History of the Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation
1893
Milwaukee Deaconess Home Established. Later, in 1928, Grant Hall
was built, a "Home Away From Home For Methodist Girls." In 1925 a large old house
located next to the lot where Grant Hall was built was purchased. This house
was used as an "old people's home" for 13 elderly women. Later two adjacent houses
were also purchased, remodeled, and named Grannex and Grantmeyer, so a total of 125 women
could be cared for. All of these buildings were dedicated in 1943 (completely paid for)
by Bishop Ralph Cushman.1956
Twenty-three acres of land were purchased in West Allis where
Methodist Manor was built in 1959-1960.-
1963
All four buildings were sold to Mount Sinai Hospital because
what is now the I-43 Highway was taking the front portion of the lots. A portion of the
proceeds was given to Methodist Manor to help care for the elderly women
who had moved to the Manor. It was also agreed that any bequests from
wills written earlier would be divided on a ratio basis with the Manor.
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1964
The remainder of the funds, totaling approximately $400,000
was used to establish the Milwaukee Methodist Foundation for the purpose of giving
grants.
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1964-70
Changed name to Wisconsin Deaconess Foundation, then to Wisconsin Methodist Foundation and to the Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation after the union of the two denominations had taken place.
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1973-76
Wisconsin Conference creates Wills Emphasis Task Force
to determine the best way of creating a wills and memorials emphasis in the Conference
and among the churches. It recommends the, then existing, Foundation restructure
to serve the Wisconsin Conference.
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1976
The Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation restructures
and becomes the Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation, Inc. Its Board was elected by the
Annual Conference; its budget was primarily from Conference
apportionments; and it was amenable to the Conference.
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1976-78
The Foundation moved from one very part-time Executive
Secretary to four part-time Field Representatives (one from the former Foundation, two
from the Conference Board of Pensions, and one from Health and Welfare
Ministries), plus utilizing the part-time services as Executive Director
of the Methodist Hospital Foundation Executive Director, on loan for two
years.
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1979
As proposed by the Wills Emphasis Task Force and voted
favorably by the 1976 Annual Conference, the Foundation moved into its first full-time
Executive Director, part-time Secretary and retaining the four part-time
Field Representatives. At this time, its assets were the Grants Fund of
$500,000.
-
1980
Common Fund "A" was created to be used
as the vehicle for its Funds Investment Service for permanent funds of local
churches and for Trusts and Memorials to be held for others. A Pooled Income Fund
(approved by the Treasury Department) was also established by which individuals could
receive life income and then have 100% of their gift go to the United
Methodist cause which they had designated. It also began holding Trusts
and Memorials for various causes and churches.
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1986
A new, full-time Executive Director was hired.
1987
Annual Conference votes to separate itself from the
Foundation for legal purposes. Common Fund "A" reaches a Market Value of
$5,000,000.
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1988
Participant records in Investment Funds is computerized.
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1989
Staff was reduced to Executive Director, part-time
Office Secretary, part-time Treasurer and one part-time Field Representative.
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1990
The Fixed Income Fund was established. Restructured
staff to include a full-time Executive Director and part-time Administrative Assistant,
Office Secretary and Treasurer. Assets under management reached
$10,000,000.
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1992
A new Executive Director was hired in July.
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1993
A goal of $20,000,000 in assets under management was reached.
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1996
Charitable Gift Annuities Program begun.
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1998
Assets under management reach $40,000,000. New Samaritan
Fund established.
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1999
Accountant Jann Brockmann retires and
new full time Accountant/Financial Officer hired. Two
Administrative Associates hired to job-share secretary, receptionist,
records and documentation, database development and publicity.
Office expansion occurs.
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2001
Assets under management reach $50,000,000. A new, full-time Financial/Marketing Associate is hired.
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2002
Hired a part-time loan officer to establish the Church Mortgage Loan Program.
-
2003
Office expansion occurs as more than 365 congregations and boards of The United Methodist Church
in Wisconsin have invested funds through our Investment Service. In addition, we have 44 Pooled
Income Fund accounts, 60 Charitable Gift Annuities and 12 Unitrusts. There are over 850 separate
accounts maintained at the Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation, Inc.
