How to Participate

Following is information on subjects that you will need to be aware of when making decisions regarding opening your new account:
 

Initial Investments and Subsequent Deposits

Opening an Investment Trust Fund requires a minimum deposit of one thousand dollars ($1,000). Separate sub-accounts may be established provided that each sub-account maintains a minimum balance of one thousand dollars ($1,000). Additional deposits are accepted at any time in amounts of $500.00 or more.
 

 Withdrawals

Standing orders for scheduled disbursements of income may be requested on an annual, semi-annual or quarterly basis as of January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1. One time withdrawals or other periodic distributions may be requested at any time and will be processed as of Monday of the week following receipt of the request at the Foundation office. 

Documented emergency situations will be reviewed individually should the need for funds arise between the normal distribution periods. Transfers from one investment model to another (from the Income model to the Growth & Income model, for example) will be executed on the same basis as the withdrawal requests.
 

Fees and Expenses

The Foundation engages the services of SEI Investments as investment advisor and custodian, as well as several professional portfolio managers. The fee-based fiduciary consulting service provided by the Foundation's investment advisor includes all investment management fees, securities transaction costs, custody fees, performance reporting, socially responsible screening, asset allocation management, sub-accounting and timely reporting. This all inclusive blended fee is paid out of Investment Fund assets, and is reflected in the Fund's performance.
As compensation to the Foundation for administration and management services, investors will be charged an administrative fee based on the amount of assets under management and deducted from the investment pools. The current schedule of fees is available to participants upon request.

Reporting

Monthly statements will be distributed in a timely fashion and, generally, by the 10th of each month. Reports will reflect the value of each account, its market performance, interest and dividends, and all deposit or withdrawal activity.
 

Asset Allocation

The Investment Trust Fund (ITF) is divided into two pools. One pool invests in only equity investments (stocks); the other pool invests in debt instruments (e.g. notes, bonds, and mortgage-backed securities). The ratio of equity to debt investments is commonly referred to as the asset allocation. Each ITF account can be invested in one of the following asset allocation models:
 

The choice of an asset allocation model is one of the most critical decisions for successful investing. In the case of gifts given to the church funds and endowments, this decision must take into account the purpose of the fund, the present and future needs for the funds and risk tolerance.

When selecting an asset allocation model, the objectives of the particular fund must be weighed. For example, funds that will likely be needed within five years to purchase a parsonage may need less participation in the stock markets than funds intended to be held in perpetuity. Conversely, a fund that must be allowed to accumulate before being used, say --five to ten years -- would likely benefit from an asset mix that includes little, or no, debt securities. For most church funds, there needs to be a balance between equity and debt investment.

No Participation in Management

The Foundation's Board of Directors exercises control of the Foundation and the Investment Trust Fund. Participation in the Investment Trust Fund does not entitle the investor to participate in the management of the Foundation or the Fund.

Following is a list of forms you can print off for use in communicating your wishes to the Foundation:

New Account Opening Form
Investment Trust Fund Revocable Participation Agreement
Deposit or Transfer Form
Withdrawal Form
Account Change Information Form