“They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream...its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit”

Jeremiah 17:8

The Dakotas Methodist Foundation is launching a new pilot initiative, Generosity Grove, to support local congregations in cultivating a culture of faithful generosity that can build and sustain ministry for generations. Inspired by Jeremiah 17:8, Generosity Grove is designed to help churches deepen spiritual growth and strengthen financial stability through intentional coaching, training, and generosity planning.

“We are excited to bring Generosity Grove to our Dakotas churches as a new and innovative way to support faithful stewardship and sustainable ministry for years to come, with the hope of expanding the initiative in the Minnesota Conference following the pilot,” said Sheri Meister, president of the Dakotas | Minnesota Methodist Foundations.

What Generosity Grove Is

Generosity Grove is a collaborative initiative between the Foundation and local churches across the Dakotas Conference, focused on building a long-term culture of generosity, rather than short-term fundraising. Participating churches will work with experienced development and stewardship coaches who bring financial insight and best practices in generosity and legacy giving.

These coaches will help congregations evaluate current giving practices, recommend sustainable strategies, and coach leaders toward a deeper, more transformative understanding of Christian stewardship. While they represent the Foundation, coaches are equipped to support a wide range of stewardship efforts, including those not directly tied to the Foundation’s investment services.

How the Pilot Will Work

The Foundation is working to launch the Generosity Grove later this spring and is currently recruiting up to 12 churches to participate. Upon selection, congregations will begin onboarding and orientation, including a pre-program survey to assess current practices and needs.

Each participating church will commit to a minimum two-year engagement, including regular meetings with their coach, leadership teams, and congregation.

Invitation to Participate

The Foundation is currently identifying 12 Dakotas congregations to form the first Generosity Grove cohort, with participants invited to help shape the design and early strategy of this pilot. The Foundation is sponsoring the monetary costs of participation; the primary investment for churches is time, openness, and a willingness to engage fully with their coach and leadership team.

Dakotas United Methodist churches interested in learning more or being considered for the Generosity Grove pilot are encouraged to contact Project Architect Alisha Vincent.

The Foundation is currently recruiting persons to serve as part-time coaches for The Generosity Grove. To learn more and apply, go to the Foundation website.

The Foundation’s Generosity Grove pilot represents an opportunity to plant generously, nurture faithfully, and grow a grove of legacy and blessing for the future of ministry in the Dakotas Conference.