About The Foundation

Our History
Presbyterian visionaries determined in 1799 that an entity was needed to ensure that the long-term financial interests of the Presbyterian Church would be safeguarded. They also realized the need to develop additional monies for mission. The result was the establishment of a corporation now known as the Presbyterian Foundation.

The Foundation has carried out the charge of the 1799 General Assembly by soliciting from individuals and congregations, "pious donations and bequests in order to supply the funds which are absolutely necessary to carry on with advantage the great and charitable work" of the Church.

Creating Gifts for the Church
From such humble beginnings 205 years ago, the Presbyterian Foundation is charged by the General Assembly with the responsibility and accountability for raising money, and today, through New Covenant Trust Company, providing trust and investment management services, for the mission of the entire denomination. With assets of $1.6 billion, the Presbyterian Foundation stands as one of the largest religious foundations in the United States.

The Foundation does not compete with local churches or any other institution of the Church for charitable gifts. To the contrary, we are committed to strengthening congregations, presbyteries, synods, the General Assembly, seminaries, colleges and universities, retirement communities and other agencies of the Church by developing gifts and managing funds on their behalf. The Foundation is here to serve the Church and its missions, not ourselves.

Our nationwide staff of charitable giving specialists is comprised of professional gift planners. It would be hard for any organization to match the level of expertise provided by the Foundation's development staff. The focus of our development staff is individual giving to support mission. Donors identify the areas of mission they wish to support - whether global, national or local mission - and our development staff offers a way to give that will best meet their needs.

Why should I use the Foundation to make my gift?

	•	Stability. With more than 200 years of experience, the Foundation has been bringing together people and mission. The Foundation is one of six agencies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Foundation is composed of highly skilled officers and support staff trained in the area of gift administration and compliance, accounting, law, investment management, marketing and a specialized group of development officers located around the country to better serve the Church.
	•	Connection. A core value of the Foundation has been and remains working in leadership and partnership with the whole Church to fund its mission. The Foundation does not compete with local churches or any other insitution of the Church for charitable gifts. To the contrary, we are committed to strengthening these entities by developing gifts and managing funds on their behalf. The Foundation is here to serve the Church and its missions, not ourselves.
	•	Diversity of services. Through our subsidiary, New Covenant Trust Company, N.A., we offer charitable trusts, personal trust and investment management services.The Foundation also sponsors a family of faith-based mutual funds that build on socially responsible principles.
	•	Commitment. We provide all Presbyterians with an avenue to realize their philanthropic goals through a variety of giving options. We maintain a strong focus on the Presbyterian values and principles that drive our stewardship initiatives.