The Marco Lutheran Church Foundation has awarded a record total of $302,779 in grants this year to support various Christian not-for-profit organizations. Since its establishment in 1999, the Foundation has distributed over $2.2 million to local, national, and international recipients, reflecting its ongoing commitment to assist those in need.
This year, the Foundation funded 22 grants, comprising nine local, three national, and ten international projects. This marks the largest single-year disbursement in the Foundation’s history, underscoring its dedication to addressing pressing community issues.
Impactful Initiatives Funded
According to Karen Kuhnly, chair of the Foundation Board, the organization prioritizes grants to 501(c)(3)6–12.
– **Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance, Immokalee, Florida**: Awarded funds to construct hurricane-resilient apartments for working families, enhancing community stability.
– **Pelican Lutheran Church, Naples, Florida**: Received support to fund a Spanish-speaking Deacon, aiding the existing Pastor in serving the community.
– **Our Daily Bread, Marco Island, Florida**: Granted funds to provide breakfast for hungry children at multiple local schools, ensuring that students have access to nutritious meals.
– **Design Outreach of Malawi, Africa**: Funded to purchase and install a reliable water source for 15,000 people, along with selling an additional water centralizer through local supply chains.
– **Haggai International of China**: Supported in efforts to train and equip Christian leaders for spreading the word of God.
– **Trinity Hope of Haiti**: Received funding to provide daily meals for 147 children, teachers, and cooks.
These organizations are poised to utilize their grants to enhance education, nourishment, and overall living conditions for those they serve.
Community Engagement and Future Support
“This year, we had a tremendous group of grant applicants,” noted Lili Surber, chair of the grant program. “It is a blessing to support such dedicated organizations that make a meaningful impact in their communities while sharing the love of the Marco Lutheran family and of God with their constituents.”
The Foundation invites community members to support the grant recipients through prayers and contributions to help sustain this outreach effort. For those interested in learning more about the Foundation or making a donation, they can contact the organization at [email protected] or visit their website at marcolutheran.org/foundation.
With a robust commitment to philanthropy, the Marco Lutheran Church Foundation continues to exemplify the spirit of giving and support for those striving to create a better future for their communities.
