Foundation News: February 2026

Scholarship Deadline is March 1st - Apply Now!

There are just a few days left to apply for Foundation scholarships! We are once again awarding more than 100 scholarships to United Methodist students across Iowa, and all applications must be submitted by March 1, 2026.


If you have not yet completed your application, now is the time. Visit our website to review scholarship criteria and click APPLY NOW to submit before the deadline.

Letters of Recommendation Due March 6

Letters of recommendation must be submitted by March 6, 2026. Applications that do not include all required recommendations by this date will be considered incomplete and will not move forward in the review process.

We strongly encourage all applicants to log back into our partner portal at Kaleidoscope to confirm:

  • Your application has been fully submitted
  • All required recommendation letters have been received (recommenders are also called contributors on Kaleidoscope)

Do not assume your application is complete — please double-check your status to ensure nothing is missing.


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

Furnace on the Fritz? IUMF can Help!

Unexpected repairs or small renovations shouldn’t force your church to dip into reserves or your endowment. The Foundation’s Building Loan Program offers loans starting at $5,000 to help congregations bridge funding gaps and keep ministry running smoothly.


Whether it’s a furnace on the fritz, a leaky roof, a broken boiler, or a few worn-out pews, our loans make it possible to tackle necessary projects without financial strain. Eligible projects include facility renovations or repairs, accessibility improvements, appliance upgrades, land or parsonage purchases, loan refinancing, and more.


With competitive interest rates and personalized guidance, we’re committed to helping churches of all sizes bring their plans to life. If your congregation is facing a repair or exploring a small project, reach out today to see how we can help.

Recognized Excellence in Investment Management

At IUMF, we take seriously our responsibility to manage the funds entrusted to us with care and wisdom. We are pleased to share that the investment team managing our portfolio has been recognized by Forbes as one of its Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams for 2026. This honor reflects the experience, disciplined strategy, and best practices that were central to our decision to partner with the 801 Group at Morgan Stanley.


Our Board and Investment Committee continue to provide active oversight to ensure our investments remain aligned with our mission. We are grateful for the trust of our investors and remain committed to stewarding your funds wisely. Contact us today if you'd like to discuss how your church can strengthen its financial future through a disciplined, long-term investment strategy.


Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023-2026). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award. Awards Disclosures

More Resources

Lewis Center: Proactive Steps for Congregational Budget Success

Thompson & Associates: The Dangers of Assumption in Fundraising

Stelter: After the Ask: 3 Critical Steps When a Donor Says Yes

Iowa United Methodist Foundation
515.974.8927 | info@iumf.org https://iumf.org/
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