In 2007, the Trustees of St. Matthew’s Cathedral Endowment Corporation (“St. Matthew’s”) invited the Episcopal Foundation of Dallas (the “Foundation”) to present an Investment Services proposal. The invitation was made in connection with St. Matthew’s search for a new investment manager and the Foundation was one of several managers being considered.
Foundation Board member, Bill Madden, President of Madden Securities Corporation and member of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, and Robin Caldwell, retired former Director of Community Relations for JC Penney and member of Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, along with Polly Bireley, CPA and Director of the Foundation, met with the St. Matthew’s Endowment Finance Committee to explain the Foundation’s investment policies and strategies, review performance, and answer questions.
Our presentation highlighted a history of prudent investment policy, competitive performance, and a well-diversified portfolio managed by highly regarded investment managers. We pointed to our non-profit status, low fees, and annual grant program as unique advantages that set the Foundation apart from other investment managers. Another advantage, and our greatest asset, is our Board of Trustees.
Our Board includes business professionals with a wealth of experience in investment management and finance. Moreover, our Board members have served in all capacities of church leadership in parishes throughout the Diocese, and they understand the responsibilities of vestries, finance committees, and school boards.
The Foundation now counts St. Matthew’s Cathedral as a valued investment client. We work closely with the Trustees of the Endowment Corporation and also with the vestry and staff of St. Matthew’s Cathedral to be sure their needs are served. From routine disbursement or statement requests to periodic meetings with Investment Committee members to review investment strategy, St. Matthew’s knows that Foundation help is readily available.
And so….
When St. Matthew’s Cathedral needed help in replacing the narrow wooden ramp to the main door of the Cathedral, they knew where to turn. As an investment client of the Episcopal Foundation of Dallas since 2007, St. Matthew’s is well-acquainted with the Foundation’s annual grant program. Their application described a vibrant and diverse congregation with a priority for community outreach and an urgent need for a safe ADA-compliant entrance to the church. The Foundation was able to provide financial support for the project with a $7,500 2011 grant.
As a charitable organization with a mission to serve as a financial resource in support of the Christian mission and ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas, the Foundation’s relationship with St. Matthew’s Cathedral exemplifies our mission in action.