Lutheran Services in America Kicks off Reformation Celebrations with Launch of Three-Year Fundraising Campaign

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Lutheran Services in America (LSA), a network of more than 300 health and human services organizations in thousands of communities nationwide, has announced the launch of the LSA 20-500 Fund Circle. This multi-year campaign culminates in celebrations observing the 20th anniversary of LSA and the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, both celebrated in 2017.

The funding supports LSA efforts to build a sustainable future for Lutheran social ministry so it can continue to grow and thrive as a collective network. LSA is one of the largest health and human services networks in the country, serving 1 in 50 Americans every year.

"The LSA 20-500 Fund Circle is igniting the flame for our new strategic vision," said Charlotte Haberaecker, president and CEO, Lutheran Services in America. "This Fund will light the path forward for a network of strong, connected, and thriving Lutheran social ministries." 

LSA's goal is to raise $500,000 for the Fund by the close of LSA's 2017 fiscal year. LSA invited members to participate in the Fund as organizations by paying more than their annual membership dues. Thanks to the generosity of nearly 40 member organizations, we have commitments for over $250,000, more than half of the $500,000 goal.

Now, individuals are invited to support the work of Lutheran social ministry via the LSA 20-500 Fund Circle. In support of the LSA 20-500 Fund Circle, LSA has received a challenge grant from the Thrivent Financial Foundation. The challenge grant will match $1 for every $1 raised by LSA from individual contributors, up to $25,000 between October 1, 2014, and June 30, 2017. The Thrivent Financial Foundation will provide a second grant of $25,000 upon successful completion of the first grant challenge.

"LSA is extremely appreciative of Thrivent's support," said Haberaecker. "Thrivent Financial and the Thrivent Financial Foundation have long been ardent supporters of Lutheran social ministry and our health and human services organizations. We are on a mission to expand the reach of Lutheran social ministry and securing the life-changing work of the LSA network of more than 300 social services providers for generations to come."

"We are delighted to assist Lutheran Services in America through this grant," said Rick Kleven, vice president of the Thrivent Financial Foundation. "We support LSA's important mission and look forward to our ongoing work with Lutheran social ministries as they continue to transform the lives of people and communities."

Lutheran Services in America champions Lutheran social ministry by building valuable connections and empowering our member organizations in their mission to answer God's call to love and serve their neighbors. This network of Lutheran social ministries seeks to positively transform the lives of people and communities.

To contribute to the Fund or learn more, visit www.lutheranservices.org.

About Lutheran Services in America
Lutheran Services in America (LSA) is one of the largest health and human services networks in the country with more than 300 members that provide a broad range of critical services from health care to children and family services, senior services, disaster relief, refugee services, disability support, housing, and employment support, among others. Collectively, LSA members serve 1 in 50 Americans each year in thousands of communities across the United States and are open to all regardless of their religious affiliation or social or economic background. LSA is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS). To learn more, please visit www.lutheranservices.org or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

About Thrivent Financial
Thrivent Financial is a financial services organization that helps Christians be wise with money and live generously. As a membership organization, it offers its nearly 2.4 million member-owners a broad range of products, services and guidance from financial representatives nationwide. For more than a century it has helped members make wise money choices that reflect their values while providing them opportunities to demonstrate their generosity where they live, work and worship. For more information, visit Thrivent.com/why. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Lutheran Services in America