Regional Gift Planning Partnership of the ELCA Foundation

REPORT OF THE ELCA FOUNDATION REGIONAL GIFT PLANNING PARTNERSHIP

Charitable support is alive and well in our Church! Our congregations, synods, regional Lutheran ministries, and ELCA Churchwide programs are filled with stories of people demonstrating great generosity. In addition to current support, our members are creating legacy plans which will sustain the work of the Church into the future and long after their time on Earth is done.

2018 marks the third year for the ELCA Foundation’s renewed effort to increase the opportunities and benefits of charitable planned giving in the congregations of this synod.

In 2017, the Regional Gift Planners of the ELCA Foundation created over $33 million in gift plans with over 100 individuals and families. Our region saw over 22 church members make decisions for their estates by designating over $3.5 million for charitable causes. A significant portion of this charitable intent is being directed to local congregations with other amounts being directed to our synods, regional ELCA ministry organizations, ELCA churchwide programs, and other charities.

In addition to working with church members, partnerships with congregations have increased. We now accompany congregations in creating a comprehensive Ministry Funding Plan which identifies financial needs and goals of the congregation, refines a giving structure and process, and creates a footing for members who wish to express their generosity beyond weekly plate offerings.

We are also assisting congregations and ELCA ministries making decisions on investment management services for funds entrusted into their care. Congregations are now able to better navigate decisions involving their long-term investments and financial funds. Many are becoming participants in the ELCA Foundation’s Endowment Fund Pooled Trust – Fund A, utilizing the opportunity to make an investment while also supporting the work of our Church.

BEGIN NOW!

Pastors and council/committee members, contact Ryan Ebner now to begin a conversation on how charitable planned giving can benefit your congregation and your members. Call 814.823.3285 or send a message to ryan.ebner@elca.org

Respectfully Submitted, Ryan Ebner Regional Gift Planner, ELCA Foundation Serving NWPA, SWPA, and WV-WMD Synods