Thank you to our synod, the regional Lutheran ministries, congregations, and donors I have been blessed to work with over this past year. I am consistently humbled and honored to see generosity take action through the services of the ELCA Foundation.
In 2018, the charitable estate planning efforts in our region created over $4.4 million in gift plans. Just over $1 million in gift plans are being directed to local congregations while over $2 million in gift plans are being directed to the many ELCA charities in our region and beyond.
2019 marks the fourth year of the partnership. I am hopeful that this year, we will be able to exceed $10 million in total planned gift expectancies. All of this is being accomplished through a two-pronged approach and objectives:
- Prepare congregations to receive and properly steward special and legacy gifts
- Assist church members in making those gifts
I have had the privilege to work with 26 congregations to create a comprehensive gift acceptance policy which serves as a guide for receiving and using generous donations. I have also been able to help 16 congregations create or update their mission endowment fund bylaws or long-term investment policies.
These two documents provide a future-focused Ministry Funding Plan designed to give each congregation the opportunity to confidently engage in a planned giving stewardship effort. From there members are encouraged to consider their legacy and work with me create a plan that fulfills their desires for their loved ones and the charities that mean the most to them.
BEGIN NOW!
Pastors and council/committee members – contact Ryan Ebner now to begin a conversation to see how charitable planned giving can benefit your congregation and your members. Call 814.823.3285 or send a message to ryanebner@elca.org
Respectfully Submitted,
Ryan Ebner
Regional Gift Planner, ELCA Foundation
In Partnership with:
NWPA Synod, SWPA Synod, WV/W MD Synod
Lutheran Senior Life, Lutheran University Center, Pittsburgh,
Camp Luther, Camp Agape, Lutherlyn, WVU Lutheran Campus Ministry
Community Lutheran Partners, Bethesda Lutheran Services, United Lutheran Seminary
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