Welcome to the TPF Blog

The Bottom Line

Stay ahead in our constantly changing world with regular updates from our TPF Staff and Partners.


Renewed Vision: Lessons in Generosity and Growth

It is always a good time to focus on generosity and growth. Click here to check out TPF's new blog post from The Rev. Dr. Rick Young for some inspirational ideas you can use today!


Books, Bikes, and Beneficence: Keeping Portland Weird and Igniting Generosity

It is always a good idea to explore new and unconventional tactics and strategies when it comes to inspiring generosity and your approach to stewardship. Click here to check out that blog post from Stefanie Marsden and learn more about how others are increasing their impact on mission.


Navigating the Current Financial Landscape: Key Trends Impacting You Today

TPF is dedicated to remaining at the forefront of excellence and innovation in the field of institutional investment education. Click here to learn more about John Furlow's thoughts on the key trends impacting the financial markets and your investments today.


Talking to the Generations: Bridge the Gap to Reach Audiences of All Ages

Effective cross-generational communication is key to connecting with donors and church members. But where do you start? What is the best way to bridge the gaps between generations? This blog post from Kristi Posewitz, TPF's Director of Marketing, answers these questions and more.


Tech for Success: 5 Technology Trends to Embrace Now

We know that churches and nonprofit have diverse technological needs. But what can technology really do for you? How can it help you improve the lives of others in 2024? In this new blog post, Mary Beth Forster, our VP, Information Systems answers these questions and more. Check it out today!


First, Answer the Question!

Communication is key to inspiring generosity in your congregation. This blog post from Jake Wilson, provides useful strategies you can easily implement to ensure you are growing an enthusiastic culture of trust to support your efforts to enable and expand your mission. Click here to learn more!


Looking Forward: A “Little” Ministry is Good Medicine

Great things are happening all around us. Despite undeniable challenges facing our churches at every turn, we have so much to look forward to in the coming year. Click here for The Rev. Dr. Rick Young's thoughts on growing our mission and ministries in 2024.


Mid-Year Market Spotlight: What Does the Future Hold?

Are you interested in what's happening now in our financial markets? It's true. We're making history! TPF's new blog post from our President, Rick Young, discusses what is happening and what might be coming in the future. Click here to check it out and learn more!


ACHIEVING GREAT THINGS: A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning and Executing Your Philanthropic Event

It's true that in-person philanthropic events can help you maximize your impact on your mission. But where do you start? What should be your focus? Click here to read Stefanie Marden's new step-by-step guild to planning and executing a successful live event.


5 Reasons Why: Sustainability with Endowments

Endowment Funds can help churches and nonprofits support their mission for years into the future. Click here to learn more about Jake Wilson's thoughts on why these funds are critical when it comes to achieving sustainability and stability.


TPF Partner Tools FAQ: What You Really Want to Know

TPF provides two secure online portals to help you safely and easily manage your investment account to maximize your impact on mission. In this blog post, Kristi Posewitz, TPF's Director of Marketing answers some of your most frequently asked questions about this useful tools...


Market Spotlight for 2023: TPF Experts Talk and We Listen

What's happening in our financial markets? What can we expect in 2023? Click here to read Rick Young's thoughts on what our experts are saying now!


10 Easy Ways to Ignite Year-End Giving

The end-of-year giving season is almost upon us. Our new blog post from Kristi Posewitz, TPF's Director of Marketing, reviews 10 easy things you can do now to make the most of this time and maximize your impact on mission. Click here to learn more...


Waiting for Sunrise: A Hopeful Look to the Future During These Turbulent Times

In this time of stock market volatility and soaring inflation, it is possible to be overwhelmed by a dark sense of dread. But a new dawn is coming! Click here for The Rev. Dr. Rick Young's thoughts on how we can create a sense of hopeful stability even in these uncertain times.


