Perpetual Emigrating Fund: History and How It Worked

LDS Perspective

The Perpetual Emigrating Fund (PEF) was a cooperative

Historical Perspective

The Perpetual Emigrating Fund (PEF) was established in 1849 by Brigham Young and the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to provide financial assistance to impoverished converts seeking to emigrate from Europe to the Utah Territory. Rooted in the theological doctrine of "gathering to Zion," the fund operated as a revolving loan system rather than a charitable handout, designed to be "perpetual" through the repayment of loans to assist subsequent waves of immigrants. The initial capitalization came from wealthy church members, tithing revenues, and profits from church-owned enterprises, with formal administration centered in Salt Lake City under the direction of a specifically organized PEF Company. Operationally, the fund functioned through an international