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
Use the secure online link below to make your gift online. We will send a receipt for your gift to you by mail.
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 Executive Director, Rev. Eric L. Schillo 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 Rev. Schillo at schillo@LFSiowa.org and tell him that you'd like more information on how set up a monthly or quarterly pledge.
Matching Gifts
If you are a Thrivent member, you can increase your gift to LFS by half! Thrivent’s GivingPlus program will match $1.00 for every $2.00 you donate up to $600.00, providing a maximum match of $300.00 per member. To take full advantage of this match opportunity, make a gift of up to $300.00, complete the Gift Matching Form, and send both your check and the completed form to LFS at: LFS Administrative Office, 230 9th Ave N, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. Your gift of $300.00 has just become $600.00! In addition, if your spouse or children are Thrivent members, their gifts can be matched as well.
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 LFS staff member, Wanda Pritzel by telephone at (515) 573-3138 or by email at pritzel@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 LFS staff member, Wanda Pritzel at your convenience. To talk about the possibility of donating property, contact Wanda by telephone (515) 573-3138 or by email at pritzel@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 Wanda Pritzel by telephone (515) 573-3138 or by email at pritzel@LFSiowa.org. You might also want to contact Mr. Jim Schroeder directly by telephone at (800) 913-2221 or by email at jim.schroeder@idwlcms.org. To see an example of the type of help that Jim Schroeder can provide, read the story “A Two-Fold Gift of Love” which tells how Iowans, Sue and Mark Schulz chose to establish funds with Jim’s assistance 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 Wanda Pritzel at pritzel@LFSiowa.org.