Official Workbook report source text
Official Workbook source-navigation report record. No analysis has been added.
- Report number/id
- R18
- Report title
- R18 LCMS Foundation
- Workbook start page
- 100
- Workbook end page
- 101
- Source pages
- 100, 101
- Source status
- source_checked
- Committee
- Not available
R18 LCMS Foundation The LCMS Foundation was created in 1958 by the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to assist Synod members in the creation of charitable estate plans, to accept noncash gifts on behalf of Syn- od organizations, and to help Synod ministries invest the assets they possess, whether received as estate gifts or through other sources. We celebrate the generosity of God’s people in supporting the work of His Church and ask the Lord’s continued blessing on our humble efforts that, through His blessing and guidance, the suc- cessful performance of our tasks will help bring glory to His name. Gift Planning During fiscal years 2023–25, the LCMS Foundation distributed more than 9,200 gifts totaling $142.5 million to several thousand Synod organizations. These organizations include our congrega - tions and schools, seminaries, districts, and ministries providing missionary support, rural and urban outreach, housing assistance, and much more. The gifts the Foundation distributes are a result of the joyful re- sponse to God’s love found in the hearts of individuals in our Synod community. These are primarily planned gifts such as endowments, donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, etc., administered by the Foundation and distributed to ministry after the donor was called to their heavenly home. To carry out this work, 20 gift planning counselors are locat - ed across the United States. They assist individuals and families in creating comprehensive estate plans to support family and ministry with the very best gifts. Over the past three years, God truly blessed the work of these 20 gift planning counselors; they helped donors create new gift plans (comprised mostly of future, “planned gifts” to ministry, but also often including immediate gifts as well) totaling more than $459 million. Transfer the Blessings Transfer the Blessings, the Foundation’s gift planning ministry to LCMS congregations, continues to demonstrate its value in as- sisting LCMS donors in creating their Lifetime Plan for Giving. The ministry pairs a Foundation gift planning counselor with a congre- gation to work directly and intentionally with members in establish- ing their charitable Christian estate plans. Transfer the Blessings builds upon the relationship members have with their congrega - tions to produce a broader approach to giving that provides resourc- es to the church beyond weekly offerings. Investment Services Ministries that receive significant gifts from donors or that al- ready possess sizable assets can benefit by working with the Foun- dation to invest those gifts for future growth. The Foundation pres- ently manages $1.6 billion in investment and trust assets on behalf of more than 650 Synod organizations. The new plan is aspirational while tracking quantitative KPIs. The KPIs are aligned to five strategic focus areas, or the “Five P’s” (People, Partnerships, Platforms, Products, and Profitability). We measure what matters. That begins with new global ends policies adopted by the board. LCEF exists so that financial resources and related services are available within and beyond the Synod. This occurs when investors receive a reasonable rate of return and borrowers pay a reasonable rate of interest; when related services foster ministry, innovation and growth; and when customer satisfaction is a priority. LCEF exists so that ministries grow through existing and new partnerships. This occurs when collaborative relationships align with our strategic goals. From these, the rest of the plan aligns, ultimately cascading down through corporate, division, and individual goals that come alive in the annual Ministry and Business Plan. This plan will direct our work over the next three years. We will align resources to achieve the success the Synod expects from its extension fund. While having a plan is crucial, our promise is even more important. The promise is LCEF will be here today and in the future. We will be here providing faith-driven financial solutions to strengthen ministries and advance mission-driven projects. We will support the growing needs of the Church. As those needs change, so will we—financial and strategic partnerships, together in faith. Supporting the Work of the Synod Over the triennium, LCEF continued to find ways to support the mission priorities of the Synod, including the introduction of Real Estate Solutions (RES) as well as the Church Worker Loan Pool (CWLP). LCEF’s RES assists LCMS congregations, schools, districts and RSOs with their real estate strategy to foster ministry by meeting human need and enhancing communities while creating alternative sources of revenue to support ministry. With the excep- tional work of the RES team, LCMS land and assets are staying within the LCMS, allowing for further growth and spread of the Gospel. RES assists congregations, schools, districts and RSOs by cre- ating campus planning strategies, growing ministry through excess real estate while creating alternative sources of revenue, creating school and church expansion feasibility studies, providing owner’s representation and consulting services for construction projects, consulting with highest and best use studies on surplus properties, assisting in developing deferred maintenance plans, and providing site selection and other real estate brokerage services. At LCEF, we’re committed to supporting those who dedicate their lives to serving the Church. The CWLP provides affordable loans, giving LCMS church workers opportunities like homeown- ership and debt consolidation while easing financial stress. Investments and donations are accepted to allow church work- ers to focus on their calling to preach, teach, and serve with their whole hearts. Together in faith, we’re making a lasting impact on the lives of those who serve Him. HotChalk, Inc. Litigation Update On Sept. 19, 2025, LCEF executed a settlement with plaintiff HotChalk, Inc. and other parties by which HotChalk agreed, upon payment of an agreed settlement amount, to execute a release of all claims against LCEF, after which the lawsuit was dismissed. The settlement amount is required to remain confidential, but in the 2026 Convention Workbook 101 OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS