Bethel Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund

Investment Policy Statement 

  1. Overview

The purpose of this Investment Policy Statement (“Statement”) is to establish a clear understanding between Bethel Presbyterian Church (“Church”) and all investment managers(s), advisor(s) without discretion (brokers), banker(s), investment broker(s), financial planner(s), and all other financial advisor(s) involved in the direction of the Endowment Fund’s (“Fund”) investment assets (hereinafter referred to as “Investment Manager(s)”). 

In order to attain the desired Investment Objectives referenced in Section II, the Church may choose more than one Investment Manager of varying styles and philosophies to manage the Fund’s assets. These Investment Manager(s) will invest the assigned assets in accordance with this Statement, objectives, and restrictions. Funds shall be invested with care, skill, prudence, and diligence. The Church reserves the right to prepare separate addenda or directives specific to one Investment Manager, which would not apply to all. 

These objectives and guidelines are intended to provide meaningful guidance in the management of the Fund’s investment assets and yet not be overly restrictive given changing economic, business, and investment market conditions. 

II.  Investment Objectives

The Fund’s assets are to be invested in a balanced portfolio composed of equity, fixed income, and cash equivalent securities as well as other investments as the Church deems appropriate. As such, the portfolio is intended to be more aggressive than short to intermediate fixed income oriented portfolios and less aggressive than equity only oriented portfolios. Investment funds shall be so diversified as to minimize the risk of loss. Investment Managers are to make reasonable efforts to control risk, and will be evaluated regularly to ensure that the risk assumed is in accordance with this Statement and its objectives, as well as the given investment style of the Investment Manager. 

III.  Investment Policy

All investment assets must be invested in compliance with the Endowment Resolution and the written Bethel Presbyterian Church Investment Policy, attached hereto as Exhibit A. Should there be any contradiction between the investment policy statement of the Church and this Statement, the conditions of this Statement shall supercede the Church’s policy. 

The following restrictions apply to the investment of the Fund: 

  1. Borrowing of funds or securities is not permitted
  2. Funds may not be invested, nor obligations incurred in futures, options, swaps, forwards, Collateralized Mortgage Obligations, or any other financial derivatives.
  3. No more than 30% of the funds may be invested in foreign securities, including American Depository Receipts.
  4. No more than 10% of the funds may be concentrated in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government and Agency debt).
  5. Gifts of non-income producing real estate and tangible personal property such as jewelry, gold, and gems shall not be held as investments, but converted to acceptable forms of investments as soon as practicable.
  6. All securities shall be readily marketable, and fixed income securities shall be of investment grade.
  7. No specific restriction is placed on portfolio turnover, though the portfolio should not be managed for short-term gains or generation of fees.
  8. The Endowment Committee may further restrict security selection based on ethical investing criteria on its own or as directed by the Session of the Church.
  9. The funds shall be held in custody by an institutional custodian.
  10. The Fund shall be invested at least 30% and no more than 80% in equities.
  11. The Fund shall be invested at least 20% and no more than 70% in fixed income investments.
  12. The Fund shall be invested no more than 40% in cash and cash equivalents.
  1. Review and Communication

The Investment Manager(s) is responsible for timely and regular reports, and shall be expected to prepare a quarterly report (on a calendar year basis) for review by the Endowment Committee and Session. The report should summarize the Funds’ performance and transactions occurring during the period. It is anticipated the Investment Manager will be available to meet with the Endowment Committee at least annually to review the performance of the account, unless otherwise directed. The Investment Manager is responsible for communicating to the Endowment Committee all significant matters pertaining to the investment of the Funds’ assets. Any substantive change in investment strategy, asset mix, and other matters affecting the investments, shall be communicated to the Endowment Committee in writing for approval prior to the enactment of the strategy. Any significant changes in the structure and financial condition of the Investment Management organization, including changing investment professionals within the Investment Management organization or those assigned to this account should be communicated to the Endowment Committee within thirty (30) days. 

V. Review of Endowment Policy

This statement of Endowment Policy will be reviewed at least annually by the Session and Endowment Committee and revised or confirmed as appropriate by the Session. 

VI. Termination

The Session and Endowment Committee of Bethel Presbyterian Church reserve the right to terminate their relationship with any Investment Manager or advisor, with or without cause, upon 30 days written advice, provided, that the Investment Manager will be entitled to its earned fees as detailed in the written agreement between the parties. 

Session Approval on September 17, 2002

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