Lutheran Housing Support receives $15,000 grant

The LCMS National Housing Support Corporation, which does business as Lutheran Housing Support, recently received a grant from the Thrivent Financial Foundation.

The first of two homes to be built in St. Louis’ College Hill neighborhood in 2013 are indicative of the way the LCMS National Housing Support Corporation works with LCMS congregations and others to rebuild communities. A new matching grant from the Thrivent Financial Foundation to the corporation supports such collaborative work. (Dan Gill)

Through the grant, the Thrivent Financial Foundation will match 50 cents for every dollar that Lutheran Housing Support raises through the end of 2015, up to $15,000. Matching dollars are available only for first gifts of record to Lutheran Housing Support, renewed gifts from donors who have not made a gift in the past 24 months, and the increase on gifts from current donors.

The purpose of the grant is to strengthen Lutheran Housing Support’s ability to raise funds in support of national community-development programs conducted by Synod entities and partners.

“We are very grateful for the Thrivent Financial Foundation’s support of our work to engage LCMS congregations, social ministry organizations, districts and their partner organizations in community development work that meets the bodily needs of our neighbors and opens doors for the spreading of the Gospel,” said Nicole Ridley, chief executive officer of Lutheran Housing Support. “Thrivent’s match will help further our ability to recruit and retain new stakeholders and partners in these efforts.”

The grant is part of the foundation’s “Lutheran Grant Program,” which assists Lutheran organizations and those they serve in achieving economic security and sustainability. In 2013, the program distributed close to $2 million in grants.

“We trust that this support will strengthen Lutheran Housing Support’s outreach to those it serves,” said Richard Kleven, vice-president of the Thrivent Financial Foundation.

Posted Oct. 3, 2014