My church has a small endowment (75,000) How should we invest it?

Currently we have the money invested in several mutual funds.

Depends on your risk tolerance.

If you absolutely don't want to lose the money but may need liquid cash for emergencies, choose a savings account like ING Direct (look for a rate of at least 4%).

If you want a good mix of risk/reward, keep 10% in a savings account like ING in case of immediate funding needs of your church, 50% in a stock index fund following the S&P and 40% in a total bond market index fund. Look for no loads and very low fees on these funds. This is a great recipe for passive investing that doesn't require much effort and is wholeheartedly endorsed by lots of great investors, including Ben Graham.

buy a few multi family houses .
the houses will increase in value and the houses will be able to help out people low on money until they can afford to get into regular housing.
in real estate you just about never lose money

Ask a financial advisor you trust.

Find an investment adviser or company that specializes in non-profits. There are quite a few out there and some are even solely dedicated to the non-profit sector.

Your bank may have a trust department that has a charity department but they may have limits imposed of endowments over $500,000. Give them a try.

Most of the major brokerages have departments that specialize in non-profits, too. Again they may have some high dollar limits in place, but some do not.

Whatever you do, do not place the funds in a CD or simple interest bearing bank account. Your return will be less than the rate of inflation and that is the same as burning your cash. Do not let the board members who fear investing talk you into simply banking the funds. It will be bitterly regretted in the future.

Um...Pray about it!Duh....I certainly wouldn't be lookin on a yahoo board about what to do with the Lords Money.

Many think we're entering the last days....how about preps?

Look into first trust deed investment. the return is high, you'll recieve checks on a monthly basis and it's secured by real estate with a max loan to value you can set.

here is someone you should get in touch with:
Danny Talman

Founder/Principal

Talman & Talman, Inc.

Bankers Hill Capital

6725 Mesa Ridge Road, Suite 204

San Diego, Ca. 92121

866.518.8002 direct

858.909.0427 fax

I suggest you to invest in stocks with the help of a Portfolio Manager or Financial Advisor.

I know someone handling endowments for the Roman Catholic Church.
I don't believe he is going to manage an endowment as small as yours but it won't hurt if you try.