Introduction: Ethical Investment in Action
At Epworth, we work with hundreds of charities, churches, schools, and faith-based organisations. But what does that look like in practice?
In this article, we share five real-world examples—based on the kinds of clients we serve every day—to show how our ethical investment services are helping organisations steward their funds faithfully, prudently, and purposefully.
1. A National Christian Church Using Our Discretionary Charity Service
A major Christian denomination wanted to centralise oversight of its various investment accounts—while still giving flexibility to individual congregations and departments.
They turned to Epworth’s Discretionary Charity Service (DSC), which allowed:
- Central governance and oversight by a denominational board
- Individual sub-accounts for circuits, dioceses, or local churches
- Common ethical screens and a single pooled strategy
- Custom reporting to satisfy both Church Council and auditor needs
Outcome:
A scalable, mission-aligned investment structure that balances local autonomy with central oversight—and upholds the denomination’s shared values.
2. A Faith-Based Charity Empowering Its Mission Through MAF
A Christian international development charity wanted a core growth fund that could provide steady returns while reinforcing its moral voice on the global stage.
They chose the Epworth Multi-Asset Fund (MAF) for:
- Diversified exposure across equities, bonds, and alternatives
- Alignment with their faith-based mandate on issues like climate, debt, and human dignity
- Clear ethical reporting to include in donor literature and trustee updates
- A meaningful partnership with Christian Aid—50% of Epworth’s MAF fee supports Christian Aid’s In Their Lifetime programme
Outcome:
A long-term investment strategy that empowers their financial sustainability—without compromising their prophetic voice.
3. A Catholic Religious Order Planning for Its Future
A Catholic congregation managing funds for ageing members and community work needed a low-risk, highly ethical solution with robust governance.
Through Epworth’s Discretionary Charity Service, they gained:
- A professionally managed portfolio aligned with Mensuram Bonam
- Sub-accounts for different communities and purpose-restricted funds
- Ethical screens rooted in Catholic teaching, reviewed by our ethical team
- Bespoke quarterly reporting for provincial leadership and auditors
Outcome:
Peace of mind for trustees and elders, knowing that their legacy is being managed with both prudence and Catholic integrity.
4. A Non-Faith Charity That Values Transparency and Governance
While not a religious body, this UK-registered charity was drawn to Epworth’s clear ethical framework, transparent reporting, and charity-only focus.
They invested via the Multi-Asset Fund and held short-term reserves in the Cash Plus Fund. Key factors:
- Clarity around ethical thresholds
- Active engagement on ESG issues
- Simple access to daily liquidity for short-term needs
- Clear trustee and board reporting support
Outcome:
A strong partnership rooted in trust, transparency, and alignment of values—even without a shared faith tradition.
5. A Private Christian School Managing Fee Income and Capital Reserves
A leading Christian independent school needed a short-term solution for fee income and a longer-term strategy for capital reserves.
Their chosen approach:
- Cash Plus Fund for fee income—offering 7-day access, ethical screening, and higher yields than most bank accounts
- Multi-Asset Fund for long-term capital growth
- Support drafting an ethical IPS for trustee review and Charity Commission alignment
Outcome:
An elegant, dual-solution structure supporting operational liquidity and long-term planning, underpinned by Christian values.
Why This Matters
These are just five examples—but they highlight the versatility of Epworth’s offering. Our clients may differ in size, denomination, or governance structure, but they share one conviction:
Investing should serve your mission—not undermine it.
Conclusion: Your Charity. Your Values. Our Expertise.
Whether you’re a church, school, trust, or charity, Epworth offers:
- Solutions for both growth and liquidity
- Structures to support complex governance
- A proven commitment to ethical clarity and client service
👉 Talk to our team about how we can support your investment goals with integrity, simplicity, and faithfulness.
➡️ Discover our services