The purpose of the Georgia United Methodist Foundation was clear to all who heard Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Coppedge-Henley’s address to the North Georgia Annual Conference on Saturday morning. “We are here to build the church, now and in the future,” she said with conviction.
The Foundation provides advanced, faith-based financial solutions for churches, institutions and individuals who are passionate about the future of ministry. Whether through financing loans, managing endowments or providing training to clergy and laity, the Foundation works to ensure that discipleship will continue “until the end of the age.”
The theme of this year’s North Georgia Annual Conference, Come Follow Me, exalted the future of ministry by building up students and young adults who have a passion for the church. This was evident throughout the conference where students gathered together, chattering excitedly about the future they see for themselves. Whether by ensuring young people are in leadership roles, able to fund seminary or simply know their input is valued, it is imperative that we allow our young people a place to thrive within the Methodist family.
One way that the Foundation supports that future is our long-standing scholarship fund which aims to assist students in attending United Methodist institutions. The scholarship fund, called Dollars for Scholars, is provided in partnership with a student’s home church, their chosen United Methodist college or university and the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation. Together, this scholarship has made a notable difference in hundreds of students’ ability to attend a Methodist college or university. The Foundation is committed to the future of ministry and has furnished nearly $1,000,000 in scholarships since 2011, with $89,000 contributed in 2024 alone.
As Rev. Dr. Coppedge-Henley proclaimed, “This ministry does not stop! We are optimistic, we are excited, we are United Methodists who will be here making disciples for Christ for generations to come.”
Message from Rev. Dr. Coppedge-Henley
If you or your church could benefit from learning more about planned giving, the Dollars for Scholars program or any of the Foundation’s offerings, please reach out to us at info@gumf.org. At the Foundation, our purpose is your mission.
