About
Our History and Purpose
The Chicago Temple Fund of First United Methodist Church of Chicago was established in 1967 to provide grant funding to organizations and causes that benefit the greater community and outreach efforts in need. Funds are distributed for religious, educational and charitable purposes. And no funds are utilized for the ordinary and usual expenses of First United Methodist Church of Chicago.
The Chicago Temple Fund is an irrevocable trust, so only the income earned in the Fund can be distributed as grants. This means that any gifts the Fund receives from donors will always remain intact, remaining in the Fund as principal, earning interest and multiplying itself many times over. Any gift—whether great or small—will live forever, by providing ongoing support to be used for the benefit of the greater community, reflecting faith and gratitude for God’s many blessings
Staff & Partners
Board of Trustees
Christina Schuler (Chair)
Colleen Jones
Ebonie Taylor
Gigi Zywicki
Kirk Twiss
Remedios Yambao
Brian Krob - Aid Society Representative
Sam Huber – Chicago Temple Finance Chair
Matt Lumadue - Chicago Temple Church Council Chair
Non Voting Advisory:
Rev. Myron F. McCoy - Chicago Temple Senior Pastor
Chris Bielat - Fund Administrator/Accountant
FAQ
What does the Temple Fund do?
The Chicago Temple Fund of First United Methodist Church of Chicago is blessed to have funds to distribute as grants for religious, educational, and charitable purposes. The Fund is an endowment fund that was established in 1967 and provides grant funding to organizations and causes that benefit the greater community and outreach efforts in need.
Eligibility to Apply:
Religious, educational or charitable organizations or causes that have a connection to the United Methodist denomination, First UMC at the Chicago Temple, or for which First UMC members or staff serve as volunteers or are acquainted with that requesting organization.
Must have a designated 501 (c) (3) status, or serve as fiscal agent.
Grants not given to individuals
Application Deadlines:
Grants are evaluated and awarded at three Chicago Temple Fund Trustee meetings per year: Spring, Fall and Winter. (In Summer, the Trustees annually perform a site visit to one of its grantee organizations).
2024 Grant application deadlines: January 19, 2024; April 19, 2024; and October 18, 2024
What do you mean by “socially responsible” investment practices?
“Socially responsible investing (SRI) follows standards to only invest in businesses that abide by good social values and work towards promoting positive outcomes for many social problems. Such goals can include promoting women and education, engaging in social justice, and protection of the environment. SRI will avoid allocating funds to companies that are seen as causing harm to the social wellbeing of humankind.
Practitioners of sustainable or socially responsible investing take note of its roots dating back more than 200 years ago to money management practices of the Methodists…John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, urged his followers to shun profiting at the expense of their neighbors. Consequently, they avoided partnering or investing with those who earned their money through alcohol, tobacco, weapons, or gambling—essentially establishing social investment screens.”
The Origins of Socially Responsible Investing | William Donovan | 10/24/2019