Posts tagged ELCA Foundation
Generosity into Legacy: ELCA Foundation Report for Synod Assembly
Generosity into Legacy: ELCA Foundation Report for Synod Assembly

The ELCA Foundation helps individuals and congregations turn generosity into lasting ministry through gift planning, endowments, and faithful stewardship. In 2025 alone, the Foundation helped generate over $205 million in gifts and investment assets while supporting congregations and ministries across the ELCA.

As the 2026 Synod Assembly approaches, explore how this work—guided locally by Lisa Marie Higginbotham—is building a culture of generosity that sustains the church now and into the future.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Assembly Stories, ELCA FoundationComment
Resurrection Lutheran Church and the ELCA Foundation Model Sustainable Ministry
Resurrection Lutheran Church and the ELCA Foundation Model Sustainable Ministry

In this video report for our 2026 assembly, see how the ELCA Foundation is partnering with Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley and the Grand Canyon Synod to nurture a spirit of generosity that will last for generations. Watch the video Grounded in Grace, Growing in Generosity, featuring Pastor Tim Nybroten, Rev. Dan Potaznick, and ELCA Foundation planner Lisa Marie Higginbotham, and learn how faithful giving strengthens the future of the church.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGCS Stewardship Team, Stewardship, ELCA Foundation, 2026 Assembly StoriesComment
Generosity That Grows: Resurrection Lutheran Church and the ELCA Foundation Model Sustainable Ministry
Generosity That Grows: Resurrection Lutheran Church and the ELCA Foundation Model Sustainable Ministry

See how the ELCA Foundation is partnering with Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley and the Grand Canyon Synod to nurture a spirit of generosity that will last for generations. Watch the video Grounded in Grace, Growing in Generosity, featuring Pastor Tim Nybroten, Rev. Dan Potaznick, and ELCA Foundation planner Lisa Marie Higginbotham, and learn how faithful giving strengthens the future of the church.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGCS Stewardship Team, Stewardship, ELCA FoundationComment
ELCA Foundation Annual Report: 2025
ELCA Foundation Annual Report: 2025

The ELCA Foundation helped generate nearly $95 million in gifts and assets in 2024, including $13 million directly supporting ELCA congregations. Free gift planning services are available to individuals and ministries through our synod’s regional planner, Lisa Marie Higginbotham. In their 2025 annual report, learn how the Foundation empowers faithful generosity to sustain ministry and mission for generations to come.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Assembly Stories, ELCA Foundation, StewardshipComment
United Lutheran Seminary Moves $100M Endowment to ELCA Foundation for Mission Growth
United Lutheran Seminary Moves $100M Endowment to ELCA Foundation for Mission Growth

United Lutheran Seminary (ULS) has transferred its $100 million endowment to the ELCA Foundation’s Ministry Growth Fund, aligning its financial resources with the church’s mission and socially responsible investment principles. This strategic move ensures long-term, stable support for theological education and leadership formation. The partnership empowers ULS to sustain and expand its mission while benefiting from the ELCA’s proven financial stewardship. Read more in this ELCA News Release.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardUnited Lutheran Seminary, ELCA FoundationComment
Smart Giving in 2024: Tax-Savvy Ways to Support ELCA Ministries
Smart Giving in 2024: Tax-Savvy Ways to Support ELCA Ministries

Want to make the most of your generosity this year? The ELCA Foundation offers smart, tax-advantaged giving strategies to maximize your impact while providing financial benefits. From stock donations to charitable trusts, there are creative ways to give that align with your financial goals. Learn more and connect with Lisa Higginbotham for personalized guidance.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Foundation, StewardshipComment
Make a Difference Before 2024 Ends: Tax-Savvy Giving Options for Lutherans
Make a Difference Before 2024 Ends: Tax-Savvy Giving Options for Lutherans

Looking to make a difference and save on taxes before 2024 ends? Discover smart ways to give that benefit both you and the ELCA ministries you care about. From simple cash donations to leveraging appreciated securities, gift annuities, and IRA contributions, these giving options can maximize your impact. Contact Lisa Marie Higginbotham, our Regional Gift Planner, to explore how you can contribute meaningfully this holiday season.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Foundation, StewardshipComment
Supporting ELCA Ministries: Giving Strategies for 2024 and Beyond
Supporting ELCA Ministries: Giving Strategies for 2024 and Beyond

As 2024 draws to a close, the ELCA Foundation is offering a range of impactful and tax-advantaged ways to support ministries that matter to you. From IRA distributions to gifts of appreciated securities, there are options to maximize your giving while reducing taxes. Key deadlines for year-end gifts are fast approaching, so now is the time to act. Looking ahead, new opportunities like increased QCD limits in 2025 offer even more flexibility for generosity. Learn more about these strategies and contact Lisa Higginbotham for personalized guidance. Read the full newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, ELCA FoundationComment
Supporting ELCA Ministries: Giving Strategies for 2024 and Beyond
Supporting ELCA Ministries: Giving Strategies for 2024 and Beyond

