About our 2021 rebrand
We’ve changed our name to Faith Foundation Northwest because we recognize that our future is both diverse and inclusive:
Diverse because denominational politics are creating complexity around what it means to be a United Methodist, while cultural shifts are driving new expressions of what it means to be a church. There are many ways to express faithfulness.
Inclusive because, no matter how the faith communities in our area choose to identify themselves, we will continue to serve alongside all of them.
is this the same thing that the other methodist agencies are doing?
Like Wespath (formerly the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits) and Wesleyan Investive (formerly the United Methodist Development Fund), our discernment process started from the place of anticipating a denominational split. But because of the creativity among new church starts and the diversity of types of faith communities we're seeing here in the Northwest, we ended up with an even more inclusive stance than many others: our articles of incorporation will now allow us to serve any faith community (not just those who are UMC or formerly UMC). Rebranding allows us to be proactive rather than reactive in light of some big cultural shifts.
Where did the new name come from?
When we surveyed our customers in the fall of 2020, most of them rated our denominational connection as relatively unimportant compared with the fact that we offered financial tools that helped them express their faith. Faith was also a word that came up again and again as our staff and board worked to express who we are as an organization. Northwest is also a key part of our identity, because we have deep and healthy roots in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and don’t have plans to expand our geographic area.
Where did the new logo come from?
Agency MABU collaborated with our board and staff to design it, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. The cross represents our faith. The mountains represent a strong foundation, along with our Northwest geography— and if you look closely, they’re made of two letter Fs, for Faith Foundation! At an angle, the Fs look humble, indicating an orientation toward service. The green colors evoke growth and the natural world, as well as financial savvy.
Are you leaving the united methodist connection?
Not at all! We remain closely connected with Wespath and with the Greater Northwest episcopal area. While we’ve been financially and legally independent from the denomination for years, we’ve always focused on serving and supporting United Methodist agencies, camps, and churches in the Northwest. That’s not changing, but we can’t assume that everyone we currently serve will call themselves United Methodist forever. As an organization, we’re focused on relationships, not on the labels that people and churches choose. We’re proud of our United Methodist heritage; we’re just not allowing it to limit us as we face an increasingly complex future.
Are you going to start advertising to other denominations?
We don’t have any outreach plans beyond the United Methodist connection at this point. But if, for example, a Presbyterian church approached us with a desire to invest long-term funds in a fossil free portfolio, we wouldn’t turn them away. Methodists aren’t the only people who want to align their investments with their faith. The services we offer have real value, and if they can benefit communities beyond our United Methodist connection, we’re open to that.
Are you in financial trouble?
No, our finances are stronger than they’ve ever been.
Did you get bought out?
No. We’re the same independent 501(c)3 organization as before. We just amended our articles of incorporation and filed our new name with the secretaries of state and the IRS.
Are you the same people?
Yes, Tom Wilson has been our executive director since 1990, and he is still at the helm, supported by staff members Julia Frisbie, David Nieda, Sara Culp, Heidi Smith, and Denise Wilson. While our board of directors is growing, it’s still blessed by the presence and wisdom of many longtime members. Bob Ives has served as the President of the board since 2013.
Are you in the same place?
Yes, our main office is still in Cashmere, WA. Tom, Denise, Sara, and Heidi work there. David and Julia still work out of their respective homes in Vancouver and Anacortes, WA.
Will our accounts change?
No, the way we manage your church’s funds will not change at all. The only change you may notice is our new logo at the top of forms and statements.
Let me get this straight: everything looks different, but most things are staying the same.
Yep! Think of the rebrand like a new coat of paint. It’s briefly inconvenient, and then afterwards it looks beautiful and more welcoming. It preserves the useful life of the structure. But it doesn’t change what’s inside.
