Thrivent Financial introduces new program to distribute charitable dollars
Over the past two years, Thrivent Financial has been talking to members, doing research and testing ways to give members more options to help distribute charitable dollars. As a result, a new program called Thrivent Choice was developed. It has two parts–Thrivent Choice Voting, which is now under way, and Choice Dollars, which will be launching this summer.
How does it work?
During the Thrivent Choice Voting Events, which will occur one to two times per year, all members age 16 and older will have a chance to choose from a list of national Lutheran and non-Lutheran charities to share in $1 million. The money will be divided based on how many votes each organization gets from members.
The second part of Thrivent Choice, Choice Dollars, allows eligible Thrivent Financial benefit members to help direct dollars to organizations they would like to receive funds from Thrivent Financial. Dollars may be directed to thousands of Lutheran organizations, Lutheran Partners in Global Ministries being one of them.
Eligibility for participation in Choice Dollars is based on a member’s involvement in Thrivent Financial through the produces they own and Thrivent Financial volunteer leadership. Eligible products include Thrivent Financial’s own life insurance, disability income insurance and annuities. This program replaces Thrivent’s Giving Plus program. If you were a Giving Plus participant in the past, we hope that you will participate in Choice Dollars by directing Thrivent funds to LPGM.
Eligible members will be receiving a letter when Choice Dollars launches this summer, telling them they are eligible and the amount they can expect to be able to direct each year. Once eligible members receive this letter, they can also go online to Thrivent for more information or contact their financial representative.
LPGM Meets the standards of the Charities Review Council
Thank you for considering making a gift to Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry (LPGM). We honor the trust you have placed in LPGM and we are committed to spending your gift responsibly. LPGM has been reviewed by the Charities Review Council in 2008 and is proud to have met its Accountability Standards. To read our charity review report, visit the Charities Review Council at www.SmartGivers.org. LPGM is committed to meeting the standards year after year. LPGM is a non-profit 501(c)(3) Minnesota corporation. Your contributions are tax deductible to the full extend provided by law.
Ways to Contribute to LPGM
“None are so poor that they don’t have something to give, none are so rich that they don’t have a need to receive.” – An observation of J. Kibera, the late Bishop of Tanzania and former LWF President
If you are interested in supporting LPGM financially, gifts are welcomed for our general fund, child sponsorship, or for any of the specific project endeavors of LPGM. You can give on-line, send us a check with a contribution form, use the GIVEMN button, or use your bank’s bill pay option.
No matter which way you choose to give you can always note your donation as a gift in honor or memory of a loved one and a card will be sent to the individual or family notating your gift.
Some corporate foundations also match employee contributions. Check with your employer to see if they will match your gifts.
WHY WE GIVE TO LPGM
Submitted by Marilyn and Kent Christensen
It’s not uncommon for many people to receive daily phone or mail solicitations requesting financial support. Some are deserving, some questionable. So how do we as Christians decide to whom we contribute charitable dollars?
For us, since 2001, the answer is LPGM. That’s when we learned about the life-changing ministry begun in response to the death of Tim Olson in 1991. What has happened in the years since that tragedy is nothing short of miraculous. As Board member Larry Brynestad often said in regard to LPGM, there is no such thing as coincidence. In its ministry, God has been at work and for us, involvement in this amazing organization is a privilege and a blessing.
1. We give to LPGM because initially, we were impressed with the selfless dedication of Betty and Gordon Olson, and then with that of board members, staff and volunteers. Their faith-driven passion for global education and advocacy is contagious, and in 2005 we found ourselves part of a mission trip to India that for all travelers became a transforming experience.
To meet some of the children supported by LPGM was to discover the meaning of gratitude. Children at boarding schools would stand for two hours in oppressive heat to welcome their American sponsors with radiant smiles and flower garlands. Those who could speak a little English would shyly greet us, “Hello, Miss. How are you, Sir?” One of our sponsored children waited outside our room every morning at a respectful distance to catch a glimpse of us leaving for breakfast, hoping for a word of encouragement to draw closer. “Sponsor” was one of her few English words and she said it with a heart-melting smile. On that trip, we were humbled to learn of the gratitude and generosity of people, who by Western standards, have little or nothing.
2. LPGM’s global emphasis is another reason we are committed to its support. We live in a world increasingly interdependent, and God’s children in all places deserve our embrace. LPGM now supports children in nine boarding homes in India and works with congregations and individuals throughout the U.S. to connect them with mission opportunities in Asia, Africa and South America. Support ranges from programs for women and children in need to hospitals, libraries, churches, and educational and evangelism projects.
3. We value LPGM’s wise use of resources. Unlike some benevolent organizations, its administrative costs are extremely low. Good stewardship of gifts is a priority and careful consideration is given to enable projects which would not be funded by other organizations. Willing and enthusiastic volunteers perform some clerical tasks to help keep overhead at a minimum.
If you are searching for an organization that makes life more meaningful for thousands, that reaches to the heart of human need with God’s loving touch, please consider LPGM as it blesses and builds relationships in this country and the world.
