About Us

Our Mission

Providing an opportunity for members of Cross Lutheran Church and School to support our Lord’s work until he returns.

Welcome to the Cross Lutheran Foundation. We exist to encourage, fund, and expand the missions and ministry of Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church and School in Yorkville, IL. The Cross Lutheran Foundation is a registered non-profit organization recognized under Section 501(c) (3) of the IRS tax code.

We direct our energy and assets to fulfill three primary goals:

  • Provide for the essential functions and continued growth of the Church and School.

  • Support and encourage ongoing and new mission efforts.

  • Develop gifts for the Church and School to strengthen and accomplish its long-term mission.

By giving to the Foundation, you are investing in the spiritual and educational lives of our community, now and for generations to come!

Our History

The Cross Lutheran Foundation began as the Expanding Ministries Foundation through a single family bequest in 1997. In 2014 the Foundation was renamed and expanded to increase its impact on Christ’s mission.

As of 2025, the Cross Lutheran Foundation is managing over $1,000,000 in assets, advancing the ministry and mission of Cross Lutheran Church and School.  Your support has enabled us to distribute over $500,000 in school scholarships, church worker scholarships, expanding ministries, and mission support!

What We Support

The Foundation strategically allocates funds to maximize impact of the resources while also preserving the funds for long term viability. Funds are managed and distributed according to fund policies.  We proudly support:

  • Expanding Ministries – supports new/unbudgeted ministry ideas

  • Susan W. Lopez School Scholarship – need-based financial aid for Cross Lutheran School

  • Early Childhood Ministries – supports needs specifically in the area of early childhood ministries within the Church or the Pre-school

  • Future Church Workers - Financial aid for students currently enrolled at an LCMS institution and studying for a church worker degree/certification

  • Mark & Jan Wendling Memorial Fund – supporting ministry in the areas of greatest need

  • Capital Improvements and Major Projects – funding for the church and school's physical infrastructure

Financial Stewardship

At the Cross Lutheran Foundation, we recognize that every gift is an investment in the future of our church, school, and community. We take our fiduciary responsibility seriously, managing the Foundation’s assets with a focus on longevity, stability, and faith-aligned growth.

To ensure your contributions create a lasting impact, our Board of Directors adheres to a strict investment policy guided by three core principles:

Capital Preservation & Prudent Growth: Our primary financial objective is the preservation of the funds entrusted to us. We maintain a moderate-to-conservative risk profile, prioritizing long-term stability and deliberate diversification over high-risk or speculative investments. We ensure sufficient liquidity is always maintained so that ministry needs and distributions can be met without financial strain.

Faith-Aligned Investing: We believe our financial assets should reflect our theological values. As an organization associated with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), the Board reserves the right to restrict or divest from any companies whose operations actively conflict with the beliefs held by the LCMS and the Christian community.

Rigorous Oversight & Professional Management: The Foundation’s assets are managed with the utmost transparency and care. The Board conducts annual asset allocation reviews and bi-annual policy reviews. When utilizing professional Investment Managers, we require them to meet the highest standards of fiduciary responsibility, proven historical performance, and strict alignment with our organizational goals.

By prioritizing careful risk management and Christian stewardship, we ensure the Foundation remains a strong, permanent engine for ministry for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • While both serve the same mission, the Church focuses on daily operations, worship, and immediate ministry needs. The Foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) non-profit designed to manage long-term assets and endowments. Our goal is to provide a permanent source of funding for future generations of Cross Lutheran Church and School.

  • The Foundation is managed by a Board of Directors consisting of members from the Cross Lutheran Church and School. They oversee the investment of funds and ensure that all distributions, grants and scholarships align with the Foundation’s established mission and documented policies.

  • Yes. The Cross Lutheran Expanding Ministries Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Please consult with your tax professional with any specific questions.

  • We accept a wide variety of gifts, including:

    • Cash or check donations

    • Appreciated stocks and securities

    • Life insurance beneficiaries

    • Real estate or other items of value

    • Bequests and planned estate gifts

    Consult with your financial advisor to determine which ways to give might make the greatest impact.

  • While general gifts allow the Board to meet the most pressing needs, we do accept designated gifts for specific pillars such as Cross School Scholarships, Church Worker Scholarships, or Capital Improvements.

  • Scholarship applications are handled through the school’s administration office. The Foundation provides funding, while the school office and application process determines the specific needs and distribution based on enrollment criteria.

  • These scholarships are intended for students who are members of Cross Lutheran Church and are pursuing a degree at a Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) university with the intent of entering full-time church work (e.g., Pastors, Teachers, or Deaconesses).  See the scholarship application form for eligibility.

Looking for more information on Cross Lutheran Church and School? