NCF Twin Cities

Three Forms of Capital

Jay Bennett, Founder and Chairman NCF Twin Cities

September, 2026 | True Riches

The National Christian Foundation (NCF) serves thousands of families who want their children and grandchildren to be wise stewards of the “capital” they inherit. At NCF hosted events, the topic of generational wealth transfer is always a standing room only opportunity for us to share our views on “Three Forms of Capital.” 

When we hear the word “capital” we understandably think of money. 

Surely, “Financial Capital” is one enormously important element of the wealth transfer which is very much in play right now. What we know, however, is that there are at least two more important types of “Capital.”   

The development of “Spiritual Capital” and “Character Capital” in our heirs BEFORE they receive “Financial Capital” radically improves the odds that they will become good stewards of the money they receive…and the life they have been given. An inheritance of Financial Capital is like dynamite. If one knows what to do with it, the blessings can be enormous. If one is not prepared to deal with it, the results can be disastrous. 

Further thought and planning can be given to the development of spiritual and character capital  thereby training up our children and grandchildren to be wise stewards in the use and management of Financial Capital in the years ahead. Would you like to hear more about how training in these two areas of family development can help achieve goals you might value for your family? 

Spiritual Capital is, of course, about our relationship with Jesus and our knowledge of His Word. Within this, however, is massive authority on being a responsible steward of Financial Capital. And, within that, is the incredible importance of training up our families to know that God owns everything and we are stewards of what is His. This “who is the owner” mindset tops the list of strategic importance for fundraising. Owner mindsets give less. Steward mindsets give more. 

Character Capital can be defined in one way by capturing Biblical authority on the character of God. We are made in His image, and there is wonderful opportunity to train up our children and grandchildren to become more like Him. 

While readers of these reflections will instantly think of other Bible passages which reveal the nature of God ( like 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 and Exodus 34:6-7), just ponder the Character Capital learning opportunities around Isaiah 11:2 and Galatians 5:22: 

What if we had generosity lessons for attributes of God which are available to families as their characters are shaped? What if we had little talking points to be discussed around the dinner table or other settings?  

Increasing a harvest of Financial Capital can be greatly assisted if nonprofits expand their fundraising focus to offer what they are best equipped to offer; training up children to “own” the Spiritual Capital and Character Capital which will determine if the Financial Capital “dynamite they are given is used well.