Lutheran SeniorLife Foundation Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What impact will my contribution make?
  • What is Benevolent Care?
  • Can my gift be earmarked for a specific purpose?
  • May I make a gift in memory of or in honor of someone?
  • Why is annual giving sustaining support important?
  • Are their different levels of annual giving?
  • May I gift a gift of stock or other appreciated property?
  • Does Lutheran SeniorLife have a planned giving program?
  • Is my gift tax deductible?
  • What is Lutheran SeniorLife doing to contain costs?

 What impact will my contribution make?

We believe that everyone wants to know that their hard-earned contributions will make a difference regardless of the size of the donations. Please rest assured that Lutheran SeniorLife puts 100 percent of donations to work for benevolent care or high quality programs and services that enhance the whole person physically, socially, intellectually and spiritually.  

What is Benevolent Care?

In this era of shrinking reimbursements and rising costs, financial resources available to meet human needs are increasingly needed. Your gifts support benevolent care for elders who have outlived their financial resources allowing them to remain living and, if needed, being assisted and cared for within our personal care or skilled nursing living communities at Passavant Retirement Community or St. John Specialty Care Center.

Can my gift be earmarked for a specific purpose?

Yes, your gift can be designated for a specific facility, program or approved project. If you do not designate your gift, we will use it where it is most needed.

Can I make a gift in memory or in honor of someone?

Yes. A gift in honor or memory of a loved one or dear friend is a way to acknowledge your relationship and support what is of special significance to you and those close to you. Just include a note with your gift regarding whom you wish to honor and who should be notified. The Foundation will inform the honoree or inform the family of the person memorialized.

Why is annual giving sustaining support important?

Your gifts will be increasingly more important in the years ahead, especially in the area of benevolent care. Annual giving is one way you can help Lutheran SeniorLife continue its century-old tradition of charitable care and take an active role in strengthening our mission for current and future generations.

Are their different levels of annual giving?

While we need and value every gift, to celebrate our heritage and strengthen our future, Lutheran SeniorLife established the 1893 Founders Society. Donors recognized as members of this annual giving society provide ongoing, essential support to elders served by Lutheran SeniorLife. Annual benefactors are invited to join the 1893 Founders Society as:

  • Cornerstone members: One dollar for each year of ministry since 1893. (e.g. a gift of $118 to $249 in 2011; a gift of $119 to $249 or more in 2012 and so on)
  • Capstone members: $250 - $499 per year
  • Tower members: $500 – 999 per year
  • President’s Council: $1,000 or more per year

Can I give a gift of stock?

Many donors give gifts of stocks, life insurance and even property.

 

Does Lutheran SeniorLife have a planned giving program?

Yes, there are many planned giving options available to benefit both you and Lutheran SeniorLife. We will work with you and your advisors to design a gift plan that best fits your needs. For more information, contact the Lutheran SeniorLife Foundation.

Is my gift tax deductible?

Yes. The Lutheran SeniorLife Foundation is a charitable organization under section 501(3)(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

What is Lutheran SeniorLife doing to contain costs?

At Lutheran SeniorLife, we have pledged to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us. We do this through better coordination among departments for efficient and effective care as well as expanded programs to encourage wellness and healthy lifestyles. Our continuous quality improvement programs allow us to most effectively use our resources and provide dignified, compassionate care.