Founding Legacy Match (Organizations)

Founding Legacy Match for Organizations

Purpose: Celebrate major legacy commitments by providing a special match for transformational contributions of $1 million or more to new endowments.

Geographic Scope: Lutheran churches, schools, and organizations

Key Features:

• For new endowments that start with large contributions of $1 million or more
• Matching funds are paid over 3 years
• Matching grants are genuine investments, not loans, and never need to be repaid
• Matching funds must be used to build the endowment, not spent directly
• Subject to withdrawal policy
• Organizations receiving Founding Legacy Match are NOT eligible for future Accelerator Grants

Eligibility:

• Your organization must be starting a new endowment fund with LLF
• Initial gift must be $1 million or more
• Organization will need to raise a portion of the initial gift from community
• Lutheran churches, schools, and organizations

What They Fund:

• Establishment of major endowment funds
• Long-term sustainability of transformational ministry commitments

Contact Information:

• Address: 513 South Main Street, P.O. Box 31, Paris, IL 61944
• Phone: 217-463-8202
• Email: Info@LutheranLegacyFoundation.org
• Website: lutheranlegacyfoundation.org

Background:
The Clara & Spencer Werner Foundation was established to assist Lutheran churches, schools, and organizations. Today, its successor, the Clara & Spencer Werner Donor Advised Fund (managed by Lutheran Legacy Foundation), primarily provides matching grants to help create and grow endowments. LLF manages over $80 million in assets with 250+ active organization funds.

Application Process

1. Step 1 — Easy Application
   • Fill out a simple application with information about your ministry, your funding goals, and your initial investment
   • Indicate that you have a transformational gift of $1 million or more
   • Contact LLF to apply
2. Step 2 — LLF Matching Grants Review
   • LLF reviews your application and confirms match eligibility
   • Confirms 3-year payment schedule
3. Step 3 — Growth & Distribution
   • Once your fund is established, it begins growing and generating annual support for your ministry
   • Matching funds are distributed over 3-year period

Required Information:

• Information about your ministry
• Funding goals
• Initial investment amount (must be $1 million or more)
• Confirmation that a portion of the initial gift comes from community

Important Notes:

• Organizations receiving Founding Legacy Match are NOT eligible for future Accelerator Grants
• If unsure whether your organization qualifies, LLF is happy to walk you through the process