Funding
Growing the Body of Christ
...by investing in Lutheran leaders, ministries, and evangelism.
Geographic Focus: We accept grant applications in this funding priority from within the state of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Desired outcomes:
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Short Term: Existing congregations receive financial support to sustain operations in under-resourced communities
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Intermediate: Strong leaders sustain and grow the future church
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Long Term: New models, research and innovation are deployed to grow the Body of Christ
We strive to support:
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Investing in Church Leaders through Seminary and Continuing Education
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Lay Leadership Development in Multi-cultural Contexts
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Encouraging Next Generation Ministries, e.g. Millennials and Gen Z
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Catalyzing Innovation and New Models
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Supporting New Lutheran Mission Start-ups
Siebert Lutheran Foundation also funds:
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Educating while Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ
...by funding high-performing Lutheran-affiliated schools and other education programs that provide children and youth in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities a path to Christ-centered academic success, empowerment and hope for themselves and future generations.
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Geographic Focus: We accept grant applications in this funding priority from within Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Kenosha counties only.
Desired outcomes:
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Short Term: Children and youth receive education and family support in a Christ-filled environment in order to perform at basic levels.
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Intermediate: Children and youth have access to the transforming power of Christ through Lutheran schools with high standards of excellence for teachers and academics.
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Long Term: Children receive a high-quality education, develop strong Christian values, and envision a future filled with hope.
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We strive to support:
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Early Childhood Education
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Elementary and Middle School Education
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High School Education
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Student and Family Support Services
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Prep for College, Careers and Jobs
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Preparing Christian Urban Teachers
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Serving as the Hands and Feet of Christ
...by supporting effective strategies at Lutheran churches and church-affiliated organizations to meet the basic short-term needs of disadvantaged people, and to create pathways toward greater self-sufficiency and empowerment for all people.
Geographic Focus: We accept grant applications in this funding priority from within Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Kenosha counties only.
Desired outcomes:
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Short Term: Individuals have basic human needs met through Lutheran faith-based programs.
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Intermediate: Individuals feel empowered and are making progress toward self-sufficiency and are growing in their connection to Christ.
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Long Term: Communities and congregations are working together to solve problems.
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We strive to support:
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Lutheran Site-based Food Ministries
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Urban Neighborhood Outreach, and Health and Wellness Ministries
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Youth Development Ministries
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Adult Learning Opportunities
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English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs
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Prison and Reentry Ministries
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Jobs, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development
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Congregation-based Community Development
Print a one-sheet overview of Siebert Lutheran Foundation's strategic plan and funding priorities​.
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Why is Siebert Lutheran Foundation now working with donors and prospective donors like me?We believe greater resources will grow the Kingdom and glorify God and we want to help you increase your impact by leveraging over four decades of grant-making expertise and in-depth knowledge of the Lutheran Church and affiliated ministries . At our core, we cultivate a sense of community, uniting like-minded Christian philanthropists who want to be responsible stewards of God’s financial gifts.
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What are the benefits of partnering with Siebert (versus what I’m already doing)?Siebert brings knowledge, relationships and evaluation capabilities that few, if any, Christian funders can replicate. Since 1976, Siebert has granted $135 million to Lutheran-affiliated organizations, primarily in Wisconsin and affected countless lives for Christ.
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What is Siebert’s asset level?At the end of 2023, Siebert had $118 million in its portfolio. Granting approximately $4 million per year, Siebert has consistently been listed as one of the most active Milwaukee-area foundations.
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What are Siebert’s priorities?Siebert focuses on three important funding priorities: Growing the Body of Christ … by investing in Lutheran leaders, ministries, congregations, and innovative evangelism in Wisconsin. Educating while Sharing the Gospel … by funding high-performing Lutheran-affiliated schools in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities within Milwaukee, Kenosha, Racine, and Waukesha Counties. Serving as the Hands and Feet of Christ … by supporting effective strategies at Lutheran churches and organizations to meet the basic short-term needs of disadvantaged people, and to create pathways toward greater self-sufficiency and empowerment in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities within Milwaukee, Kenosha, Racine, and Waukesha Counties.
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What kinds of gifts does Siebert accept?Aside from cash gifts, you may give from an IRA, give mutual funds or stocks, or give through your will or estate plan. You may also contact us to learn how we can help you give from your Donor Advised Fund directly to a Siebert grantee.
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What is the minimum gift that Siebert will accept?Siebert is focused on growing your Gospel impact, so a donor can offer a gift of any size!
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What are gifts I can give right now?Use appreciated assets - Stocks, bonds, mutual funds - Privately held business interests or partnerships - Appreciated real estate Give a gift and receive an income back with a charitable trust Give part or all of a Required Minimum Distribution from an IRA (directly to a Siebert grantee) Make a Gift from your Donor Advised Fund (directly to a Siebert grantee) Give a pass-through grant to programs and organizations that align with one or more of Siebert’s three Gospel-focused priorities and mission Participate in our innovative Collaborators’ Event: join with others to increase your collective impact.
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What are gifts I can give through my estate?Gifts through a Will Gifts through Contracts—add Siebert as a beneficiary to a life insurance policy or an IRA (or 401(K) or 403(b) plan).
Our Geographic Service Area
Growing the Body of Christ – All of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Educating while sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ & Serving as the Hands and Feet of Christ – Only the following counties:
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Milwaukee
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Waukesha
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Racine
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Kenosha