If you've ever felt overwhelmed by debt, confused about budgeting, or unsure how to honor God with your finances, Crown Financial Ministries has been helping believers navigate exactly that for nearly 50 years.^1 Founded in 1976 by the late Larry Burkett and co-founded with Howard Dayton, Crown is one of the most established Christian financial literacy organizations in the world, now led by CEO Chuck Bentley.^2
Crown's approach centers on biblical stewardship — the idea that everything we have belongs to God, and our role is to manage it faithfully. Their flagship tool, the Money Map, is a free step-by-step visual guide that walks you through saving, creating a budget, eliminating debt, and building toward generosity and financial freedom.^3 Beyond the Money Map, Crown offers one-on-one Budget Coaching with trained volunteer coaches, online courses through Crown Online, the Career Direct assessment for discovering your vocational calling, and the "Ask Chuck" column where CEO Chuck Bentley answers real financial questions.^1
Crown's reach extends far beyond the U.S. — their African Money Map, Restoration Path program, and 121+ alliance partnerships across over 100 countries train community leaders to teach biblical financial principles in their own communities.^4 In 2025, the Church of Uganda signed a five-year partnership with Crown and Life International to bring sustainable livelihood training to congregations across the country.^5 Crown has also partnered with AdelFi Credit Union (formerly Christian Community Credit Union) to deliver biblically-based financial education to Christians across America.^6
In September 2026, Crown will celebrate its 50th anniversary at the Knoxville Convention Center — a milestone gathering of partners, volunteers, and supporters from around the world.^7 Crown is an ECFA member, holds an "A" Transparency Grade from MinistryWatch, and carries a 92% rating (Four Stars) from Charity Navigator.^8
Why Christians Love It"The mix of practical financial training with deep biblical and spiritual teaching was a game changer for me. It really made me feel that what we were doing was so significant and honoring to the Lord." — Josh, Budget Coaching client^10
"Before Crown, we were doing everything we could to stay afloat, but anxiety, uncertainty, and financial pressure consumed us. Now we feel more content and better distinguish between needs and wants, acknowledging that He provides everything we need." — Ben & Sada, Crown participants^1
"This study gave me hope. I grew spiritually and financially. It helped me understand how to work for God, give for God, and budget my time and money for God." — Adult and Teen Challenge participant^11
Notable- Founded in 1976 by the late Larry Burkett; co-founded with Howard Dayton in 2000; Dave Ramsey credits Burkett as a personal mentor^2
- Led by CEO Chuck Bentley since 2007, who hosts Crown's daily radio broadcasts and the "Ask Chuck" financial column^12
- Celebrating 50 years of ministry with a convention at the Knoxville Convention Center, September 10–12, 2026^7
- ECFA member with an "A" Transparency Grade from MinistryWatch and 92% Charity Navigator rating^8
- 121+ alliance partners across 100+ countries; global programs include the African Money Map, I Was Hungry (farming stewardship), and Restoration Path (anti-poverty)^4
- Partnered with God Behind Bars through the Pando App to bring financial education to incarcerated individuals (launched January 2026)^13
- Church of Uganda partnership (2025) bringing sustainable livelihood training to congregations nationwide^5
- AdelFi Credit Union partnership delivering biblically-based financial education to Christians^6
