, faithfulness, and commitment established a strong foundation upon which we continue to build today. Through changing times, economic cycles, and evolving ministry needs, the Foundation has remained steadfast in its purpose: helping God’s people steward resources in ways that advance Christ’s mission.
Over the past 60 years, the Foundation has assisted congregations in expanding ministries, financed church facilities, provided investment and endowment services, supported clergy and lay leaders through educational opportunities, awarded scholarships and grants, encouraged legacy giving, and helped countless individuals align their financial resources with their faith values.
Today, that mission continues with renewed energy and vision. Through our work in lending, investments, planned giving, clergy financial wellness, grants, scholarships, and ministry development, we remain committed to supporting churches and ministries as they seek to make disciples and transform communities.
Anniversaries invite us to look back with appreciation, but they also challenge us to look forward with hope. The needs of the Church continue to evolve, and so must we. Guided by our mission of supporting and empowering the growth of Christian ministry, the Foundation is investing in new relationships, innovative resources, and strategic partnerships that will strengthen ministry for generations to come.
As President and CEO, I count it a tremendous privilege to serve alongside our dedicated Board of Directors, talented staff, trusted partners, and faithful supporters. Together, we are witnessing the impact that thoughtful stewardship can have on lives, churches, and communities across Florida.
Thank you for being part of this story. Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your prayers. As we celebrate 60 years of ministry, we do so with confidence that God is not finished with us yet. The best chapters of this story are still being written.
Here’s to 60 years of faithfulness—and to the exciting ministry that lies ahead.
Rev. Edward S. New
President & CEO
Florida United Methodist Foundation