The purpose of the Development Fund is to help United Methodist Churches, agencies, and missions across the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference thrive and grow.  The Fund accepts investments from individuals, Churches, and organizations from the Annual Conference.  The Fund pays these investors a set rate of interest and makes loans to churches, agencies, and missions.  The interest paid by churches that have borrowed money is usually as low as or lower than they would be charged by commercial lenders.

The Development Fund was established in 1992 and has been in continuous operation since.