The Lutheran Community Foundation

Strong Outpouring of Contributions for Haiti

More than $71-million has been contributed to U.S. relief groups in response to the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti. Consider a gift to a well-established charity that will provide long-term assistance and expertise. more... |

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Relief Needed Following Asian Disasters

In one week, the people of Asia were hit with four major disasters, devastating a number of areas in the region.  One way you can help is through a gift to Lutheran World Relief’s (LWR) “Asia Disasters Fund”.  Read more about LWR's partnerships, and a story of an earthquake survivor turned rescuer. more... |

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Hard Times Affecting More Than Money Donations

Local blood banks in areas that were hit hard by the recession, such as Florida and Michigan, are experiencing a drop in blood donations.  To date the nation’s overall blood supply had been adequate, but some are concerned that might change. more... |

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Young Donors Helping Older Generation

The Boom Foundation is one example of how the millennial generation is giving back.  Begun six months ago by Justin Thompson, 26, and supported by many other young Texas professionals, this charity is staging social events for retirement-home residents and raising money for the North Texas nonprofit Senior Source. more... |

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Report Shows More Americans Getting Involved in Their Communities

Did the rising unemployment and foreclosure rates negatively impact volunteerism and civic engagement?  A new study released in July by the Corporation for National and Community Service gives evidence that the answer is no.  The study found that 26.4 percent (61.8 million people) of Americans took part in organized volunteering, about 1 million more than in 2007. more... |

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Philanthropy for All Ages

Philanthropy is not just for adults, it is for our children and young adults.  Lately, there has been a notable surge of educational efforts helping make the next generation more involved and informed in their giving, including the Lutheran Community Foundation's pilot to engage high school seniors in philanthropy.  more... |

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Women's Growing Role in Philanthropy

A first of its kind report, Accelerating Change for Women and Girls: The Role of Women’s Funds, (link to highlights) examines the trends and influence that women are having on the giving and on the receiving end of philanthropy. more... |

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Giving Circles Magnify Individual Philanthropy

A recent study examines how giving circles can increase giving and knowledge about philanthropy and community needs.  Learn more about giving circles and how you might get involved in one. more... |

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Strong Link Seen Between Education and Health

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Commission to Build a Healthier America recently published a report supporting the argument for education funding. more... |

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Ethiopia Faces New Hunger Crisis

A prolonged drought has caused another famine crisis in Ethiopia, leaving more than 6 million people in need of emergency food aid.  Oxfam, a charity that seeks to end poverty and injustice, challenges us to ask, what are the long term, sustainable solutions that respond to hunger's underlying causes? more... |

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Everyday Crusaders Find Joy in Giving

Whoever you are, there is a vehicle out there to give back.  Read four inspiring stories of how “everyday crusaders” find their joy in giving. more... |

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Many "Give to the Max" for Minnesota Philanthropy

More than $14 million was raised for thousands of Minnesota nonprofits during a “Give to the Max Day”. The Lutheran Community Foundation promoted its collaborative funds and initiatives and raised over $2,500. more... |

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Lutheran Social Ministry Organizations - Responding to God's Call

Last year, Lutheran social ministry organizations provided services to nearly six million people -- or one in 50 Americans. more... |

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Study: Who Teaches Us to Give?

Teenagers report in a recent poll that their parents are the biggest factor in the frequency of their giving. Learn more about parenting techniques found among teens who give more frequently. more... |

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Changing Lives - Effective Haiti Relief

Nearly four months ago Haiti was hit with a catastrophic earthquake that was followed by an outpouring of contributions and aid. As this emergency fades from the headlines, what might an appropriate ongoing response be? more... |

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Churches struggle to find younger members

Churches around the United States are struggling, as is the case in Harlem. Findings in a most recent survey by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life show that one-in-four of Americans ages 18-29 say they are not currently affiliated with any particular religion. more... |

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Remembering Haiti and Looking Ahead

The devastating Haitian earthquake occurred 6 months ago. Basic necessities of food and water have been provided but the rebuilding effort is going slowly. This is drawing some criticism to charitable organization's relief efforts. What is not in question is that a long term response will be needed. more... |

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Giving Pledge - Asking Wealthy to Give Half Their Fortunes

In what they are calling the "giving pledge", Bill Gates and billionaire investor Warren Buffet are asking other people of wealth to donate half of their fortunes to charity. more... |

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Join the Battle Against Malaria

Did you know that every 30 seconds someone dies of malaria? Lutheran Malaria Initiative is mobilizing nearly 8 million Lutherans in the U.S. in the battle against malaria. more... |

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LWR Emergency Alert - Pakistan Flooding

Millions have been displaced by flooding in Pakistan, after monsoon rains struck in late July.  Officials report that at least 1,600 are dead, and nearly 14 million Pakistanis are affected.  Please consider making a charitable gift to support Lutheran World Relief(LWR)'s relief efforts. more... |

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