Resources and Newsletter
Growing generosity, planned giving, and sustainable models for your ministry
GNJ Foundation and You
The Greater New Jersey Foundation is your resource for Stewardship, Planned Giving & Investments. We are here to keep you up to date on giving trends, “best practices” to grow generosity, and the key ways you can develop sustainable models for your ministry and mission.
We offer a number of free, downloadable resources including a newsletter, blog, and regular Wespath Investment updates. If you would like to know more, we are here to assist you and are glad to meet with you or your church in person or virtually.
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22
“After a little hesitation on our part, we opened our first accounts in 2020 — it’s been a true blessing and we’re thrilled with our decision to partner with the GNJ Foundation. Not only are our investments growing, but the 1% quarterly withdrawal allows Beverly UMC to help fund our Shared Ministry with ease.”
Quarterly Newsletter
Stay in touch with emerging trends in charitable giving, emerging methods, upcoming Foundation events, and trainings with the GNJ Foundation Newsletter. This newsletter is designed to help you develop a Stewardship model to thrive.
Blog
Find a growing collection of articles, blog posts, videos, and curated pieces from partners in growing generosity and our experiences. May these stir new ideas, unleash innovation, and empower your important insights.
Growing Grace-Rooted Stewardship and Generosity
Scripture challenges us as leaders in ministry to be faithful managers of our resources rooted in faith and growing generosity. Among the qualifications for elders and deacons in the epistles of Timothy and Titus is the need to be good managers or stewardards. Jesus talks a great deal about money and possessions and the importance of understanding our relationship with our finances and material goods.
Alternative Income Development
With the rising fixed costs, large facilities with often aging membership there are many congregations and ministry organizations looking for alternative ways to generate income. There are important considerations the leaders need to take into account as they map assets and explore options to generate income.
Planned Giving
Your members give to your congregation or ministry organization for much of their lives. It is important to offer them an opportunity to leave a planned or legacy gift.
Gift Acceptance Policy
Gifts can come in many forms to congregations and ministry organizations. It is important to have a set policy to guide decisions on accepting certain gifts, as some may be out of the norm. A gift acceptance policy assists the governing body when it has to refuse acceptance of a gift that either does not fit the needs of the congregation or would create a financial or legal liability.
Coming Soon
Endowment Fund Template
Click here for a customizable template to establish an Endowment Fund in your local church. This has had legal review and the Foundation will review updates and additions you make preparing you for steps that include charge conference approval.
Coming Soon
Brochures
Downloadable brochures and bulletin inserts for a variety of needs from Planned Giving to an overview of the GNJ Foundation and Year-End giving inserts.
“Churches would more commonly receive sizable bequests if they put in place well-defined planned giving programs.”
DonorView Portal
The Investor online portal, “DonorView” provides access to your investment accounts and contains up to date asset valuations, consolidated report options and the ability to approve withdrawals. This is a service provided by the Foundation through REN Technology