Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) serves the members, congregations, schools, and rostered church workers of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) church body. When LCEF is blessed with good financial performance, a small portion of its funds may be used for a variety of ministry purposes. These grants were launched in 2016 as The Kaleidoscope Fund, which emphasizes a variety of entities and ministry purposes.
Grants may be used for:
In the last two years, the fund has granted over $1.2 million to 22 different Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod ministries that are related to the expansion, enrichment and energizing of Christ's Church. In 2019, 26 LCMS schools benefited from a total of $832,135 in grant dollars. A map of recipients is available on the funder's website.
Funds may not be used for Ongoing operating costs (including salaries); Operating deficits; Debt payments; or Capital improvement projects
Eligible entities include LCMS congregations (including their early childhood education, K-12 schools and childcare centers); LCEF member districts; Offices of the Synod. Some emphasis for projects located in Missouri, although applicant from any US state will be considered.
Please contact the foundation directly for deadline details.
Funds will be granted in amounts between $25,000 to $250,000.