SIM News

Beloved Community, Built Together - David Hilder

12/23/25

Strengthening Beloved Community Through Successful Investment

In a year of unusual market volatility but significant gains for U.S. stocks, The Society for the Increase of the Ministry has been a careful steward of the funds entrusted to us to support seminarian scholarships and has again enjoyed positive investment returns. 

This year through November 30, SIM's investments gained 12.95%. The total gains in our investment portfolio have been more than $535,000 this year. Over the last five years, our investments have produced a total return of more than 100%, better than the 93% return over the same period for a benchmark index of 60% stocks and 40% bonds. We continue to use low-cost index funds to keep our investment expenses down and have maintained an allocation of nearly 70% in stocks and 30% in bonds and cash. We have invested only in securities of U.S. companies and the U.S. Treasury, avoiding the risks and costs of exposure to foreign currencies. 

It is deeply rewarding to harness my 30-plus years of investment experience to strengthen the ministry of the Episcopal Church through scholarships that reduce the educational debt of our future leaders and support new leaders committed to the work of Becoming Beloved Community.

As you consider your year-end gift, you can be confident that your donation to SIM will be skillfully managed and will grow. SIM’s endowment is well-positioned to benefit from continued economic growth and declining inflation while maintaining a sufficient level of liquidity.

We are deeply grateful for all gifts to SIM of every size. Please know that I wake up every day with SIM’s endowment on my mind and that my role as a steward of the endowment is the most satisfying client work that I do.

David Hilder, Treasurer and Board Member