Skip to Main Content

United Methodist Student Sunday

Every year, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry awards an average of $5.5 million in financial aid to United Methodist students. The offering taken on United Methodist Student Day is one opportunity to support these scholarships. Every dollar received helps support and educate a new generation of principled Christian leaders for the church and the world. 

There are over 70 scholarships available for undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral United Methodist students. Financial support for all General Board of Higher Education and Ministry scholarships come from five primary sources: 63% from endowments; 22% from wills and annuities; 13% from United Methodist Special Sundays and 1% from online gifts and fiduciary income. All donations received empower and encourage our students that we are investing in them and our future.

The official date set to celebrate United Methodist Student Day is Nov. 26, 2023, but we encourage churches to celebrate on a date that is most convenient for your congregation.  Find more information here.

News & Announcements

Bishopsappealrectangle Educationforcentralconferences

Bishop’s Appeal: Education for the Central Conferences

This year, Northern Illinois United Methodists will be donating to one Bishop’s Appeal for two worthy recipients. The appeal for Education for the Central Conferences wi…

Sympathynoticeflowers

In Sympathy: Donna Atkinson

Rev. Donna Atkinson, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on January 24, 2026.

2025 Financial Report Cover

2025 Financial Report: A Milestone Year for Generosity

Thank you for your commitment to sharing your gifts for the good of our United Methodist Church and its ministries. In 2025, you gave $5,056,797—80 percent of our budgeted…

Beumc Hashtag Graphic Blk Bg

Announcing the #BeUMC Awards

The Northern Illinois Annual Conference, with United Methodist Communications, is excited to launch the #BeUMC Awards! Celebrate laypeople, clergy, and congregations who love boldly, serve joyfully…

Print