Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why did the Foundation select these new funding focus areas?
Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis provides financial support (grants) to area congregations and organizations that, in turn, provide the skill, expertise, and care needed to positively impact the lives of hurting people. In 2008, the Foundation’s Board of Directors approved a new strategic funding plan to guide our efforts over the next five years. The plan reflects the Board’s desire to strategically focus our resources to address critical community needs. This has resulted in the development of five funding focus areas:

 

These new funding focus areas complement and build on the Foundation’s rich heritage of improving the care of people by supporting people of faith, particularly Lutherans, as they engage in social service outreach ministry efforts. Further, the areas address clear, measurable community needs and will allow the Foundation to better understand and determine our own community impact.

My organization does not address one of the Foundation’s five funding focus areas. Does this mean we are not eligible for funding?
Lutheran Foundation appreciates the important services provided by congregations and organizations in our community. Building on our Christian foundation, we are committing our plans to the Lord and focusing our philanthropic efforts in five areas that address clear, measurable community needs that allow us to better understand and determine our community impact. Organizations seeking funding should address one of the five funding focus areas identified.

I noticed that grant applications are not available for the new Christian Voluntarism funding focus area. Why?
Lutheran Foundation has set a goal of increasing the number of Christian individuals engaged in social ministry efforts, thereby positively impacting the hurting lives of those helped and the spiritual life of the volunteer and congregation. A collaboration of organizations has been established, with Send Me St. Louis serving as the lead coordinator of this effort. A limited amount of funding will be available to support organizations working with Send Me St. Louis on an invitation-only basis.

When do you expect to finalize the goals, funding interests, and outcomes for the new Lutheran Education funding focus area?
Lutheran Foundation is continuing to research this important community need and expects to finalize this funding focus area in early 2009. Information will be shared with area Lutheran churches and schools at that time and posted on our website.

When are grants awarded?
Grants are awarded three times per year based on the following schedule:

Application Deadlines Board Decision Dates
April 1 June 30
August 1 October 31
December 1 February 28

 

When the application deadline falls on a weekend, the deadline is extended to the following Monday. Proposals must be received by the Foundation (not post-marked) by the stated deadline. In fairness to all, the Foundation does not extend deadlines for any reason.

What are grant requests typically discouraged for?
Proposals are typically discouraged for, unless invited by the Foundation's board and staff: deficit financing; specific individuals; unrestricted grants; events, workshops, or seminars; and media services or training.

Is the Foundation willing to meet with applicants before an application for funding is submitted?
Foundation staff welcomes the opportunity to meet with organizations to learn more about your mission and services. For those interested in submitting an application, a site visit is strongly encouraged as it also provides organizations with an opportunity to learn more about the Foundation's interests. If you would like to schedule a meeting, please contact Melinda K. McAliney, Program Officer/Communications Director, at (314) 231-2244 x2.

Do you have to be Lutheran to apply for funding?
While Lutheran Foundation favors funding requests from Lutheran congregations and organizations, any area church or organization that addresses one or more of the Foundation’s five funding focus areas and complements our mission, vision, and core values may submit an application.

Do you award grants to individuals?
Lutheran Foundation does not provide any funding to individuals. Grants may only be awarded to organizations with a 501(c)3 designation in good standing from the Internal Revenue Service.

Are you related to The Lutheran Foundation in Fort Wayne, Indiana or The LCMS Foundation?
No, Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis is a separate entity. The Lutheran Foundation located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, provides grants to congregations and organizations in that community. For more information, visit their website at www.thelutheranfoundation.org. The LCMS Foundation raises money and supports programs and activities of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. For more information, please visit their website at www.lcmsfoundation.org.  

What are the Foundation's office hours?
The Foundation is open weekdays from 8:00 am - 4:15 pm.

How can I get a copy of the Foundation’s logo?
Lutheran Foundation can provide an electronic copy of our logo for use in grantee newsletters, annual reports, or other publications. Please contact Melinda K. McAliney, Program Officer/Communications Director, for such requests.

Where is the Foundation's office located?
Please note that Lutheran Foundation recently moved from downtown St. Louis.

The Foundation is now located just off of Interstate 170 at
8860 Ladue Road, Suite 200, St. Louis, MO 63124 in the Regions Bank building.

Directions to our office are:

From north St. Louis City: Take Interstate 70 west to Interstate 170 south. Exit at Ladue Road and turn right; pass under I-170. After the first stoplight, take the first right into the building’s parking lot.  (If you come to Hunter Avenue at the second light, you have gone too far.) Pull around to the rear of the building and enter the south entrance. Our office is located on the second floor at the top of the steps.

From north St. Louis County: Take Interstate 270 to Interstate 170 south. Exit at Ladue Road and turn right and pass under I-170. After the first stoplight, take the first right into the building’s parking lot. (If you come to Hunter Avenue at the second light, you have gone too far.) Pull around to the rear of the building and enter the south entrance. Our office is located on the second floor.

From south St. Louis City: Take Interstate 64/40 west to Interstate 170 north. Exit at Ladue Road and turn right.  Immediately turn right into the building’s parking lot. (If you come to Hunter Avenue at the first light, you have gone too far.)  Pull around to the rear of the building and enter the south entrance. Our office is located on the second floor at the top of the steps.

From south St. Louis County: Take Interstate 44 to Hampton north. Take Interstate 64/40 west to Interstate 170 north. Exit at Ladue Road and turn right. Immediately turn right into the building’s parking lot.  (If you come to Hunter Avenue at the first light, you have gone too far.) Pull around to the rear of the building and enter the south entrance.  Our office is located on the second floor at the top of the steps.

From west St. Louis County: Take Interstate 270 north to Interstate 70 east. Take Interstate 170 south. Exit at Ladue Road and turn right and pass under I-170. After the first stoplight, take the first right into the building parking lot. (If you come to Hunter Avenue at the second light, you have gone too far.) Pull around to the rear of the building and enter the south entrance. Our office is located on the second floor.

From Illinois: Take the Poplar Street Bridge (I-64/70/55) and travel west on Interstate 64/40 to Interstate 170 north. Exit at Ladue Road and turn right. Immediately turn right into the building’s parking lot. (If you come to Hunter Avenue at the first light, you have gone too far.) Pull around to the rear of the building and enter the south entrance. Our office is located on the second floor at the top of the steps.

Note for persons with disabilities: Please use the entrance on the north/front side of the building and use the elevator located just inside the doors to the second floor. Turn right and go through one door. Our office is on the right near the end of the hall.

I have additional questions. Who should I contact?
Please contact Melinda K. McAliney, Program Officer/Communications Director, at 314-231-2244 x2.