Serving Tennessee Baptists Since 1938
2017 Annual Report
Since 1938 the Tennessee Baptist Foundation has been of service to Tennessee Baptists and Kingdom
causes around the world. The assets under management of the Foundation have grown from $6,577 to
$142 million during that time. God continues to bless this ministry and we are pleased to make our report to
the convention as to highlights for the fiscal year 2016-17. The Foundation is pleased to offer the following
services to Tennessee Baptists:
Presenting informational Faith-based estate planning seminars for churches
Working with individuals, helping them develop distinctively Christian personal estate plans
Consulting with individuals on the preparation of their Wills and Powers of Attorney
Assisting individuals in their establishment of various Charitable Trusts
Serving as Trustee of trusts and funds committed to its care
Providing investment services to Tennessee Baptist churches and institutions
Serving as executor of estates, upon request, in which a Baptist cause(s) is a beneficiary
Offering construction loans/permanent financing to Tennessee Baptist
churches/associations
Providing grants for qualifying new ministries and projects
Highlights of the Foundation’s stewardship this fiscal year include:
✓ Funds under management: Over 1,100
✓ Assets under management: $142,977,112 (as of July 31, 2017)
✓ New funds under fund management agreements: $2.2 million (10 new funds)
✓ Educational grants and scholarships: 250 - totaling $243,850 for 2017-2018 academic year
(Over $5.1 million since 1987)
✓ Special Project Grants: $44,500 distributed to assist 5 new ministry projects
✓ Cooperative Program: $382,196 as of July 31, 2017. Project to give over $500,000 by year end.
✓ Other Baptist and charitable causes: $2,313,484 as of July 31, 2017. Project to give over $3
million by year end.
The Tennessee Baptist Foundation is committed to helping Tennessee Baptists make today’s plans for
tomorrow’s impact.
C. William (Bill) Gruenewald, III
President-Treasurer
Christopher L. Kelly, Esq.
Executive Vice President and General Counsel
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