Purpose of Benevolent Giving
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (ELCA), as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, enthusiastically embraces the call of mission as a fundamental tenet of our ministry to serve in Christ’s name. We seek to engage the gifts and passions of our members, as well as encourage benevolent giving to support mission work outside our own congregation.

Primary consideration is given to requests that exhibit a clear purpose and defined need to serve in Christ’s name to one of the following areas of focus:

• Evangelism/Church Starts

• Homelessness

• Hunger

• Children and Families in Crisis

• Adults in Transition

• Communities in Need

• Justice

The Application Process
We do not have formal worksheets. Applications are accepted at any time and will be reviewed at least six times each fiscal year. Reviews will be completed within eight weeks from the time the application has been submitted.

Checklist for elements requested in the application:

• Contact person, address, phone and email

• Date of application

• A brief description of the organization, its mission and population served submitted using organizational letterhead

• A list of the Board of Directors and/or management of the applicant organization and evidence that the request is endorsed by the Board

• Proposal narrative that includes information on the need for the project, ways in which the goal will be met, and the expected outcome of the project or program

• A current financial statement for the organization and the amount of funding requested for the project

• A list of other funding sources for the project

• Up to 2 Letters of Support (Optional)

• Copy of the organization’s Internal Revenue Code 501(c3) letter or other documentation substantiating tax exempt status

Shepherd of the Valley will not provide benevolent funding for:

• Political organizations or organizations designed primarily to lobby

• Individuals

• Organization’s that discriminate against protected classes

Send Application Requests or Inquiries to:

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church

12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Road

Apple Valley, MN  55124

eMail:benevolence@sotv.org

Review Process
The initial review will take place within 1 month of receipt.  Applications will be screened for proposals that are ineligible or poorly planned or not within our focus areas.  Our funding cycle is based on our fiscal year beginning August 1 and ending July 31.  Funds available may vary from year to year.

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