our mission

Guiding Generosity with Purpose and Biblical Wisdom

We assist individuals, churches, and ministries steward their resources faithfully through biblically grounded financial strategies. Our mission is to empower generosity that honors God, strengthens ministry efforts, and advances the saving power of the Gospel across Georgia, the nation, and the world. We do this through:

Biblically
Rooted Stewardship

We provide Christ-centered financial solutions that reflect Scripture and promote wise, God-honoring decision-making across every stage of life and ministry.

Personalized Client
Guidance

From estate planning to church investments, we tailor our services to each partner’s unique calling, helping align resources with long-term Kingdom goals.

Advancing Gospel
Impact

By equipping churches and individuals to give and grow wisely, we help fuel ministry efforts that reach communities in Georgia and around the world.

Customer Opinion

Faithful stewarding is the ongoing act of engaging all of God’s resources for all of God’s work.

Customer Opinion

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Rae Woodman

Engineer

Customer Opinion

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Anita Naylor

JS Developer

About Us

History

Established in 1941 as a ministry of the Georgia Baptist Convention, we have always focused on advancing and sustaining the work of the Body of Christ. Through the leadership of five previous presidents, our foundation has grown to what it is today, with 11 faithful staff members stewarding our progress. We’ve seen our accounts and assets multiply since our humble beginnings over 80 years ago, and now we are able to fortify hundreds of gospel ministries with over 10 million dollars in support each year. We look forward to continuing in our mission, striving to uphold our Baptist roots and owing gratitude for the eternal difference each small gift makes.

Arthur Jackson

1943 - 1955

As the Foundation’s first president, Arthur Jackson laid its organizational groundwork during its formative years. Under his leadership, the Foundation began stewarding the earliest endowment funds, setting strong principles of biblical stewardship and launching its long-term mission to serve Georgia Baptists.

Harry Smith

1955 - 1970

Harry Smith guided the Foundation through a period of consolidation and steady growth, helping expand the Foundation’s capacity to support churches across Georgia. He strengthened internal processes and established trust administration systems that endured for decades.

Charles Ducan

1970 - 1981

During Duncan’s tenure, the Foundation saw enhanced investment strategies and meaningful growth in its asset base. He championed those first steps toward pooled fund models, which positioned GBF to become more efficient and responsive to ministry needs.

Donald Folsom

1981 - 1991

Donald Folsom led GBF during an era of significant financial development, expanding its Ministry Trust Fund and broadening philanthropic engagement. Under his guidance, the Foundation increased its impact, enabling support to a wider array of churches and ministries.

Grady (Pete) Rocket

1991 - 2014

Grady Rockett oversaw a transformative era for GBF, shepherding over two decades of growth. He guided the Ministry Trust Fund to exceed its first $100 million mark, professionalized investment management, and helped the Foundation establish broad-based support that now channels more than $10 million annually to Kingdom causes.

Johnathan Gray

2014 to Present

Dr. Johnathan Gray expanded GBF’s reach and modernization, launching new services in estate and legacy giving, along with enhanced donor guidance. Drawing on his experience founding the Southern Baptists of Texas Foundation and earning a Doctorate in church endowment, he has elevated GBF’s role in cooperative missions and church legacy planning.

About Us