LSTC receives Immanuel Vision Foundation grants

In June, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) received a grant of $185,000 from the Immanuel Vision Foundation (IVF). It was an accelerated payment of the remainder of a three-year, $225,000 grant plus an additional grant of $35,000 to support LSTC during the COVID-19 crisis.

“IVF gives new meaning to the old saying, ‘A friend in need is a friend indeed.’ Soon after LSTC shut down its campus and moved both classes and most of its operations online, IVF reached out to us to discuss ways they could help,” said William Myatt, director of philanthropic engagement. “They listened to the needs the school and our students were facing and offered to accelerate payment of the grant. Then they offered LSTC additional grants! We are extremely grateful for IVF’s generosity to ensure LSTC can fulfill its mission.”

The original three-year grant of $225,000 supported contextual education: yearlong internships, Ministry in Context part-time placements in congregations, and the Public Church Fellows program which pairs students with local nonprofit organizations.

“IVF models the kind of leadership LSTC teaches its students,” said Sandra Nelson, vice president for advancement. “They took the lead to learn the needs of our community during the Covid-19 crisis and they responded generously. That is what we train our students to do in the places they will serve.”

LSTC has a long history in Nebraska and Iowa, IVF’s areas of geographic interest. Central Lutheran Seminary of Fremont, Neb., merged with LSTC in 1967. From the start of the ELCA, the Nebraska Synod and all three Iowa synods have provided financial Support to LSTC. The seminary is a founding partner and remains active in Lutheran Giving of Nebraska. Each summer, until 2020, LSTC students and faculty have traveled to Nebraska for a rural immersion, learning from congregation and community leaders. Nearly every year several LSTC students do their internship year in Nebraska and Iowa congregations and many alumni serve congregations in those states.

About the Immanuel Vision Foundation

Immanuel Vision Foundation offers financial support to non-profit charitable organizations whose purpose aligns with its mission to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of seniors; respond to the needs in community health; and support the ministry of the Church. It focuses on supporting organizations that serve the geographic areas of Nebraska and select counties in Iowa. IVF is a ministry of Immanuel, a leader in serving seniors and the Omaha community since 1887. Guided by the Nebraska Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Immanuel is Nebraska’s leader in senior housing and services.

Contact

Sandra Nelson Vice President of Advancement 773-256-0676 sandra.nelson@lstc.edu