churches
Investing Faithfully
Supporting churches in managing their resources with care, responsibility, and Christian values.
At Epworth Investment Management, we specialise in church investment management for congregations, circuits, and districts across the UK. We help churches steward their financial resources faithfully, ensuring that investments reflect their Christian values and mission.
Our ethical investment solutions for churches are designed to support ministry today while safeguarding your church’s future. With decades of experience in Christian church investment, we provide trusted, values-driven strategies that balance financial stewardship with faith-based responsibility.
Hear from our clients to understand what Epworth can offer you.
Why Epworth?
Rooted in Christian Ethics
Our investment approach is shaped by Christian principles, ensuring your church’s finances are managed in a way that reflects faith, stewardship, and care for creation.
Serving the Mission of the Church
We work with local congregations, circuits, and denominations to ensure their financial resources support – and never contradict – the values they uphold.
Rigorous Ethical Standards
We apply strict screening and ongoing oversight to avoid industries such as armaments, fossil fuels, gambling, and exploitative labour practices — ensuring your money is handled with integrity.
Personalised, Faith-Aware Support
We understand the responsibilities of church treasurers and trustees. That’s why we offer straightforward, transparent investment solutions backed by decades of experience serving churches across the UK.
investment options
The WS Epworth Multi Asset Fund is an all-in-one investment fund solution for charities, seeking to deliver an attractive level of income and long-term capital growth.
The Fund is designed for charities of all sizes and invests both directly and indirectly in a balanced portfolio of ethically screened equities, bonds, property, cash, and alternative assets.
Our Discretionary Service for Charities (DSC) provides an investment management service whereby portfolios are constructed to meet the specific objectives and risk tolerance of each charitable organisation.
We work in collaboration and partnership with trustees to actively manage the organisation’s investments on their behalf.
The Epworth Cash Plus Fund is designed to help charities manage their liquid assets efficiently. It offers same-day access to deposits* while aiming to deliver a competitive interest rate (currently 4.07% A.E.R.).
Charities’ funds are pooled and invested through diversified, high-quality financial instruments across multiple banking counterparties. Epworth actively manages these investments based on the outlook for interest rates and counterparty suitability.
Ethical Approach
At Epworth, we apply Christian ethical principles to every investment decision. We avoid companies involved in harmful industries such as armaments, fossil fuels, gambling, and exploitative labour.
As part of the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church, our approach is grounded in long-standing theological and ethical guidance, giving your church confidence that its financial decisions are consistent with its calling.
speak to us today
Feel ready to explore what Epworth can offer your Church? Click the button opposite to book an introductory call with our Head of Business Development, Simon Woolnough. Alternatively, click the button next to it to request a brochure of one or more of our products.
Simon Woolnough
Head of Business Development
s.woolnough@epworthim.com
07584 142 438
020 7496 3639
FAQs for Churches
How does Epworth ensure our church reserves are used in line with our faith?
We apply a Christian ethical framework with published tolerances and conduct-based exclusions to keep portfolios aligned with faith values in practice (see thresholds below).
- 0% (zero-tolerance): controversial weapons; fossil-fuel extraction/refining (thermal coal; oil & gas; tar sands; Arctic drilling); tobacco manufacture; production of pornography; predatory/high-interest lending; animal testing for cosmetics/household products (pharma law exception only); fur & exotic skins.
- 5%: strategic & combat weapons; civilian firearms & ammunition; tobacco-related products; distribution of pornography; recreational cannabis; gambling; fossil-fuel power companies expanding coal or lacking a credible net-zero plan; breast-milk substitutes where WHO Code/ATNI standards aren’t met; for-profit incarceration.
- 10%: alcohol (manufacture & wholesale; retail only as a minor part of a broader non-alcohol business); regulated non-cosmetic animal testing with a commitment to the 3Rs.
We also exclude on conduct (UNGC/UNGPs/ILO breaches, severe environmental harm, climate misalignment) and can exclude certain sovereign bonds from oppressive regimes.
What options are suitable for small parish funds?
For diversified, long-term investing, our Multi-Asset Fund starts from £1,000. For short-term reserves or operational cash, our cash solution offers competitive rates with same-day or short-notice access.
How does investing with Epworth support the wider mission of the Church?
Ethical screening and active stewardship aim to improve corporate behaviour and outcomes, while the Multi-Asset Fund donates 50% of its management fee** to Christian Aid’s In Their Lifetime programme.
Do we retain easy access to our funds if ministry needs arise?
Yes. Our cash solution provides same-day withdrawals* (or short-notice via standard bank transfer), helping treasurers manage maintenance, outreach and unexpected needs.
What support do you provide for explaining investments to our PCC or trustees?
We provide clear presentation packs, regular meetings with a senior portfolio manager, and online access to portfolio information to assist decision-making and reporting.
*We reserve the right to require 7 days’ notice of withdrawals in exceptional circumstances but typically provide same day access. Full details and terms, including the Scheme Particulars, can be found at www.epworthim.com.
**No Fee sharing on Income “A” share class