Rev. Sara Nelson, Dakotas Methodist Foundation scholarship recipient.

Across the Dakotas and Minnesota Conferences, generosity often looks like quiet, thoughtful decisions that continue blessing others long after the original gift is made. The Ted & Toni Martin Endowment for Ministerial Student Aid is one of those gifts, created so future pastors and ministry leaders could grow in their calling with a strong foundation of faith and education.

Beginning in May, the Dakotas and Minnesota Methodist Foundations will again award scholarship funds for the 2026–27 academic year, including support from endowments like the Martin fund. For recipients, these scholarships are about more than tuition; they are a sign that the broader church believes in their call to serve.

Ted and Toni’s vision for future leaders

In 2006, Toni Martin, a member of Rapid City First United Methodist Church, established the Ted & Toni Martin Endowment for Ministerial Student Aid with a modest initial gift through the Dakotas United Methodist Foundation. She and her husband, Ted, were fourth‑generation children of German immigrants—baptized, confirmed, and educated in Bible‑based, Christian beliefs and principles—and she hoped their endowment would help provide that same foundation for other Christians far into the future.

The endowment is held as a permanent fund. Each year, a percentage is distributed, with 80 percent going to scholarships for students who are committed to serving as pulpit pastors, in youth or Christian music ministries, or in Christian education (including camping ministries), and 20 percent is reinvested into the principal so the fund can continue to grow.

"This scholarship has opened the door.”

One pastor who has been blessed by the Martin endowment is Rev. Sara Nelson, senior pastor at Sioux Falls First United Methodist Church. As both a pastor and a student, she sees the difference this support makes in her life and ministry.

“Receiving this scholarship has meant so much to me, both in my role as a pastor and in my studies," shared Pastor Sara. " I believe that ongoing education is essential in ministry as it stretches us and helps us grow into more faithful, effective leaders as we seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

Pastor Sara serves as the senior pastor of Sioux Falls (SD) First UMC. (photo from SF First)

For Sara, the scholarship is not just theoretical—it is practical help that makes continued learning possible.

“This scholarship has opened the door for me to go back to school and keep growing as a leader while pursuing my doctoral degree. With so much change all around us, I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep learning and adapting.”

Leading with the same generosity

Ted and Toni created their endowment so that future pastors and ministry leaders could be equipped for faithful, effective service. Their generosity continues to shape the way Sara leads and how she invests in the people around her.

“Their generosity has been a powerful reminder of how much it matters to believe in and encourage others. Because of that, I feel a responsibility to invest in the people around me, to notice, affirm, and support them as they grow in their faith and leadership. It’s shaped me to lead with that same kind of generosity," said Pastor Sara.

As scholarship funds are awarded for the 2026–27 academic year, we give thanks for Ted and Toni Martin and for all who choose to create endowments that support emerging leaders. Their story reminds us that even a small, carefully planned endowment can open doors, strengthen ministries, and encourage pastors and students for years to come.

If you would like to explore how an endowment could support scholarships, your church or other ministries close to your heart, please contact Alisha Vincent, Vice President, Programs and Operations, Dakotas and Minnesota Methodist Foundations, via email or by phone to start the conversation.