The Presbyterian Foundation gathers, stewards and distributes funds for mission.

We work hard to strengthen congregations and related mission and ministry efforts by developing gifts and managing funds on their behalf. We work with them to build communities of generosity among their members and constituents. And we provide all Presbyterians an avenue to realize their philanthropic goals through a variety of giving and investment options. In all our work, we remain focused on the Reformed values that have guided our stewardship and investment for more than 200 years.

History – Presbyterian visionaries determined in 1799 that an entity was needed to safeguard the long-term financial interest of the Presbyterian Church.

A Partner in Funding Mission since 1799

1799
Incorporated on March 28, 1799 as the Trustee of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

1821
Oldest endowment created which still provides funds today for production and distribution of Christian literature.

1866
Split North/South – the establishment of the Presbyterian Foundation, Inc. (U.S.)

1953
United Presbyterian Foundation authorized by General Assembly to carry out a churchwide educational and interpretive program, to publicize the services it offers and to solicit deferred gifts and bequests for the immediate and future benefit of the Church

1971
United Presbyterian Foundation given legal and custodial responsibility by the 183rd General Assembly for all property, real and personal, of existing General Assembly agencies except the Board of Pensions

1973
The United Presbyterian Foundation designated by the General Assembly to facilitate the management of all corporate affairs of the United Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) apart from the Board of Pensions

1983
The United Presbyterian Foundation takes action to payout on a “total return” basis called a spending formula, the unrestricted endowments of the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Presbyterian Church in the United States and The United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America voted to reunite as the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

1985
United Presbyterian Foundation in New York City is renamed the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation and begins acting as agent for the Presbyterian Foundation in Charlotte, North Carolina.

1987
The General Assembly authorized the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation on January 6, 1987 to act as the fiduciary corporation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) acting as agent for certain “constituent corporations,” including the Presbyterian Foundation of Charlotte. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation “constituent corporations” and their respective states of incorporation are: The Presbyterian Foundation, Inc. (U.S.) – North Carolina, Board of Christian Education of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)- Pennsylvania, The Board of Christian Education of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) – New York, Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) -Pennsylvania, Board of Home Missions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) – New York, Board of National Missions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) – New York, Commission on Ecumenical Mission and Relations of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) – New York, The Presbyterian Board of Home Mission – New York, The Woman’s Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) – New York, and Woman’s Board of Home Missions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) -New York.

1988
New Foundation building at 200 East Twelfth Street, Jeffersonville, Indiana, occupied on September 6

1993
Foundation surpasses $1 billion in assets

1994
Foundation takes action to payout most restricted endowments on a “total return” basis, called a spending formula, increasing income for mission by over $5 million per year

1995
Foundation registered with the SEC as an Investment Advisor

1996
Foundation applies to insurance and banking regulators to form an insurance and trust company subsidiary

1997
Gifts and deposits received exceeded $100 million for the first time in history. Trust Company application approved.

1998
New Covenant Trust Company, N.A. commences operations

1999
New Covenant Funds formed

2010
Strategic Plan emphasizes partnership, new giving tools

2011
Project Regeneration launched to repurpose unused church assets for new mission

2012
Moves to an Outsourced Chief Investment Officer model, freeing Foundation staff to focus on development. Presbyterian Mission Exchange launches to provide electronic and online giving services for congregations and other ministries.

2013
Launches series of Transformational Investments in Israel-Palestine.

2015
Offers “Planned Giving Navigator” online campaign management system to congregations and ministry organizations.

2017
New Covenant Trust Company reaches $200 million in assets under management.

Leadership

The Foundation’s senior staff and Trustees provide leadership through their experience and knowledge and are driven by their faith values. Meet our leaders.

Work for the Foundation

The Presbyterian Foundation is a great place to work. View Job Openings.