About

The Desert Southwest United Methodist Foundation, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, has served individuals, churches, and organizations across Arizona and southern Nevada since 1986. Staffed by dedicated professionals and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, we serve and support our partners and clients as they create legacies, maximize resources, and expand ministries. We offer a portfolio of financial stewardship services, including socially responsible investment funds, stewardship consultation, planned giving seminars, grants, and scholarships.

MISSION

Desert Southwest United Methodist Foundation is dedicated to providing the highest quality of investment, education and growth development programs for individuals and churches, delivered with transparency, sincerity, and professionalism.

VISION

Desert Southwest United Methodist Foundation will secure the financial cornerstones of the church through preserving the generosity of faithful givers and by using gifts to create a legacy for the future.

VALUES

Christ-Centered: Guided by a Biblical worldview, we promote a culture of generosity and mercy that cares for all people. We joyfully partner with churches, organizations, and individuals who desire to build sustainable ministries through education, investments, grants and scholarships, that will spread the word of God’s love for generations to come.

Socially Responsible: We are committed to socially responsible investing. We devote our time, energy, and efforts to advancing churches and organizations dedicated to following these policies; thus, growing vibrant ministries for all to experience.

Biblical Stewardship: As a financial ministry, we act as a fiduciary with respect to our investors. We are committed to the stewardship of the resources placed under our care in a manner that is consistent with God’s Word, sound business practices, and public transparency.

Accountable and Responsive: The cornerstone of our service is based on timely responsiveness and accountability to our investors. In combination with our partners, we are prepared to adapt to changing situations in the best interest of clients, particularly with respect to the future of The United Methodist Church.

Staff

The daily operations and outreach of the Foundation ministry are managed by our Executive Director, Gift Planning Officer, and Administrative/Accounting Assistant who are prepared to assist you!

ANNE GREEN

Executive Director

Anne joined the Desert Southwest United Methodist Foundation team as the Executive Director in 2018. Previously, she worked at Wespath Benefits and Investments in Glenview, Illinois for over 13 years. She focuses on growing relationships with the churches in the conference and spreading the mission of the foundation. She strives to visit a different church in the conference every Sunday for worship and enjoys meeting the pastors and different members of each congregation. She enjoys issuing grants to local churches and organizations. Her favorite part of leading Desert Southwest United Methodist Foundation is supporting the goal of ‘doing more good’ for the churches and organizations in the Desert Southwest Annual Conference.

JUDI SMITH

Gift Planning Officer, MA, CFRE

Judi started with Desert Southwest United Methodist foundation in 2022. Judi has more than 30 years of experience in the non-profit arena. She has been an executive director for staff from three to 33, a director of planned giving, a regional specialist for capital campaigns, a marketing communications manager, a teacher, a writer, and a mentor. Her favorite part of working for Desert Southwest United Methodist Foundation is being able to offer assistance to individuals and congregations regarding gifts of assets.

BEVERLY COENEN

Administrative/Accounting Assistant

Beverly joined the Desert Southwest United Methodist Foundation in 2021 as a part-time administrative and accounting assistant. She has worked in both the private and public accounting sectors and has over 30 years of experience. Most of her experience has been in public accounting providing tax returns, bookkeeping, payroll, financial preparation, and other accounting services. During her free time, Beverly enjoys spending time with her husband and five grandchildren. Her favorite part of working for DSUMF is working with the customers and Board of Director members. “The customers are thankful, understanding, and patient which makes our job very pleasant!”

Board of Directors

Paula Adkins, Paradise Valley United Methodist Church

Colleen Becker, First United Methodist Church of Sun City

Dr. Paul Hewitt, Green Valley United Methodist Church, Nevada

Linda Lulkovich, Cross in the Desert United Methodist Church 

Reverend Antonieta Wyrick, Christ Community United Methodist Church

Reverend Steve Ziegler, Retired Clergy – Northern Illinois Conference

Matt Kuss, ex-officio

Together, we can work towards securing the future through responsible stewardship and excellent service marked by grace.

Call Anytime: 602-798-8202