As 2024 draws to a close, the ELCA Foundation is offering a range of impactful and tax-advantaged ways to support ministries that matter to you. From IRA distributions to gifts of appreciated securities, there are options to maximize your giving while reducing taxes. Key deadlines for year-end gifts are fast approaching, so now is the time to act. Looking ahead, new opportunities like increased QCD limits in 2025 offer even more flexibility for generosity. Learn more about these strategies and contact Lisa Higginbotham for personalized guidance. Read the full newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, ELCA FoundationComment
Living Christ’s Legacy: A Seed of Hope for Future Leaders
Living Christ’s Legacy: A Seed of Hope for Future Leaders

Living Christ Lutheran Church in Flagstaff has left a lasting legacy with the creation of the Living Christ Leadership Endowment, a fund to support future ELCA leaders. Established with $598,000, the endowment is dedicated to training and equipping seminary students, pastors, deacons, and lay leaders, especially those in the Grand Canyon Synod. Contributions to the fund are welcome through various giving options. Join us in carrying forward Living Christ’s mission of love and hope, ensuring that future leaders are empowered to serve and lead in faith.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Foundation, Stewardship, Living Christ Leadership EndowmentComment
ELCA Foundation: National Estate Planning Month is here
ELCA Foundation: National Estate Planning Month is here

October is National Estate Planning Awareness Month, a perfect time to reflect on your legacy and ensure your future wishes are clearly outlined. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy — it’s for everyone who wants to protect their loved ones, ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes, and avoid unnecessary stress down the road.

Please reach out to Lisa Higginbotham or your regional gift planner if you have any questions or would like to schedule a meeting. Together, we can create a charitable plan that gives you peace of mind, cares for loved ones, and ensures the continuation of God’s work in the world for years to come.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Foundation, StewardshipComment
Guarding the Gift: How Estate Planning Extends Your Ministry Beyond This Life
Guarding the Gift: How Estate Planning Extends Your Ministry Beyond This Life

In this reflection, Pastor Mike Girlinghouse, Interim Chaplain at LCM Canterbury in Flagstaff, shares how estate planning serves as an act of faithful stewardship, allowing us to bless ministries and loved ones even after we’re gone. Inspired by 2 Timothy 1:12-14, we are reminded of the importance of entrusting our lives and resources to God’s care.

Read Pastor Girlinghouse’s devotion about the impact of planned giving and how to secure your legacy through trusts and wills. Interested in setting up an estate plan? Contact the Office of the Bishop at gcsynod.org/contact.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, GCS Stewardship Team, ELCA FoundationComment
Plan for the Future: Estate Planning Tools and Tips from the ELCA Foundation
Plan for the Future: Estate Planning Tools and Tips from the ELCA Foundation

August is National Make-a-Will Month—a perfect time to review and update your estate plans. The ELCA Foundation provides essential resources to guide you through every step, ensuring your values and priorities are honored. Explore tools like Giving Docs, learn about the benefits of a trust, and consider supporting an ELCA ministry as part of your legacy.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Foundation, Lisa HigginbothamComment
Support Your Synod and Save on Taxes: A Special IRA Opportunity
Support Your Synod and Save on Taxes: A Special IRA Opportunity

Discover how you can make a difference and save on taxes with an IRA charitable rollover. If you’re 70½ or older, this special opportunity allows you to give up to $105,000 from your IRA directly to a qualified charity, like your ELCA congregation or the Grand Canyon Synod, without paying income taxes on the amount. Connect with Lisa Higginbotham, our Regional Gift Planner, to learn more about this impactful and tax-efficient way to support the ministries you care about.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, GCS Stewardship Team, ELCA FoundationComment
Unveiling the 2023 ELCA Foundation Annual Report: A Year of Growth and Generosity
Unveiling the 2023 ELCA Foundation Annual Report: A Year of Growth and Generosity

Explore the ELCA Foundation’s latest strides toward intentional generosity and financial stewardship in the newest issue of “Insights.” This edition includes the expanded 2023 annual report, featuring both gift planning and investment services. Learn about their new Vice President of Advancement role and find inspiring articles on leaving a legacy. Engage with the full content for more details and updates.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Foundation, StewardshipComment
Why Your Legacy Gift Matters
Why Your Legacy Gift Matters

Legacy gifts provide a unique opportunity to support your congregation and the Grand Canyon Synod for generations to come. Unlike direct donations, legacy gifts do not affect your current finances and allow you to honor your lifelong commitment to your faith community. Partner with Lisa Higginbotham from the ELCA Foundation to explore tax-efficient, impactful giving options that reflect your values and devotion.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Foundation, StewardshipComment
Legacy of Love: How One ELCA Member’s Estate Planning is Extending Her Husband’s Legacy
Legacy of Love: How One ELCA Member’s Estate Planning is Extending Her Husband’s Legacy

The ELCA Foundation's latest edition of "Insights" brings opportunities and tools for supporters to enhance their contributions to the church's vibrant ministries. Highlighting the rise in charitable gift annuity rates, the introduction of a new estate-planning resource, and inspiring stories of legacy, the newsletter underscores the impact of thoughtful giving.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, ELCA FoundationComment