The Foundation's governance is overseen by 57 members, including one member from each of the LCMS Districts, one from each of the Concordia Universities, one from both seminaries and one member from 11 other LCMS entities.
Those members elect the majority of our 13-member Board of Trustees, which meets quarterly with our staff and our professional investment advisor, NEPC, to review the Foundation’s portfolio and to discuss any relevant developments.
The Foundation's investment portfolio is managed by three groups working together. Our Foundation staff, our Board of Trustees and our investment advisor, NEPC. NEPC is a firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, with over 350 clients and close to $1 trillion in assets under advisement.
The Foundation works continually to ensure that all assets are invested with established portfolio targets and goals in mind. We and our investment advisor, NEPC, review market activity in the Foundation’s investment accounts on a daily basis, as well as on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis, which are detailed below.
The Foundation’s investment committee meets monthly to review the long and short-term investment results for each of the Foundation’s external fund managers, and all investment funds offered to account holders. We also provide monthly reports (prepared by NEPC) to ministries and investors detailing portfolio performance, compared to market benchmarks, for each of our funds.
NEPC also prepares reports each quarter analyzing the Foundation’s investment portfolio. A preliminary report summarizes market performance and portfolio returns and holdings, and is available shortly after quarter-end. Several weeks later, an updated, final report will replace the preliminary report. The final report includes a more detailed analysis of each fund, including top 10 holdings, holdings by sector and measures like duration, average market cap, and price-to-earnings ratio.
The Foundation staff also meets annually with each of our external fund managers to review fund performance and adherence to investment guidelines. Each year we publish an Annual Performance Summary. The Foundation Board of Trustees also reviews the Investment Policy Statement annually, modifying it as needed.
By collectively managing nearly $1 billion in investments, the Foundation receives favorable pricing to keep our expenses low. And as a non-profit, our fees are typically lower than most commercial firms.
The highly professional, low-cost investment option we offer LCMS ministries quite often outperforms funds managed by commercial companies. Click "Learn More," below to review our monthly, quarterly and annual returns.
If you’re still not sure if creating a ministry fund is right for your ministry, or if you specific questions about the investments and services offered by the LCMS Foundation, our FAQ page may address your questions or concerns.
In today’s busy world with volatile markets, we appreciate the expertise and cost efficiency of the Foundation to manage the congregation’s investments. Partnering with the LCMS Foundation provides for not only the ministries of Immanuel, but for the ministries of the church at large.
Bob Wurl
Chairman, Immanuel Endowment Fund Committee
Hankinson, North Dakota
Our school was blessed with our first gift from a donor who wanted to start an endowed scholarship fund. The LCMS Foundation helped guide us through the process of creating an investment fund that reflected the donor’s wishes and provided an opportunity for future financial growth for our school. We were thankful to work with a trusted partner who understood the importance of incorporating our mission and vision in our financial planning.
Jen Pawlitz
Director of Mission Advancement, Christ Community Lutheran School
St. Louis, Missouri
Our partnership with the LCMS Foundation has been a tremendous blessing. In just a few years, we’ve identified more than $20 million in gifts planned for St. Peter and other Lutheran ministries.
Rev. Micah Greiner
Lead Pastor, St. Peter Lutheran Church
Arlington Heights, Illinois
Working with the LCMS Foundation has not only been stress-free but immensely beneficial for our congregation. We are thankful to have a partner in our investing that cares deeply about the proclamation of the Word of God, the administration of Christ’s sacraments, and the congregations of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. The endowment we have started is meant to support these important things in Montana now and for future generations.
Rev. Ryan Wendt
Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church
Billings MT
How can we help you today? If you are a current account holder or investor with a question, or if you're new to the LCMS Foundation and would like more information, we'd love to hear from you. Please use the "I have a question or comment about" drop-down field below to get your comment to the correct person or department faster.