Common name for a
United Methodist campus ministry. Wesley Foundations, named after the founder of Methodism,
John Wesley (who was himself a
campus minister), can be found at most public
universities in
American states with a non-trivial
Methodist population, and occasionally at large
private schools that are either non-
sectarian or
Methodist as well.
The first Wesley Foundation was founded at University of Illinois in the 1920's; the idea subsequently spread nationwide. Some foundations operate as independent congregations, holding their own worship services (this is the most common model); others conduct student activities independently, but encourage students to attend the local UMC for services (this seems to be the standard in Virginia, and perhaps other places as well). Many foundations have their own building; some are connected to their local church or on the same real estate; some just operate as a student organization and meet in university buildings or have a small office at the local church.