Scholarships are open NOW-March 1st

The Foundation is once again excited to offer more than 100 scholarships to UM students across Iowa! Applications are now open and will be accepted through March 1, 2026.

We invite students to visit our website to review the criteria for all scholarships. When ready, click APPLY NOW to begin the application. You can also review our Scholarship Guide for helpful tips and a timeline of scholarship-related events.

For technical issues with the application or help logging in, please email our partner Kaleidoscope. For all other questions, email Cassie Parks.

New This Year: Text Message Reminders:

For the first time, the Foundation will be using text messaging to help applicants stay informed and on track throughout the scholarship season. Please be assured that any texts you receive from IUMF are genuine—they are not spam, just friendly reminders from our team designed to support you during the application process.

4th quarter performance now posted

The Foundation’s 4th Quarter and full-year 2025 fund performance numbers are now available, and all account statements have been sent.

We encourage account holders to review their statements alongside the published performance figures each quarter, and to take time to read the full Quarterly Performance Report for additional insight and context.

While quarterly results provide helpful snapshots, investment performance is best evaluated over the long term. The Foundation remains committed to prudent oversight, diversification, and disciplined strategies designed to support churches and ministries for years to come. Whether you have a specific question about your most recent statement or would simply like to check in about your current investment approach, we welcome the opportunity to connect and serve as a resource. To schedule a conversation, please contact us at info@iumf.org or 515-974-8927.

Loans to support your church's next project

Is your church planning to build, expand, renovate, or make improvements to better support your ministry? The Foundation’s Building Loan Program is designed to help congregations bring their visions to life.

We offer competitive interest rates, and loans start as low as $5,000, making it possible for churches of all sizes to pursue their goals.

Eligible projects include:

• New construction
• Facility renovations or repairs
• Land or parsonage purchases
• Multimedia, technology, or appliance upgrades
• Accessibility improvements
• Loan refinancing

No matter the scope of your project, the Foundation is committed to helping you every step of the way—offering guidance and financial solutions that align with your goals. If your church is exploring a project or in the early planning stages, we encourage you to reach out to us!

Program spotlight: Clergy Tribute

Through the Foundation’s Clergy Tribute Program, you can honor clergy who have gone before us while supporting the next generation of Iowa pastors. Gifts are added to the Clergy Tribute Scholarship Fund and are awarded annually to Iowa seminarians preparing for ministry.

This is an easy way to support a scholarship with no need to set up your own fund. You can commit to a gift quarterly or annually, and the Foundation will send a notice each quarter showing the number of clergy being honored. Or make a one-time donation through our online giving platform. Every gift helps open doors for future pastors! Learn more and sign up using our Covenant Agreement.

More resources

Lewis Center: Top Resources of 2025 (50 Ways Tip Sheets)

Stelter: Top 3 Fundraising Webinars of 2025

Wespath: Investment Insights for Q4 2025 (webinar)