Investment Services | Socially Responsible Investing

The Foundation's approach to socially responsible Investing

As a result of the generosity of thousands of donors, and the confidence of hundreds of ministry leaders, the LCMS Foundation is entrusted with over $1 billion in assets to manage on behalf of LCMS donors and ministries. We seek to achieve good long-term, risk-adjusted returns to benefit God's Kingdom, while at the same time, incorporating SRI factors when we can do so responsibly.

The Foundation has a carefully developed investment policy statement that addresses all aspects of our investment approach, including socially responsible investing. This policy statement is formally approved by the LCMS Board of Trustees, with much input from the board investment committee and our investment advisor, NEPC. This policy is reviewed and updated at least annually, and it serves as the guidance for how the Foundation's investment portfolios are structured.

One aspect of the Foundation's approach to socially responsible investing comes in identifying companies that cannot be part of the Foundation's portfolio because of their activities or policies. The LCMS Foundation utilizes two screens in its investment policy statement: prohibiting investment in companies which make products used in abortions, and prohibiting investment in companies who foster racial discrimination.

The LCMS Foundation uses 14 best-in-class fund managers to invest on our behalf, and so a second aspect of our approach to socially responsible investing is how we select these managers to place our investments. A majority of fund managers include consideration of a firm's SRI characteristics (including environmental, social, and governance activity) as one of a number of factors that go into their valuation models when making investment decisions. In many cases, these factors have a correlation as an indicator of future economic success.

If you would like to learn more about the LCMS Foundation's investment program, or about our approach to socially responsible investing, please contact Mark Cannon, Chief Financial Officer.

Testimonials

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

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