What is the Legacy Circle?
The Legacy Circle recognizes friends of Valley Lutheran High School who are committed to perpetuating the school’s ministry for future generations. Members of the Legacy Circle have made an outright gift to the Valley Lutheran Foundation or included the Foundation or High School in a planned gift.
What is the Valley Lutheran Foundation?
The Valley Lutheran Foundation, founded in 1998, is the endowment fund of Valley Lutheran High School. Gifts to the Valley Lutheran Foundation are invested with the earnings used to support the school’s programs. The board of directors works with professional investors to provide steady earnings while safely investing the funds. Donors can be confident that funds will be managed in full compliance with Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA).
Who serves on the Valley Lutheran Foundation board of directors?
The Foundation board of directors is elected by the Valley Lutheran High School board of directors to oversee the management and distribution of the endowment funds. Foundation board members are experienced in finance and investments. They understand and are supportive of the Valley Lutheran High School ministry.
How do I know gifts to the Foundation and School will be managed properly?
An independent audit of the Valley Lutheran High School Association (Foundation and School) is performed annually. Copies of the audited financial statements are available upon request by contacting the Executive Director.
What is the current endowment distribution rate?
The current annual distribution rate is 4% of up to the 12-quarter rolling average of the fund. Note: The distribution rate is the amount made available annually to the school programs. The distribution rate is not the annual rate of investment return. Investment returns in excess of the distribution rate remain in the endowment to assist in growing the endowment.
Do gifts to the Valley Lutheran Foundation make a difference?
Yes! Since 1998 the Valley Lutheran Foundation has distributed nearly $1 million for school programs. These funds have helped students attend Valley Lutheran through our financial aid program. They have added to the quality of a Valley Lutheran education by funding the purchase of technology, musical instruments, the professional development of our faculty, and much more. The Valley Lutheran Foundation makes a difference now and in the future.
What is the difference between making a gift to the Valley Lutheran Foundation and the Valley Lutheran High School?
A gift to either the Foundation or the High School will benefit the students of Valley Lutheran High School. Gifts to the Foundation will become part of the endowment where they will be invested with the earnings used to support the school’s programs. Gifts to the High School will be used as determined by the High School’s board of directors.
Can I designate my gift to the Foundation?
Yes. The Valley Lutheran Foundation accepts designated and undesignated gifts. Gifts may be designated for one or more of the following categories – capital projects, student aid, faculty development, fine arts, athletics and academic programs. Gifts may be designated for other areas upon approval by the Foundation’s board of directors. Contact the Executive Director for more information.
Can I honor someone by “naming” a gift to the Foundation?
Yes. The Foundation allows naming opportunities for direct or planned gifts of at least $10,000. Contact the Executive Director for more information.
Can I designate my gift to the High School?
Yes. The High School accepts designated and undesignated gifts. Good stewardship requires designated gifts to be useful in accomplishing the school’s strategic plan. Contact the Executive Director for more information.
What types of gifts are recognized by the Legacy Circle?
Various kinds of “planned gifts” to the Valley Lutheran Foundation or Valley Lutheran High School are recognized by the Legacy Circle. “Planned Gifts” include charitable trusts or life estate gifts; named beneficiary of life insurance policies; named beneficiary of a will or trust; or named beneficiary of residual retirement funds. Charitable Gift Annuities are available through the LCMS Foundation (lcmsfoundation.org, 1-800-325-7912). Charitable Gift Annuities provide lifetime income and a gift to the Valley Lutheran Foundation or School.
Direct gifts, such as cash, securities, property or other marketable assets, to the Valley Lutheran Foundation are recognized by the Legacy Circle.
Are gifts to the Valley Lutheran Foundation and High School tax deductible?
Yes, to the extent allowable under IRS regulations. Our tax identification number is 38-2127998. Contact your tax advisor regarding your tax benefit circumstances.
Why should I join the Legacy Circle?
Including Valley Lutheran in your future gift planning helps continue this ministry for generations of students yet to come. Legacy Circle members receive recognition and thanks for their generosity and foresight. Their commitment encourages others to step forward and make their own legacy gift.
Where can I get more information about planned future gifts and joining the Legacy Circle?
For more information contact:
Interim Executive Director Kyle DeWees
Valley Lutheran High School
3560 McCarty
Saginaw MI 48603
989-790-1676
kdewees@192.168.80.187