ELCA Awarded Grant for Total Inclusion!

Chicago — The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has received a generous grant for ongoing support of Total Inclusion!: Widening the Welcome at ELCA Outdoor Ministries. The program, a collaboration of the ELCA churchwide organization and the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Network (LOM), equips and empowers outdoor ministry organizations as they move toward more intentional welcome of all youth, including those who historically have been marginalized in the church — especially youth of color, youth with disabilities and youth who identify as LGBTQIA+.

Total Inclusion! was established in 2019 through an initial grant from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies, followed by a second grant supporting the 2023-2025 cycle. The newly announced third grant of $1 million will fund the program from 2026 to 2028.

“There is so much to celebrate when thinking about the work of Total Inclusion! over the years. And there is more work to be done,” said Nathan Berkas, executive director for LOM. “I am thrilled to have this third grant to go deeper with the work of inclusion and to support the intentional work happening in LOM's outdoor ministry organizations. This grant will help to strengthen the work of inclusion even more within LOM, and for that I am excited and grateful."

The grants have made a lasting impact by providing resources to enhance camper experiences, staff training and facilities upgrades, including funding for:

• “Campership” scholarships for youth experiencing homelessness. Many of these youth live in urban or metropolitan areas and lack opportunities to spend time in nature.

• Additional staff to care for campers who need one-on-one support and who may not have been included otherwise.

• Family camp weekends for Spanish-speaking children and their families.

• New resources for racially diverse campers who come together to study leadership and anti-racism.

• Pride Week for LGBTQIA+ campers and Celebration Week for campers with disabilities.

• Staff training in diversity, equity and inclusion.

• Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramps, sidewalks, door openers and showers.

“We are excited to continue to support the work of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries organizations in expanding their inclusive programs for youth,” said Hannah Evans, program manager, Total Inclusion! “We are grateful for the ongoing support of inclusive outdoor ministry, and we're looking forward to deepening our relationships with Lutheran Outdoor Ministry organizations leading the way in the valuable work of making outdoor spaces safer and more welcoming for all young people.”

More information about Total Inclusion! is available here.

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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.7 million members in more than 8,300 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org

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