Pathway Ministries Endowment Fund

Creating Pathways out of Poverty through Jesus

This Designated endowment fund was started in April of 2025 by Phil and Kelly Zobrist. The purpose of the fund is to provide annual grants to Pathway Ministries to support their work. Pathway Ministries is a gospel-centered ministry of mercy that creates pathways out of poverty through Jesus with our neighbors in need. Pathway Ministries is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Now that the fund has been established, anyone may donate to it.

Pathways Ministries is a gospel-centered organization, shaped and inspired by the good news of a loving God who pursues, saves, sustains, renews, and empowers us by His grace through Jesus Christ alone. The gospel is not just part of what we do—it is the very heart of our mission and message, informing every aspect of our work and relationships.

We are God-dependent, recognizing our deep need for humility, constant prayer, and a steadfast hope that God will work in and through us. We know that true transformation comes not from our own strength or strategies, but through God’s faithful presence and power.

At Pathways, our team is call-motivated, understanding this work as far more than just a job. We see ourselves as participants in the mission of Jesus—to bring good news to the poor and to set captives free. This sense of calling gives purpose and passion to our service, even when the work is difficult.

We are kingdom-focused, committed to pursuing God’s glory everywhere. Our desire is not to build our own name or reputation, but to see God’s kingdom advance in every heart, home, and neighborhood we touch.

Being community-minded is essential to us. We continually look beyond the walls of our own ministry, seeking to serve and respond to the needs of the wider community. We believe this posture helps us remain connected, compassionate, and relevant in the lives of those around us.

Finally, we are partnership-oriented, knowing we can accomplish more by working together. We actively seek out opportunities to collaborate with other organizations, churches, and individuals who share our vision, multiplying the impact of our efforts and resources for the good of all.

To make a tax-deductible donation to this endowment fund, you can:

  • Donate by check: Make it payable to Morton Community Foundation and mail it to 135 S First Ave, Morton, IL 61550. Please write “Pathway Ministries” on the memo line.

  • Make a tax-advantaged gift of stockVisit our stock gifting page by clicking HERE.

  • Give online by clicking the button below.

Are you a Caterpillar Employee or Retiree?

The Caterpillar Foundation is proud to offer the year-round Matching Gifts Program to support their employees, U.S. retirees and board of directors in their contributions to worthy causes. Eligible Caterpillar participants may request an annual total maximum 1:1 match of $10,000 USD each calendar year to eligible charities to which contributions are tax deductible. The Morton Community Foundation is an eligible charity. So, if you are an eligible Caterpillar participant, you may submit any donations to this fund for an equivalent match, up to your total maximum of $10,000 per year. CLICK HERE to link to the Caterpillar Foundation’s Matching Gift website.