Face the Facts! The Indisputable Importance of Planned Giving NOW

There's never been a better time to focus on planned giving and your legacy program. But what why? What can you do to maximize your impact on mission? Click here for Stefanie Marsden's thoughts on the importance of planned giving NOW.


Rescued by a Spend Rate: Maintaining Support for Your Mission

Even in these unpredictable times, your spend rate can ensure your continued support of your mission? But what exactly is it? And how does this work? Click here for John Furlow's latest blog post about how a spend rate works for you!


Hang On! It’s a Wild Ride: 3 Giving Trends to Spark Generosity in 2022

Right now, churches and nonprofits are affected by our complicated world as we work together to maximize our impact on mission. As things change, so do our opportunities to spark generosity. Click here for Jake Wilson's overview of three trends in generosity that you can use today!


Unlock the Right Doors! 5 Communication Strategies for Growing Your Mission

There are so many challenges when it comes to creating meaningful exchanges with your church members or donors. This new blog post from Kristi Posewitz, TPF's Director of Marketing provides five strategies that you can apply today to help connect you with the right audiences and grow your mission.


It’s a Long Race. Let’s Run it Better Together!

Churches and nonprofits alike are facing a litany of new issues that impact all areas of your organizations. But together, we can can make things better. Check out this new blog post from The Rev. Dr. Rick Young for a message of hopeful inspiration as we run the race set before us.


Cybersecurity – The Best Offense is a Good Defense

Every day, we face a constantly changing array of cyber attacks. But there are ways you can protect your church or nonprofit. Click here for Mary Beth Foster's advice on effective ways to build a solid defense when it comes to your cybersecurity!


Growth, Turbulence, Volatility, & Value: A Look into What’s Happening Now in Our Financial Markets

Lingering headwinds, volatile equity markets, the U.S. Federal Reserve - this new blog post covers it all! Click here for our partner Kris Katarski's thoughts on what's affecting our financial markets now.


Where do we go from here? A Look Forward Into 2022

The church and nonprofit landscape is constantly changing. That is especially true now as we look forward into 2022. But what's different? How is leadership evolving? What can we expect? Click here for the Rev. Dr. Rick Young's thoughts on this and more!


What do you REALLY need to know? 5 Ways You Can Make the Most of Your Partnership with TPF

There are so many ways that TPF can help you maximize your impact on mission, and our operations team works tirelessly to support you every day. Click here for TPF Relationship Manager Stephanie Ray's thoughts on the best ways to make the most of your partnership with TPF.


Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About: Crafting Your Purposeful Generosity Message

A clear and consistent generosity message is critical to inspiring a culture of giving. It can help you establish trust, credibility, and authenticity as you strive to change the lives of others. Click here to learn more about defining your own unique generosity message.


TPF's Latest Webinar Puts a New Spin on Our Financial Markets

Would you like some more information about what's happening now with your investments? Or maybe what you can expect from our financial markets in the coming months? Then we have just the update for you! Click here to see Jake Wilson's thoughts about one of TPF's most popular educational events.


Big News: TPF’s Legacy Builder is Here for You!

Legacy giving is especially important in the tumultuous environment of today. And TPF's new Legacy Builder website exists to help churches and nonprofits build lasting legacy planning programs. Check out this blog post from The Rev. Dr. Rick Young to find out how you can learn more!


TPF Legacy Builder: It’s Time to Build a Legacy Giving Program that Lasts!

It's not a secret that well-executed legacy giving program is important to your fundraising strategy. But why exactly is it important to build a legacy giving program that lasts right now? Click here for Stefanie Marsden's thoughts on this and more!


Top 10 Best Things About Endowments and Charitable Gift Annuities

It's not a secret that Endowments and Charitable Gift Annuities as great legacy planning tools. But what's so special about them? If you're wondering, then we have the list for you. Click here for a list of the 10 best things you need to know now about these giving vehicles!


Purpose or Love: What Will Be Your Legacy?

We each define our legacy every day. What will yours be? A legacy of love? A legacy of purpose? In this blog post, Jake Wilson explores the different types of legacies and the importance of impacting generations to come.


