Questions and Answers

 

Below are some frequently asked questions about Mission Investment Fund. To get your answer, simply click on the question below.

  • What is the Mission Investment Fund?
  • Why does the ELCA need investors?
  • Will my investment benefit the entire church?
  • Who invests in Mission Investment Fund?
  • When is a good time to start investing?
  • How much interest do our funds earn?
  • Is my investment safe?
  • How can I become a Mission Investment Fund investor?
  • Are there other investment opportunities in the ELCA, for members?
     

    What is the Mission Investment Fund?
    The Mission Investment Fund is a ministry of the ELCA that makes loans to congregations, synods and ELCA-related ministries for capital building projects and land purchases. The fund finances the loans through the sale of investments to congregations and their members, synods and ELCA-related ministries. Importantly, The Mission Investment Fund is the only investment fund for individuals that is a ministry of the ELCA.

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    Why does the ELCA need investors?
    When a new mission congregation is ready to purchase land or begin construction on a new or existing facility, the Mission Investment Fund is usually the only source of financing. The ELCA relies on congregations, their members, synods and ELCA-related ministries to invest their financial resources in the fund so that the capital required to develop new mission congregations and make loans to established ELCA congregations and ministries is available when needed.

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    Will my investment benefit the entire church?
    Yes. Your investment helps the ELCA expand Christ's church across the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The Mission Investment Fund's ability to provide loans to mission congregations helps to lower the costs of acquiring land and constructing buildings for churches that are just getting started.

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    Who invests in the Mission Investment Fund?
    Nearly one-third of all ELCA congregations are currently Mission Investment Fund investors, as are most ELCA synods and thousands of Lutherans who are members of ELCA congregations. In addition, a significant number of ELCA-related schools, colleges, universities, social ministry organizations and outdoor ministries have investments in the fund.

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    When is a good time to start investing?
    Anytime and at any age is a good time to think about investing. And it’s always a good time to build the mission and ministry of the church. It’s easier than you think. The minimum initial investment for a Mission Investment Fund investment is just $5.

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    How much interest do our funds earn?
    See the current interest rates for Mission Investment Fund investments.

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    Is my investment safe?
    In the 90-plus year history of the Mission Investment Fund and its predecessors, interest has always been paid and principal returned in accordance with the terms of the Offering Circular. That said, the fund's investments are not insured by the FDIC, SIPC or any other federal or state regulatory agency, and past performance is not an indicator of future performance.

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    How can I become a Mission Investment Fund investor?
    To start the process, individuals and representatives of congregations, ELCA synods and ELCA-related ministries may download the Offering Circular and purchase application for an investment on this Web site. Or, you may obtain a Mission Investment Fund information packet through the mail by contacting us. Please read the Offering Circular in its entirety before making an investment decision.

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    Are there other investment opportunities in the ELCA, for members?
    The Mission Investment Fund is the only investment opportunity for individuals that is a ministry of the ELCA.

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    Mission Investment Fund investments are subject to certain risks. See "Risk Factors" following the introduction in the Offering Circular. Mission Investment Fund investments are not bank accounts. As securities issued by a non-profit institution, the investments are not insured by the FDIC, SIPC or any other federal or state regulatory agency. The securities are sold only by means of the Offering Circular. This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein.