Lutheran Elementary School Association – Providing Priceless Gifts

At this time of year our thoughts tend to turn toward gifts. Despite the intensity of our search for perfect presents, few have any lasting impact. The gift of increased financial sustainability is an enduring one that YouthBridge Community Foundation of Greater St. Louis aims to provide to our region’s nonprofit community, year over year. Beyond making multi-year, general operating grants to youth- and family- serving agencies in the St. Louis region, YouthBridge also provides endowment funds to help generate income for operations, programs, unexpected expenses, or longer-term initiatives. Through technical assistance and matching grants made possible by the YouthBridge policy to repurpose 100% of admin fees for discretionary grants, YouthBridge helps endowment clients, also known as Agency Fund Partners, maximize their endowments and achieve the goal of solid financial footing.

While financial sustainability is one example of an impactful gift, another is education. Quality education is one of the most precious gifts a child can receive, and it can also be one of the most costly.

One YouthBridge Agency Fund Partner, Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA), delivers that gift for students at 33 elementary schools. The LESA vision of an academically excellent Lutheran Christian education being a realistic choice for all children is achieved by providing financial resources for children in need, regardless of their faith. Today, 12% of all Lutheran elementary school students in the greater St. Louis area receive tuition assistance from LESA.

How does LESA manage this? Like many other nonprofits, the agency holds annual fundraisers, but LESA’s leaders understand that focusing on endowments leads to long-term sustainability. LESA established the Bradley Bunte Scholarship Endowment Fund with YouthBridge in 2014. While an organizationally-funded endowment was already established, the Bunte Scholarship Fund was LESA’s first fund established and named by a donor. YouthBridge helps maximize the endowment in a few ways: by providing access to low-cost, high-quality investment solutions; by providing matched dollars annually when contributions are made; by helping to promote the endowment to potential donors; and by supporting educational opportunities focused on growing endowments. According to Libby Gutberlet, CEO of LESA, the various training programs offered by YouthBridge are very much appreciated.

LESA’s board understands the importance of continued, disciplined investing in its endowment. Libby explained, “The fact that YouthBridge provides matching dollars for gifts to their endowment is a huge catalyst for donors.” LESA shares the impact of endowments with their donors and how leveraging them has allowed LESA to disburse almost as much annually as they raise. Many endowments are established by estates after a death, but LESA promotes creating the endowment while the benefactor is alive. The impact of a donor seeing and enjoying the effect of their gift is immense. And the family can pass the joy of giving down to their children as well.

This year Lutheran Elementary School Association celebrates 20 years. According to Libby, plans for the next 20 years include an even more strategic focus on endowments, promoting unrestricted funds. “Family Legacy” endowments for scholarship support are important, but Libby is quick to point out that contributing to a YouthBridge endowment can provide even broader opportunities. “Needs in education are always changing so the ability to have undesignated funds provides necessary flexibility. If endowment funds are designated to a particular school or program, our hands will be tied should needs be greater elsewhere. YouthBridge is a wonderful partner in helping us communicate and execute this principle.”

This wondrous time of year, rather than fighting the crowds vying for that trending toy (that will be set aside in a couple of days, if not hours) or waiting anxiously for the delivery driver to arrive in time, think about giving a gift that will have a greater impact. Contact YouthBridge to explore how you might support and sustain the amazing work led by our many Agency Fund and community partners.

Happy Holidays!

 

YouthBridge connects donors with community needs. If you are interested in learning more about how we can make charitable giving easier for you, please contact Michele Mosley.