There’s Not A Switch to Flip: Growing a Thriving Legacy Program in a Changing Environment

You can still grow a thriving legacy program, even in our constantly changing environment. But what's changed? What does normal look like now? Click here for The Rev. Dr. Rick Young's thoughtful insight on this and more...


Discipline and Acumen: Making the Most of the Current Financial Markets

What do we need to know about the financial markets moving into 2021? Click here for John Furlow's thoughts on this and more in our latest blog post.


It’s Time to Be the Ocean: Coming Together for Good in 2021

Let's look to a bright future in 2021. Click here for The Rev. Dr. Rick Young's thoughts on the importance of working hand-in-hand to change the lives of others, together.


Don’t Rely on Luck! Here’s What You Can Do Instead…

Nobody knows what the future will bring, but we do know that you can never be too prepared. It takes both preparation and luck to achieve success. Click here for Jake Wilson's thoughts on the importance of proactively managing the financial health of your church or non-profit organization.


Blooms of Hope in a World of Uncertainty: Growing Generosity Today

Our President, The Rev. Dr. Rick Young, has been busy during the past few months. It's no surprise, that he's continued to grow our practice of generosity and stewardship. Click here to not only find out what he's been up to, but also for his recommendations for growing generosity now.


Change, Volatility, & Extraordinary Circumstances: 3 Things You Need to Know Now About Our Financial Markets

Right now, our financial markets, along with everything else, are turbulent and unpredictable. But what do you really need to know? Click here to see John Furlow's top three highlights from our most recent webinar focused on navigating these turbulent times.


DO WHAT MATTERS, NOW! 5 Ways to Support Proactive Growth in a Reactive Environment

Right now, growing a church or nonprofit can be especially difficult. While slow cautious steps forward might feel comfortable, it's critical that we don't just wait for the world to happen around us. Click here for Rick Young's 5 steps to supporting proactive growth in a reactive environment.


Thoughts on a Hopeful New Normal: Overcoming Isolation, Together

Our recent isolation has been different for everyone, but it has been especially difficult for the more extroverted among us. Click here for Stefanie Marsden's thoughts on what's happening in our current environment and hopeful words of encouragement.


Thoughts on a Hopeful New Normal: Thriving with Technology, Together

Always an important part of most everything we do, technology has now become critical to even the simplest of daily activities. Click here to read Jake Wilson's thoughts on how we can truly connect during this time of isolation.


Thoughts on a Hopeful New Normal: Generations Enduring, Together

We are navigating new and uncertain times. In this new blog post, The Rev. Dr. Rick Young shares his hopeful thoughts on how and why generations are working together to support each other. Click here for this valuable insight...


Communicating for Change: 5 Simple Ways to Encourage Generosity Now!

The best way to encourage generosity is to talk about it. It's time to get started! Click here to five easy ways you can encourage generosity TODAY.


The New Rules of Generational Giving

Charitable giving continues to change. What's causing this? Click here to take a look at how the different generations are continually impacting the face of generosity and review the new rules for successfully navigating these changes.


5 Key Generosity Trends for 2020 and Beyond

What changes can you expect due to the continued transformation of the generosity demonstrated by church members and donors? Click here to check out Rick Young's thoughts on and recommendations around the 5 key trends in generosity he sees coming to prominence in 2020.


DO I HAVE TO? Putting the Joy Back in Generosity

There's a big difference between HAVE TO and WANT TO generosity. Take a look at our latest blog post for The Rev. Dr. Richard Young's three keys to encouraging the WANT TO kind of generosity that truly changes lives.


THE BEST THINGS HAPPEN UNEXPECTEDLY: A Mid-Year Investment Overview

Always expect the unexpected. Especially when it comes to our financial markets. To learn more, check out John Furlow's thoughts on the first two quarters of 2019 and register for our upcoming live, mid-year investment conversation.


