Donations
Fifty percent of the people who come to the LFS utilize our sliding fee scale. These are individuals or families who don't have or can't use their insurance for counseling. The sliding fee scale takes into account a person or family's income and the number of people who live on that income. This makes services at LFS affordable for everyone who comes.
We are able to offer a sliding scale because of the financial gifts that we receive from people like you. In fact, approximately 40% of our operating income comes from individuals, congregations and organizations. We accept no funding from the state or federal government so our intentionally Christ-centered ministry is not compromised.
When you give a gift to support the LFS ministry, you help someone who could not afford to come otherwise. You help someone who needs to hear the Gospel especially at this time in their life.
Organized as a 501(c)3, all gifts made to support our ministry together are tax deductible as allowed by law.
There are many ways that you can help!
Current Gifts
Donate Online
The secure online link below makes it easy to give your gift online. Your gift can be made in honor or in memory of someone important to you. It can be directed to a specific LFS ministry area or program. You can make a one-time gift, or chose to set up monthly, quarterly or annual recurring gifts. Though not required, this link also allows you to create a profile and select a password, through which you can manage your giving directly, making changes as desired over time. You can also review your giving history and print your own receipt any time.
Cash Gifts
Send your tax deductible gift by check to:LFS Administrative Office
230 9th Ave N
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Pledges
Join our “Friends-in-Deed” group, who make monthly or quarterly gifts to support the ministry. A pledge reminder and “Friends-in-Deed” letter from acting Executive Director, Wanda Pritzel will be mailed to you at the beginning of each month or quarter when your pledge is due. To become a “Friend-in-Deed”, email Wanda at pritzel@LFSiowa.org and tell her that you'd like more information on how set up a monthly or quarterly pledge.
Matching Gifts
If you are a Thrivent member, you may be eligible to direct dollars through Thrivent to support the LFS ministry. Visit with LFS' Director of Development, Glen Emery at emery@LFSiowa.org, to learn more.
Many employers also offer a matching gift donation program, through which you can direct your gift and their match to LFS. Check with your employer to see if they will match your donation.
Securities
LFS is able to receive your gift of stock, bonds or mutual funds. The amount of this donation would equal the fair market value of the asset on the date of transfer. To find out about LFS’ method to receive your gift of securities, you or your broker can contact Glen Emery, Director of Development by telephone at (515) 573-3138 or by email at emery@LFSiowa.org.
Property
LFS is able to accept the gift of your vehicle, residence, vacation home or other real property. Tax benefits are available to you, and can be discussed with Glen Emery, Director of Development at your convenience. To talk about the possibility of donating property, contact Glen by telephone (515) 573-3138 or by email at emery@LFSiowa.org.
Deferred Gifts
Charitable Gift Annuity, Deferred Gift Annuity, Charitable Remainder Trusts
LFS works with a representative of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Foundation, Mr. Jim Schroeder, to help you establish a deferred gift plan which will benefit you and your family as well as the people served through the LFS ministry. To talk about the possibility of establishing a deferred gift, contact Glen Emery by telephone (515) 573-3138 or by email at emery@LFSiowa.org. To see an example of the type of how a deferred gift can work, read the story “A Vision for Future Blessings” which tells how one Iowa couple chose to establish funds to benefit their children, as well as many Iowa Lutheran ministries.
Life Insurance
Consider taking out a new life insurance policy and naming the LFS ministry as beneficiary. The annual premiums you pay may be taken as a charitable donation each year. Or, if you have an old policy that is still in effect that you no longer need, consider changing the beneficiary to LFS. Finally, consider adding LFS as a percentage or for a specific amount of the policy. All of these options are easy and don't require assistance from an expert.
Bequests
Name the LFS ministry as beneficiary of a specific amount or as a percentage of your estate in your will. Request suggested language for bequest options for your consideration by emailing Glen Emery, Director of Development at emery@LFSiowa.org.