Georgia United Methodist Foundation Development Fund Rate Increase Benefits United Methodists

9/2/2010
 
Thanks to churches and individual investors, the Georgia United Methodist Foundation Development Fund provides the funds to build, expand, renovate and refinance churches throughout the North and South Georgia conferences.
Because the demand for low-interest loans from churches statewide currently exceeds the funds available, the foundation has increased certificate rates for the first time in 18 months. Effective September 1, 2010, new investors in the Development Fund will earn 3.75% on 4-year certificates; 3.50% on 3-year certificates; 2.30% on 2-year certificates; and 2.00% on 1-year certificates.
“This rate increase is a win-win for all of us,” said foundation president Bob Fletcher. “Investors will earn higher returns than other investment vehicles such as bank CDs or Money Market accounts while their money will be used to help churches stretch their dollars with lower than market rate loans.”
North Georgia Bishop Mike Watson recently invested in the Development Fund.
“The fact that 100% of Development Fund investments are used to fund the growth and expansion of Georgia United Methodist churches and ministry agencies was the most important factor in my decision to invest in this mission and ministry opportunity,” said Bishop Mike Watson.
The foundation has developed two worship bulletin inserts, “Do Well While Doing Good” and “What Does It Take to Build a Church?”, to let individuals and churches know how the Development Fund works to support United Methodist ministries. Visit www.gumf.org to download the bulletins or call the foundation at 770-449-6726 or 877-200-4664.
The foundation helps churches, agencies and individuals within the North and South Georgia conferences multiply financial resources for mission and ministry by providing investment, lending, planned giving and fundraising services.