FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the major difference between the ELCA Foundation and a community foundation?
The ELCA Foundation is part of your church, and we serve all the ministries and members of this church. We can do this by serving as a pass-through conduit for donor-directed gifts to ministries and congregations. With the ELCA Foundation, donors may decide that the full amount of their gifts and bequests go directly to the ministries they have named. Community foundations legally must retain a portion of each gift for endowment with only annual income going to benefit the ministry or congregation.
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How can I make a bequest to an ELCA ministry or my congregation?
Making a bequest to an ELCA ministry or your congregation requires a legal will and should be done with the help of a qualified legal representative. The specific language for leaving gifts to ELCA ministries and your congregation can be found on our Web site.
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Can my congregation invest in the ELCA Endowment Fund Pooled Trust? ELCA congregations can participate in the Endowment Fund Pooled Trust. The Fund, administered by the ELCA Foundation with the ELCA Board of Pensions acting as investment advisor, develops and invests assets entrusted to it by congregations, synods, and other organizations of the church.
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How can my congregation set up a mission endowment fund?
The ELCA Foundation resource
How to Create a Mission Endowment Fund illustrates the steps congregations need to follow to set up a mission endowment fund. Our nationwide network of professional gift planners is ready to help your congregation through the process and encourage members to make gifts and bequests.
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contact a regional gift planner]
How can my congregation host an ELCA Foundation free "Leave a Legacy" seminar? Our nationwide network of professional gift planners conduct "Legacy" seminars in congregations all accross this church. Feel free to contact your regional gift planner to set up your seminar today.
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contact a regional gift planner]
The examples and information listed above are for illustrative and educational purposes only and should not be considered tax or legal advice. Please consult with your tax or legal advisor about proceeding with your estate plan. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, via the ELCA Foundation, does not offer charitable gift annuities to any persons in the states of Arkansas and Washington.