Grow your fund for greater giving

NCF provides a range of investment options with varying levels of risk and growth potential, from more stable and liquid options designed to preserve and provide access to charitable funds to growth-oriented options, including alternative investments and separately managed accounts, that may involve greater risk in pursuing enhanced long-term charitable growth. Givers should thoughtfully consider how their investment recommendations align with their charitable goals, comfort with market volatility, and grantmaking timeline. 

 If a giver does not select an investment option for their Giving Fund, contributions will automatically be allocated to the Stable Capital Pool. Designed to preserve accessibility and liquidity, it is well suited for charitable dollars intended for near-term grantmaking. 

NCF’s investment options have varying costs depending on the type of investment and level of customization involved. Core investment pools include a modest expense ratio that supports professional investment management and administration, while alternative investments and advisor-managed solutions may involve additional expenses. Expense ratios are deducted from pool returns so separate investment management fees are not assessed to Giving Funds. 

 Investment-related expenses help sustain a mission-driven platform designed to thoughtfully steward charitable resources through values-aligned investing and longer-term charitable growth. NCF seeks to provide investment options that provide returns and the opportunity for greater redemptive impact through charitable grantmaking. 

It depends. Certain investment options available through NCF have minimum balance requirements or eligibility guidelines depending on the type of investment. 

 Core investment pools are available to all givers without minimums or restrictions.  The Alternative Investments Pool has a $100,000 minimum, giver-recommended alternative investments have a recommended minimum of $250,000, and Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs) have a minimum of $300,000. Alternative investments and SMAs also involve additional review and approval processes, as well as certain liquidity considerations.  

NCF seeks to manage charitable investments in a way that reflects its mission, biblical values, and commitment to faithful stewardship. We believe charitable assets can be invested thoughtfully and responsibly to help grow resources for future generosity, ministry, and redemptive impact. 

Through NCF’s redemptive investing framework, we seek to align investment decisions with biblically inspired stewardship priorities that support human flourishing — including care for life, family, community, health, safety, and creation. This includes efforts to avoid investments in businesses whose core business activities are inconsistent with NCF’s values, while also encouraging responsible investment practices and long-term stewardship. 

At the same time, we recognize that Christians may hold different convictions on certain investment-related issues. While no investment platform can fully reflect every individual perspective or denominational belief, NCF seeks to apply biblically inspired principles with wisdom, humility, and care in a manner consistent with our identity as a Christian ministry, organization committed to faithful stewardship and long-term charitable impact. 

NCF’s investment strategy is overseen by its Board of Directors, Investment Committee, and dedicated investment leadership team, including experienced investment professionals responsible for managing and monitoring NCF’s investment platform. Together, these groups provide governance, oversight, and ongoing review of investment managers, portfolio performance, risk management, and values alignment.  

Yes. Givers with Giving Funds that meet applicable minimum balance and eligibility requirements may recommend a financial advisor to manage charitable assets under NCF’s Separately Managed Account (SMA) program, subject to NCF’s review and approval process.  An SMA may be appropriate for givers seeking a more personalized investment approach aligned with their charitable goals. 

Beginning in the fall of 2026, NCF consolidated its Traditional and Faith-Driven investment pools to create simpler investments that intentionally align with NCF’s mission, vision, values, and commitment to faithful stewardship.  

The redesigned platform continues to provide a full range of investment options, from stable capital and fixed income to high-potential-growth equity and alternatives, while reducing complexity, improving giver experience, and focusing assets with highest-conviction managers to better support long-term charitable growth and ministry impact. 

Importantly, the new investment pools reflect a more integrated approach to faith alignment across the investment platform rather than maintaining separate Traditional and Faith-Driven pool structures. The goal is to provide thoughtfully designed investment solutions that help charitable dollars grow and serve greater generosity, ministry, and redemptive impact over time.