5 Technology Trends You Need to Know About Now!

When it comes to technology, the only thing we know for sure is that everything will change. These changes bring a constant flow of updates and questions for TPF partners. Click here for insight into the 5 trends most likely to affect you over the coming year.


Overcoming the Empty Offering Plate: Let's Talk About It!

Are you looking for new ways to talk about and encourage generosity? Is stewardship important to you? Click here to learn more about how we plan to help you continue on your generosity journey.


ANSWERING THE BIG QUESTION: A First Look Into 2019

Are you curious about what you can expect from the markets in the coming year? While we don't actually have a Magic 8-Ball, TPF's President & CEO, Rev. Rick Young, does provide guiding insight to help us anticipate what the coming year might bring. Click here for a first look!


Strategizing for the Future: Don’t Forget the Trademark of Sustainability…

Endowments are powerful giving vehicles that truly can help you change the lives of others. Click here for more information about the different ways you can establish an Endowment to support your favorite church or nonprofit.


It’s Not Just About Today! Focus on Tomorrow…

There can be no question. We are NOT speculators or prophets. But we do have a proven investment philosophy that can increase your ability to expand your impact on mission. How do we do it? Click here to find out how...


The Word on The Street: What You Need to Know Now

What do you need to know about your investments? We're here to tell you. Click here to see Rick's thoughts on carefully managing information and why it's important you attend our upcoming webinar.


It Only Takes a Spark—Five Simple Keys to Inspiring Generosity

Is generosity important to your church or institution? Have you ever wondered how to further integrate it into the fabric of everything you do? Check out our latest post and see five simple keys to help you inspire generosity within your church members and donors.


It's a Sneak Peek! TPF's Upcoming Webinar

We hope you'll check out this sneak peek of TPF's upcoming free webinar, “Intentional Grace: A Simple Plan to Inspire Generosity.” Jake Wilson gives his thoughts on why this event will be valuable for all of our TPF partners. Take a look and see for yourself!


It’s Possible! Unification Through Diversification

It's true. Together we CAN achieve more. Today, churches and non-profit organizations face many of the same challenges. Check out this blog post by John Furlow to find out how TPF can help you overcome these challenges to have an even greater impact on mission.


Endowments: Is it Possible to Have Too Much of a Good Thing?

Can you ever have too much of a good thing? The answer to this question is tricky, particularly when it involves generosity and endowments. However, there are considerations that can help to clarify your particular situation. Click here for some added clarity to a complex question.


What’s With all This Talk of Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity. What is it? Why is it so important? Click here to read about why it's so important to TPF and find out how we go above and beyond to ensure your data is protected from the ever-changing cyber threats we all face today.


Shape Your Stewardship Efforts with the Latest Trends in Philanthropic Giving

Really, what could be more important than a clear understanding of who is giving, why they are giving, how they are giving, and how much they are giving? This is the information that must shape our strategic planning and stewardship/fundraising programs.


I'm Not THAT Nice

Sometimes, despite our best intentions, we overlook opportunities to not only help those in need, but we miss opportunities to make a personal connection with them. Take a look at our new blog post for a reminder that people change the lives of other people.


Happy Birthday TPF Balanced Fund!

The TPF Balanced Fund just had a birthday, and it's time to celebrate 20 years of allocation diversity, growth, and stewardship! What makes the fund so special? And more importantly, how can this celebrated investment tool help YOU?


Your Vision is Your Guide

How is your vision? Is it blurry? Are you seeing spots? What about the vision of your church or nonprofit? Is it clearly defined and communicated? Or is it unclear and intangible? Maybe somewhere in the middle?


The Increasing Risk of Insider Threats

Insider threats are a plague to companies throughout the world, and unfortunately, churches and non-profits face these same threats. What exactly are insider threats, and how can they affect you?


We Care About You AND Doing the Right Thing

Sustainable. Responsible. These are words that we actively associate with environmental conservation and social programs. But if you don’t already, you should also consider the importance of their application to investments.