Idaho Episcopal Foundation

                Growing Investments 

          Empowering New Ministries

A History of the Idaho Episcopal Foundation

On April 23, 1956, at McKay Bar on the main Salmon River, Dr. John F. Moser of Cascade, Idaho landed a 17 pound steelhead.

History is silent in the matter, but it seems reasonable that it was at that moment, or soon after, that this particular fisherman, having experienced the overflowing abundance of God’s grace, determined to take a more active part in the stewardship of creation.

So, in 1984 with a gift and a vision left in Moser's will, the IEF was born. Moser asked that his money be used for "church-related charitable purposes". The first grants totaling $73,300 were issued the following year. These grants funded projects in Idaho, California, and several foreign countries. The granting program now directs its assets within the Diocese of Idaho. Since 1991 over $441,000 has been given in grants to diocesan churches and charitable organizations they recommend. The IEF expanded in 1997 when its charter was amended to include overseeing investments for other diocesan entities.

Currently the Foundation oversees the investment of $3.894 million from 22 parishes, related entities, the Diocese of Idaho, and the IEF itself. An investment committee and the IEF executive director provide prudent oversight for secure, maximum returns. The Foundation now honors those who work in the spirit of Dr. Moser at its annual, Bishop’s Banquet, held each spring. An award for Excellence in Mission is given to a lay person doing exemplary work in mission and the Cornerstone Award is given to those who work to sustain and grow the Foundation.

A gifts and bequests committee works with congregations and individuals throughout the diocese to empower their own unique call to stewardship. Of significance is the Helferty Fund, made possible by the Rev. Scott Helferty.  When activated, this fund will provide college scholarship money for Episcopal students throughout the diocese. A new kind of memorial fund was also implemented with the Wonderlich Fund at Church of the Ascension. The purpose of these funds is to encourage family memorials before a family death and to direct those memorials when a death occurs. That prototype is now available for anyone interested.