The scale of our work is large.
With the creation of 228 charitable funds in 2008, nearly
3,000 donor-created funds and 10 LCF Collaborative Funds are working to achieve positive and lasting change throughout our community. Collectively, these charitable funds provide millions of dollars to charities serving our local, national and international communities.
The change we pursue is sustainable and systemic.
Our community is changed through grants made possible by generous donors. Thanks to these donors, 1,866 organizations received grants totaling $8.96 million in 2008, making it our largest grantmaking year ever. In times like these, grants provide a critical safety net for community services. Ongoing support allows organizations the opportunity to plan for their futures.
The processes we use are leading edge-bringing about
effective and efficient delivery of services.
Economic uncertainty in 2008 provided a powerful reminder of how sound practices play a critical role in maintaining organizational efficiencies. Stormy times called for focused strategies and an unwavering commitment to our long-term investment policy. Through prioritization and efficiencies, we maintained and met our annual budget. This sound stewardship earned us Charity Navigator's top rating for the third consecutive year.
Audited financial statements are available by contacting the Lutheran Community Foundation
The roles we emphasize are those of facilitator, catalyst and connecter.
As Lutherans and as a community foundation, we connect donors with our shared community to achieve effective, positive and lasting change. In 2008, this connection grew as we took the voice of donors into the community through our Collaborative Funds. Together with donors and experts from partner organizations, we're addressing community issues with strategic solutions and a Lutheran voice.
Creation Care Environmental Initiative
Bringing awareness and lasting change to our relationship with creation.
International Disaster Response Initiative
Helping people worldwide grow food and improve health where needs are the greatest.
Ending Family Violence Initiative
Working to end family violence with resources, education and awareness.
The approach we take centers on increasing the capacity of others.
Like many foundations, we at the Lutheran Community
Foundation focus on longterm giving. We also measure the effectiveness of our work on our community.
Donor support of LCF Field of Interest Funds allows us to address large-scale issues with flexibility and a broader base of support-support designed to increase the capacity of others. Thanks to generous donor gifts, we began granting from two of our eight LCF Field of Interest Funds in 2008.
LCF Disaster Response Fund
Grant to Lutheran Disaster Response helped communities affected by the spring 2008 Iowa
floods and tornadoes, allowing individuals and families to rebuild homes and livelihoods.
LCF Fund for LCMS
Grant to the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod supports the development of materials for clergy and laypeople to address the escalating problems of domestic violence and child abuse.
The results we pursue are measurable and meaningful.
We are known for the difference that we are making in our community by being outward facing and well-connected. With integrity and stewardship, we make solid grants to programs with measurable results. We also encourage donors to make thoughtful giving decisions by providing information on specific charities and resources for evaluating them.
Giving Options Tool
Learn more about giving options that match your needs and interests.
Charity Research
GuideStar, Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau are just three resources designed to help you make sound giving decisions.
Grant Stories
Weekly updates with stories on how grants are being used and how lives are being changed.
To serve our donors with integrity as together we change lives and spread joy by sharing our blessings with the world.
We achieve this mission when:
The Lutheran community experiences joy in giving.
Lives are transformed by connecting assets with opportunities and needs.
Effective, positive and lasting change is achieved throughout our shared community.