The LCMS Foundation was created in 1958 by the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to assist Synod members in the creation of charitable estate plans, to accept non cash gifts on behalf of Synod organizations, and to help Synod ministries invest the assets they possess, whether received as estate gifts or through other sources. We celebrate the generosity of God’s people in supporting the work of His Church and ask the Lord’s continued blessing on our humble efforts that, through His blessing and guidance, the successful performance of our tasks will help bring glory to His name.
Gift Planning During fiscal years 2023–25, the LCMS Foundation distributed more than 9,200 gifts totaling $142.5 million to several thousand Synod organizations. These organizations include our congregations and schools, seminaries, districts, and ministries providing missionary support, rural and urban outreach, housing assistance, and much more. The gifts the Foundation distributes are a result of the joyful response to God’s love found in the hearts of individuals in our Synod community. These are primarily planned gifts such as endowments, donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, etc., administered by the Foundation and distributed to ministry after the donor was called to their heavenly home. To carry out this work, 20 gift planning counselors are located across the United States. They assist individuals and families in creating comprehensive estate plans to support family and ministry with the very best gifts. Over the past three years, God truly blessed the work of these 20 gift planning counselors; they helped donors create new gift plans (comprised mostly of future, “planned gifts” to ministry, but also often including immediate gifts as well) totaling more than $459 million.
Transfer the Blessings
Investments and donations are accepted to allow church workers to focus on their calling to preach, teach, and serve with their whole hearts. Together in faith, we’re making a lasting impact on the lives of those who serve Him.
Transfer the Blessings, the Foundation’s gift planning ministry to LCMS congregations, continues to demonstrate its value in assisting LCMS donors in creating their Lifetime Plan for Giving. The ministry pairs a Foundation gift planning counselor with a congregation to work directly and intentionally with members in establishing their charitable Christian estate plans. Transfer the Blessings builds upon the relationship members have with their congregations to produce a broader approach to giving that provides resources to the church beyond weekly offerings.
Hot Chalk, Inc. Litigation Update
Investment Services
On Sept. 19, 2025, LCEF executed a settlement with plaintiff Hot Chalk, Inc. and other parties by which Hot Chalk agreed, upon payment of an agreed settlement amount, to execute a release of all claims against LCEF, after which the lawsuit was dismissed. The settlement amount is required to remain confidential, but in the
Ministries that receive significant gifts from donors or that already possess sizable assets can benefit by working with the Foundation to invest those gifts for future growth. The Foundation presently manages $1.6 billion in investment and trust assets on behalf of more than 650 Synod organizations.
At LCEF, we’re committed to supporting those who dedicate their lives to serving the Church. The CWLP provides affordable loans, giving LCMS church workers opportunities like home ownership and debt consolidation while easing financial stress.
By managing assets collectively for the church, the Foundation offers access to Synod congregations and ministry organizations to a sophisticated, diversified investment model at a low cost. A variety of investment options are available to help meet ministry needs relating to investment timeline and risk tolerance, and to best help those ministries accomplish their long-term goals.