Matching Gift Opportunities
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod • Mission Advancement
These matching opportunities are open to those without a prior history of giving to the LCMS:
Together As Synod (Unrestricted)
First-time gifts matched up to $25,000
March 31, 2021 — A steadfast friend of the LCMS has made it possible for any gift for the general support of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (unrestricted) from an individual, family, organization, foundation or congregation who is giving their first-ever donation to the LCMS (e.g. has no prior record of a gift to the LCMS and is a first-time donor) to be matched dollar-for-dollar by a generous friend, up to a maximum of $25,000.
The window for this new-donor matching opportunity expires Nov. 30, 2021, or when the full $25,000 matching challenge is claimed in first-time gifts.
Learn more about why unrestricted gifts are so important today.
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Global Mission Fund
First-time gifts matched up to $25,000
March 31, 2021 — A steadfast friend of the LCMS has made it possible for any gift for the overall global mission efforts of the LCMS (Global Mission Fund) from an individual, family, organization, foundation or congregation who is giving their first-ever donation to the LCMS (e.g. has no prior record of a gift to the LCMS and is a first-time donor) to be matched dollar-for-dollar by a generous friend, up to a maximum of $25,000.
The window for this new-donor matching opportunity expires Nov. 30, 2021, or when the full $25,000 matching challenge is claimed in first-time gifts. Global Mission dollars are shared by both the Office of International Mission and the Office of National Mission.
A Global Mission Fund gift can support witness, mercy (humanitarian) and life together efforts wherever the financial need or ministry opportunity is greatest as determined by Board-approved budgeted priorities. It cannot be used for work outside of the Office of International Mission or Office of National Mission.
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National Mission (General Support)
First-time gifts matched up to $25,000
March 31, 2021 — A steadfast friend of the LCMS has made it possible for any gift for the overall support of National Mission (general, where needed most) from an individual, family, organization, foundation or congregation who is giving their first-ever donation to the LCMS (e.g. has no prior record of a gift to the LCMS and is a first-time donor) to be matched dollar-for-dollar by a generous friend, up to a maximum of $25,000.
The window for this new-donor matching opportunity expires Nov. 30, 2021, or when the full $25,000 matching challenge is claimed in first-time gifts.
Give now
LCMS Joint Seminary Fund
First-time gifts matched up to $25,000
March 31, 2021 — Any gift to the LCMS Joint Seminary Fund from an individual, family, organization, foundation or congregation who is giving their first-ever donation to the LCMS (e.g. has no prior record of a gift to the LCMS and is a first-time donor) will be matched dollar-for-dollar by a generous friend, up to a maximum of $25,000.
The window for this matching opportunity expires Nov. 30, 2021, or when the full $25,000 matching challenge is claimed in first-time gifts.
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The matching opportunities below are open to both current contributors as well as those without a prior record of giving:
Global Seminary Initiative: International Student Scholarships
Gifts matched up to $175,000
A friend of the LCMS is again matching contributions directed to the Global Seminary Initiative’s International Student Scholarships component. Donations in any amount up to $175,000 are eligible for this opportunity, until the available matching funds are fully claimed.
Donations will be matched if given to the LCMS (to be split equally between the two LCMS seminaries) or mailed to the seminary you personally prefer.
This collaborative annual campaign by the LCMS, Concordia Theological Seminary and Concordia Seminary makes it possible for qualified, approved international students to pursue advanced degrees at our world-class seminaries. They can then return home to serve as professors and church leaders in their home county. This kind of theological education is the most requested form of assistance by our 38 partner churches.
To have your gift to the LCMS matched, make your check payable to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and write on the memo line or personal note GSI: International Scholarships (or Account A20178-23078). Or you can donate online by clicking the “Donate” button below.
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To give to a specific seminary, please contact their advancement office directly or visit their website.
International Mission
Gifts matched up to $240,000
April 1, 2021 — Thanks to another friend of the LCMS, contributors (households and organizations) can provide a donation gift for the overall support of International Mission (Account A16150-20480 – general/where needed most) and have their donation matched dollar-for-dollar up to a maximum of $240,000.
This matching opportunity expires when the full $240,000 in matching funds has been claimed by contributors who respond.
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