The Investing in Ministry Fund is one of the ways that the Toronto United Church Council helps our church “work smarter.” It’s a unique church-to-church capital pool that allows communities of faith and individual investors to put their resources to work for the wider church – while receiving income from a secure, ethical investment.
Since 2001, the Fund has enabled more than 80 congregations and individuals to meet four key financial goals:
- A fair return on investment
- Security of principal
- Support of the United Church of Canada’s mission and ministry
- Alignment with the UCC’s ethical investment standards
Over the past decade, the Fund has consistently outperformed GICs and while avoiding the volatility of equity markets like the S&P/TSX Composite Index. While pure equities do offer higher highs, the Investing in Ministry Fund offers steady growth with capital protection—and a direct impact on church ministry.
What Your Investment Supports
The Fund offers a conservative, low-risk investment vehicle – one where your capital is not only protected but actively contributes to strengthening the church. As Don Hunter, former Chair of Finance for the United Church of Canada, put it:
“Since the principal is always secure, trustees and board members owe it to themselves to consider the Investing in Ministry Fund. Investing church resources in church development just makes sense.”
— Don Hunter, F.C.A.
Through the Fund, TUCC pools capital from United Church investors – typically from legacies, endowments, or proceeds from the sale of property – and uses it to provide low-interest loans to congregations undertaking capital projects. These include new building construction, roof replacements, accessibility retrofits, safety upgrades, and renovations to support community outreach. Your money doesn’t just sit in a bank account – by investing, you’re directly supporting the mission of the church.
East Plains United Church in Burlington (Horseshoe Falls Regional Council) recently completed renovations that allowed the new East Plains Child Care Centre to open in its premises, supporting the church’s vision of itself as a ‘community hub’ for the Aldershot neighbourhood. An Investing in Ministry Fund loan provided funding for this project, which now offers much needed secure childcare places for up to 77 children in the Aldershot community and is a source of income for the East Plains UC congregation.
How the Fund Operates
The Investing in Ministry Fund is straightforward, flexible, and designed with the needs of United Church communities in mind.
Whether you are investing legacy funds, manse proceeds, or long-term reserves, your money can do double duty: earning income for your ministry while supporting the physical and missional renewal of other churches.
Here’s how it works:
- You can start with an investment of $25,000.
Communities of Faith, Incorporated Ministries, Regional Councils and individuals are all eligible. Any investment below $150,000 requires accreditation under Ontario Securities Commission rules. Investments are made for a 10-year period, and can be redeemed on an annual basis after they have been held for more than five years. - Your capital is secure.
Every investment is guaranteed by TUCC assets and a promissory note, with a General Security Agreement offering additional assurance. Loans offered by TUCC are secured and low-risk, and risk evaluation and loan oversight is provided by TUCC’s Finance and Property Committee. - You earn a fair return.
Income is derived from interest paid by borrowers and returns from market investments in line with the United Church’s ethical guidelines, managed by Fiera Capital Corporation. Earnings are paid quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, depending on your preference. - Your funds make a difference.
By investing, you’re helping churches access the financing they need to maintain and grow their ministries.
Toronto United Church Council is reimbursed for out-of-pocket administrative costs but does not profit from the Fund, nor do we charge for associated internal costs.
How to Take the Next Step
When you invest in the Investing in Ministry Fund, you’re doing more than stewarding your resources – you’re helping other communities of faith. Let’s explore how your investment can become a tool for renewal and possibility. Whether you’re ready to invest, interested in a presentation for your Board, or just exploring your options, we’re here to help.
Connect with us – we’ll walk you through the process and answer any questions along the way.
Contact:
Daniel Reed, Director, Missional Lending and Investment
daniel@tucc.ca
905-771-5124 ext. 23 or 1-800-235-8822