Who We Are
The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) aims to make higher education financially possible for the leaders of tomorrow. Since 1965, UMHEF has been a leader in church-related foundations and agencies in providing scholarship support to qualifying students attending the 100+ United Methodist-related higher education institutions. Last year, over $1.9 million in scholarship aid was awarded to nearly 800 students.
We aim to inspire generous donors to partner with us to achieve our mission of ensuring the continuing presence and influence of The United Methodist Church* in providing higher education in a Christian context. Our purpose is to raise, manage, and distribute funds to foster education for students attending our United Methodist-related colleges, universities, and theological schools.
UMHEF at a Glance
- Vision: That it be economically possible for any qualified Methodist student to be educated at a United Methodist-related institution of higher education.
- Impact & Reach 2025-2026
- Average Annual Scholarship Distribution: $2,000,000
- Annual Funds Raised: $985,000+
- Established: 1965
A Brief History of UMHEF
Founded in 1965, the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation is indebted to Chancellor William Pearson Tolley, President of Syracuse University (1942-1969), for his vision of supporting church-related education. That vision led him to provide the initial leadership that created the Foundation. During the Methodist General Conference Higher Education Banquet at the 1964 General Conference, Tolley proposed a foundation to raise $50-$100 million to provide scholarships for Methodist students attending Methodist institutions. His driving belief in the need to financially support Methodist-related institutions of higher education brought about not only the creation of the Foundation but also the assembly of an outstanding group of influential individuals to lead it through its initial years.
Statement of Fiduciary Responsibility
UMHEF’s fiduciary structure reflects the highest standards of nonprofit governance, with the Board of Trustees holding ultimate responsibility for the Foundation’s operations and endowment, supported by committee oversight and executed through staff leadership. At the same time, our work is shaped by our identity as a ministry connected to the United Methodist Church. Fiduciary responsibility, for us, is not only legal and financial, it is also spiritual and relational. Grounded in the stewardship teachings of John Wesley, we understand resources as held in trust for the sake of others. This means we are accountable not only for sound financial management, but for faithfulness to mission, donor intent, and the formation of students and leaders for the Church and the world.
UMHEF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, incorporated in the state of Tennessee. The foundation receives no apportionment funds from The United Methodist Church, which makes the generous support of donors like you even more vital to the life of this ministry.
