The Foundation

Established in 1985, the United Methodist Communities Foundation supports the missional focus of the communities. Acting as an independent entity, the Foundation helps and enhances the mission, philosophy, and ministry of United Methodist Communities. It has its own Board of Trustees who govern, establish broad policies and objectives, and oversee financial resources to support the charitable mission of United Methodist Communities.

The Foundation conducts various fundraising initiatives including annual and deferred giving, donor cultivation and relationship building programs, special events, and various community engagement opportunities. These efforts help raise financial contributions for to support the charitable mission of the United Methodist Communities.

The Foundation Team

Gary Engelstad
Giving Officer

Phone: 732-922-9800 x2129
Email: gengelstad@umcommunities.org

Gary Engelstad, giving officer, came to United Methodist Communities Foundation in June 2015. Gary brings a wealth of experience and expertise in developing strategic initiatives and understands the importance of creating value for our current, as well as, future donors. His 20 years of experience in senior housing overseeing sales, philanthropy, community resources, community television, pastoral ministries, social work, wellness and volunteer programs lend themselves to his role at the Foundation. Gary and his wife, Stephanie, have lived in Bradley Beach for the past 19 years after relocating from Washington, D.C., where he served in the White House and Treasury Department in the Reagan, Bush and Clinton administrations.

Rebecca Roe
Grant Funding & Communications Manager

Phone: 732-922-9800 x2128
Email: rroe@umcommunities.org

Rebecca Roe is the Grant Funding & Communications Manager for United Methodist Communities, working with the UMC Foundation and UMC Sales & Marketing team from the Home Office in Neptune. She graduated from Muhlenberg College with a B.A. in History/Government interdisciplinary studies. After temping in the Foundation for several months, Rebecca officially joined the United Methodist Communities team in December 2013. She formerly handled administrative support, gift processing, reporting, and donor relations functions. In her current role, Rebecca manages organizational communications and appeals, solicitations, stewardship communications, and grants for the UMC Foundation. She especially enjoys learning about residents, family members, and associates’ experiences with UMC and sharing their unique and impactful stories.