If you serve on a finance or investment committee at a church or faith-based organization, you know that managing investments isn’t just about numbers—it’s about mission. Whether you’re overseeing a rainy-day fund, a scholarship endowment or a capital campaign, the way you structure and communicate your financial strategy can make all the difference.

Start with Governance

Strong governance is the backbone of any successful investment program. That means clearly defining investment program roles, responsibilities and decision-making processes. Whether you’re working with a small finance committee or a full investment board, what matters most is having active, engaged members who show up, ask questions and bring diverse perspectives to the table.

Leverage Your Resources

Investment decisions can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. During a recent virtual clergy benefits event, Wespath’s Joe Halwax (senior managing director, Institutional Investment Services) and Sarah Metroff (marketing manager, Investments) discussed investment governance best practices for churches and nonprofits and highlighted the resources Wespath and our partners can provide:

Build Trust Through Transparency

Your donors and members want to know their gifts are making a difference. Through regular reporting and open communication, you can foster transparency, grow confidence and fuel generosity. Whether someone donates to build a new roof or to support a music ministry, they should feel assured their contribution is being used as intended.

Document It

A strong Investment Policy Statement (IPS) is a crucial tool for any faith-based financial leader. Think of the IPS as your investment playbook. It outlines the purpose, risk tolerance and time horizon for your assets. An emergency fund will have different needs than a long-term endowment. The IPS keeps everyone aligned and serves as a living document that evolves with your organization’s goals.

Additional Articles from July 2025 Vol. 10 Issue 3