Larry Coppock (left) gives a report on scouting ministries to the UMM Foundation, meeting Feb. 27 in Nashville.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.––The United Methodist Church Foundation, an agency managing $108 million in long-term funds, will promote the UMM Foundation, a group with assets totaling $2.3 million.

By a conference phone call, Rhodes Logan, director of development and philanthropic initiatives for the UMC Foundation, said he would be willing to promote the UMM Foundation along with  20 other funds including a Scouting Fund and the Strength for Service Fund.

“When we know of a passion that a United Methodist has for scouting, ecumenism, or church history, we ask,” said Byrd Bonner, executive director of the UMC Foundation.

The United Methodist Men Foundation was created more than 30 years ago when it appeared scouting ministries would be dropped by the denomination. The foundation continues to provide $114,000 annually to support the office of scouting ministries.

The foundation also provides more than $7,000 per year to the Upper Room Living Prayer Center and $10,000 annually to provide back-packing New Testaments to the Philmont Scout Ranch and other high-adventure camps.

In other business, the foundation:

•    Issued a grant of $2,500 to Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (PRAY), the organization providing God and Country awards. The grant matched the same amount provided by the National Association of Conference Presidents of UM Men (NACP);
•    Increased the cost of life membership from $200 to $250, beginning January 1, 2015.
•    Decreased the percentage invested in fixed income from 57% to 37%; increased the amount invested in stocks from 40% to 50% and invested 10% in companies involved in oil pipe lines;
•    Discontinued relationships with the National Association of United Methodist Scouters; the same action was taken by the NACP and the General Commission on UM Men;
•    Re-elected Ed Shytle as president; Ron Sarver, vice-president; and Gard Wayt, treasurer. Bill Mooney was elected secretary following the resignation of Dan Henry.