At SouthCol, we are driven to help clients pursue their mission. Here is a client story that inspires us. We hope it inspires you.
Encouraging Lifelong Generosity for 75 Years
The year was 1949. The United States stood on the brink of historic change. Emerging from the shadows of World War II, the nation was filled with hope, unity, and economic growth. The Great Migration was transforming communities, as nearly six million African Americans moved from the rural South to urban centers, including in the Midwest.
Amid this wave of optimism, a group of faithful and generous individuals in northern Illinois envisioned a future where they could help build the church of tomorrow. Their dream took form as the Methodist Foundation of the Rock River Conference, which would eventually become the United Methodist Foundation of the Northern Illinois Conference. In that moment, a legacy began—one rooted in compassion, generosity, and a commitment to shaping a brighter future.
Today, the Foundation is known as Midwest Methodist Foundation (MMF) and supports hundreds of local churches and individuals, all with a common goal to enrich organizations directly or historically related to Methodist traditions.
This year, MMF celebrates 75 years of fulfilling their mission of encouraging lifelong generosity through God’s abundance.
A Legacy of Giving
“This year is a celebration of change,” says MMF President Chris Walters. “Through their generosity and trust, our donors and local churches have created a lasting legacy of what one of MMF’s founders called a ‘changed outlook’ and a ‘fresh approach to stewardship.’ Looking into the future, we continue to uplift communities—one act of change at a time.”
With more than $1 million distributed to 200+ ministries, MMF’s creative ministry grants have sparked transformative change. From early childhood education and social justice initiatives to food assistance for families and innovative programs like an artist-in-residence at a local church, the Foundation’s impact is profound.
Education is another cornerstone of MMF’s mission. Through their support of matching scholarship programs such as Dollars for Scholars and their own Uplifting Young Methodists Scholarship that supports minority students, MMF has empowered numerous individuals to pursue their dreams in trade schools, colleges, and universities.
In celebration of its 75th anniversary, MMF will award ten grants of $7,500 each to two churches in each of northern Illinois’s five districts, totaling $75,000.
– Chris Walters
President, Midwest Methodist Foundation
The Next 75 Years
Looking forward, MMF is poised to adapt and respond to the ever-widening charitable interests of Methodist individuals and local churches throughout the Foundation’s region.
By continuing to support local programs and leverage strategic partnerships, MMF aims to empower the next generation of change-makers, ensuring that the spirit of compassion, service, and generosity flourishes.
Summarized SouthCol’s James Lumberg, “Throughout my long relationship with MMF, it has been a pleasure to witness firsthand their commitment to stewardship. It is exciting to know that the seeds they are planting today will continue to bear fruit for generations.”
Source: midwestmethodist.org