THE ZION FOUNDATION: LEAVING A LEGACY

The Zion Foundation was established in 1987. The primary goal of the Foundation is to expand the mission of the congregation by providing a place for members and friends of Zion Lutheran Church to leave a legacy gift that will continue to make a difference beyond their lifetime.

The Zion Foundation is governed by an eight member Board. The Foundation’s investment funds are held in trust and only the interest income is distributed in grants. Currently grants of over $40,000 are awarded each year. The investment fund is managed by the Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA.

GRANTS FOR MISSION

Grants are awarded by the Zion Foundation each year to four mission areas. Grant recipients include Zion’s ministries and programs, as well as local and global organizations. The four mission areas are: Youth Development and Education, National and Global Missions, Local Causes and Community Services, and Lutheran Legacy.

Youth Development and Education

These grants are awarded to programs within Zion and the community that encourage youth discipleship and leadership. Recent grant recipients include:

• Zion’s Summer College Intern Program
• Zion’s Pre-K
• Zion’s High School Mission Trips
• YMCA After School Program
• Hope 4 Youth of Anoka County
• Minneapolis Area Synod Summer Youth Program
• Youth First of Anoka County

National and Global Missions

These grants are awarded to other Christian non-profit groups or Zion ministries that serve the Global community. Recent recipients include:

• Lutheran Church of South Sudan (for Missionary Housing)
• Global Health Ministries
• Zion’s Rachel Circle Peace Conference
• Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry
• Nicaraguan Partnership Visit

Local Causes and Community Services

These grants are awarded to programs or social service organizations that serve persons with financial, material, emotional, or spiritual need. Recent grant recipients include:

• Family Promise of Anoka County (for families experiencing homelessness)
• The Gathering Respite Program (for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia)
• Stepping Stone Emergency Housing

Lutheran Legacy

These grants are awarded to projects or organizations that promote leadership development within the Lutheran community, including Zion Lutheran Church. Recent recipients include:

• Lutheran Seminary students (who are members of Zion Lutheran Church)
• Zion’s JOYA Music Series
• 500th Anniversary of the Reformation Speakers for Zion Adult Education
• The National Lutheran Choir
• Zion’s History/Legacy Project

WAYS OF CONTRIBUTING TO THE ZION FOUNDATION

• There are many ways to give to the Zion Foundation:
• A cash gift to honor or memorialize a loved one or to celebrate a special occasion
• A gift of real estate or personal property
• A gift of stocks or mutual funds
• A gift through your will or trust
• A gift by naming the Foundation as beneficiary of an insurance policy
• A gift through estate planning, utilizing a charitable gift annuity or as a charitable trust.
• A gift through retirement plan assets (IRA’s, 401(k), etc.