Investment Team Leader Steve Wilson and Chief Financial Officer Brad Crossley share the following message:
The policies of the new administration have stirred uncertainty. One possible risk is that fear of a recession serves as the catalyst for a recession. Among investors, the whipsaw volatility we are seeing is emotionally driven, and also reflective of the political environment.
We are optimistic about long-term prospects for the markets, while also preparing for the inevitable period of temporary market declines that lie somewhere ahead. “Two steps forward, one step back” is the general rhythm of the markets. We expect more of the same in the years ahead.
The U.S. economy remains resilient as wage growth and low unemployment lend support to the U.S. consumer. Continued growth in corporate earnings, record profit margins, and recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have driven a wave of capital investment. While U.S. growth remained robust, global markets contended with slowing economic momentum, geopolitical tensions, and currency volatility.
Discipline, consistency result in growth
The Foundation’s Investment Team (pictured above, querying a pair of visiting fund managers) uses a disciplined approach to grow and protect your resources.
At the center is a carefully chosen roster of institutional investment managers. These managers are tasked with specific mandates for diversified financial market exposures. With the help of our long-standing partners at Callan, an independently owned investment consulting firm, the Investment Team evaluates each manager’s performance and applies a long-term lens to decision-making.
This approach has produced a record of growth. The Diversified Fund’s trailing 10-year return of 7.94% (net of manager fees as of Dec. 31, 2024) outperformed the fund’s blended benchmark. Over the long term, the Diversified Fund has historically ranked in the top quartile of peers when measured against Callan LLC’s peer group database of endowments and foundations.
With God’s grace, steady leadership, and the trust of partners like you, the Foundation remains well-positioned to carry out its mission. We seek the highest level of excellence in all the services we provide to support your ministry.
Best wishes to a cherished colleague and friend
As she leaves the Foundation to move closer to family, Susan Cothern offers a word of thanks.
Board gives thanks for leadership, growth and fruitful ministry
There was a special tribute for outgoing board chair Anne Martin, whose steadying presence proved invaluable as the Foundation navigated post-pandemic recovery, disaffiliation and accompanying challenges.
The response continues: Lifting up our neighbors after Helene
As Western North Carolina moves toward the recovery stage, the Foundation is walking alongside partners – ensuring they have resources to fulfill God’s promise of deliverance.
