CELF – Profit Earned from the Program

Does the Church Extension Loan Fund Investment Program earn a profit?

The Church Extension Loan Fund is a not for profit religious corporation. Therefore, the profit earned from the program will be used to assist in other missionary projects.

CELF – How Interest is Paid

How is interest paid?

Interest is paid monthly or semi-annually. The method of payment is optional to the investor. Interest may be paid by check monthly or it may be added to the principal and compounded each six months for the duration of the note. All funds, whether a withdrawal is made or interest paid, can be sent directly to your checking account through EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer).

CELF - Security of the Program

How secure is the Investment Program?

The Church Extension Loan Fund has a non-interest bearing checking account of which there is an unlimited coverage.  Our Money Market and CDAR accounts are FDIC insured up to $250,000. CELF feels confident that our bank is stable with a five star rating.

Reasons to Invest with CELF:

• We have a 30 year track record - longevity.
• When investing with CELF you are investing in ministry.
• You will be secure that your money is being invested in a conservative based program.
• CELF has a good and successful track record and consecrated investment in Free Will Baptist churches.

85% to 90% of total assests are loaned out to approximately 400 different churches across America. The Church Extension Loan Fund has first mortgage on all properties for more than the amount of the loan. 

10% to 15% of total assets are kept on hand in checking accounts, Money Market accounts and CDAR's. 

No funds are ever invested in stocks or bonds.

CELF – Access to the Money

Who oversees the funds?

The Director of Development, under the direction of the General Director of National Home Missions, oversees the Church Extension Loan Fund program. The Accounting Administrator of the Church Extension Loan Fund receipts and expends the funds. Persons involved in this procedure are adequately bonded. An annual audit is conduted by a CPA firm. A monthly report is submitted to the National Home Missions Board.

CELF - Withdrawing an Investment

When can an investment be withdrawn?

The investment can be withdrawn upon request.  A thirty (30) day notice will be required. In cases of larger amounts of $500,000.00 and up, more than a thirty (30) day notice will be needed. Typically, funds are expended within a few days of notice. There will be no penalty for early withdrawal of deposits.

Click Here to fill out an online Withdrawal Form.

Click Here to download a CELF Withdrawal Form.

CELF – Variable Interest Rates

What about variable interest rates?

If it becomes necessary to adjust the rate of interest on your note, you will be notified thirty (30) days in advance.

CELF - Taxible Investments

Are Investments Taxable?

Yes, even though the Church Extension Loan Fund is a not for profit organization, the interest paid the investor is declared income and is taxable.  The investor will receive a 1099 INT at year end.

CELF – Starting an Investment

How can I start an investment with CELF?

An investment can be started anytime with a $500 minimum deposit.

Click Here to download a CELF Investment Form.

Print out form, complete, and send with check to:
Church Extension Loan Fund
P.O. Box 5002
Antioch, TN, 37011-5002

If you have any questions or need more information about starting your investment, contact Sue Hayes at 615-760-6137.