Jesus asked his followers to "love thy neighbor as thyself", and then proclaimed "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35)
*Grant Requests are accepted January 1st through March 31st each year*
Memorial Lutheran Church of Afton has established an Endowment Fund to focus the donation and gifts of its members and the surrounding community.
The fund is overseen by the Endowment Fund Committee whose responsibility it is to wisely apply annual grant awards to religious, charitable, or educational efforts. This is done by receiving grant requests and giving awards grants each spring.
By using only its earnings and limiting itself to no more than 5% of the total balance, the fund is able to continue to provide a permanent source of annual awards to community and church efforts.
Applications
All are welcome to submit a grant request, both church members and non-church members. The one-page application form asks for the requester to describe how the project or ministry fits into the three categories of Endowment Fund giving; religious, charitable, or educational. We welcome your ideas which will allow the church to expand the ways in which it shares the love of God through our congregation, community, and around the world. You can complete the application online below, or DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION HERE.
Religious Giving
The Endowment Fund is able to award grants to faith-based organizations nearby and around the world. The fund is also able to award gifts that support the ministry of Memorial Lutheran by funding efforts or programs that are above and beyond the day-to-day ministry and budget needs of the church. These gifts can enable churches and other organizations to teach, serve and equip disciples of Jesus Christ and support people in their own journey of faith.
Charitable Giving
The tradition of generous giving is as old as Lutheranism itself. Long ago, Martin Luther called upon the newly reformed church to establish a common chest from which food, clothing, and other necessities could be distributed to people in need. The Endowment fund has given gifts to support many area and international charities in hopes to help with the needs of God’s people around the world.
Educational Giving
The Endowment fund has two avenues from which support can be given to people seeking education. First, from the general Endowment fund monies may be given to those seeking a Lutheran seminary education in hopes of serving the church of Christ as their profession. Second, the Endowment fund has recently (January 2019) established a tuition support policy. This policy allows the Endowment fund committee to set aside 10% of that year’s disbursement people pursuing education advancement.