As you look ahead to the year before you, this is a good moment to pause and be intentional about what you want your generosity to accomplish. The ELCA Foundation is here to support your plans and help you give in ways that reflect what matters most to you.
In this issue of “Insights,” you’ll find timely insights and practical tips to help you maximize your giving options, review your estate plans and be sure everything is up to date — especially as tax season approaches. You can also catch up on changes that go beyond the financial landscape: Recent updates from the U.S. Postal Service will affect mail timing and delivery, and we’re paying close attention so you can plan confidently and avoid surprises. As always, I’m here as a partner and a resource, ready to help you navigate these changes and align your generosity with your goals. Please reach out anytime. It would be an honor to support you in the year ahead.
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| WISHING BECKY PALMGREN A BLESSED RETIREMENT |
With hearts full of thanksgiving, we congratulate Becky Palmgren, regional gift planner for the ELCA Foundation, on her retirement. Becky’s ministry has been a faithful expression of her calling — walking alongside donors and ministries, listening deeply and helping generosity take shape in ways that will serve God’s mission for generations to come. Through her wisdom, compassion and steady presence, Becky has helped countless individuals discern how their gifts might reflect their faith and love for the church.
As Becky enters this new season, we give thanks for the many lives she has touched and the enduring impact of her work. May God bless her with rest, joy and new adventures in the days ahead. Congratulations on a well-earned retirement! |
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| USE YOUR RMD TO SUPPORT WHAT YOU LOVE |
| Required minimum distributions (RMDs) don’t have to be just about taxes and paperwork. Through a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), you can satisfy all or part of your RMD while supporting the ELCA ministries and communities you care about — without the income tax hit. Discover how your RMD can become a meaningful expression of faith and generosity. |
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| A SMALL USPS CHANGE WITH BIG IMPLICATIONS FOR DONORS |
A recent change in how the U.S. Postal Service applies postmarks could affect whether important communications, such as charitable gifts and tax filings, are considered on time. Under the new rule, the postmark date will reflect when mail is processed, not when it’s dropped in the mailbox.
Here's why this matters:
- Year-end gifts may be credited later than expected. A check mailed on Dec. 31 could be postmarked in January, moving the charitable deduction to the next tax year.
- Tax deadlines carry more risk. Returns or payments mailed close to filing deadlines may appear late without additional proof.
- Proof of mailing is more important. Manual postmarks, certificates of mailing or electronic giving can help ensure gifts are counted on time.
- Earlier or electronic giving may be safer. Planning ahead can help protect both your charitable intent and your tax benefits.
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| 3 SIMPLE WAYS TO GET YOUR WILL IN ORDER |
Getting your will in order doesn’t have to be complicated. Learn about three simple, practical steps you can take to help you plan with clarity, confidence and care — so what matters most to you is protected now and into the future.
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I'M HERE TO HELP
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| MORE INFORMATION |
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FOURTH QUARTER 2025 INVESTOR CALL RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE
Did you miss our latest investor call? We invite you to watch the video recording to learn more about the recent performance of the Ministry Growth Fund. Speakers included representatives from Fund Evaluation Group, the ELCA Foundation’s investment consultant, and from Portico, the investment manager for publicly traded funds within the Ministry Growth Fund.
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| About the Ministry Growth Fund |
| Designed specifically for congregations, synods, seminaries and other affiliates of the ELCA, the Ministry Growth Fund is a long-term, stable and socially responsible endowment fund that provides distributions to grow ministry now and well into the future. Individuals may participate in the fund by opening a named endowment or donor-advised fund. Learn more.
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8765 W. Higgins Rd.
Chicago, IL 60631-4101
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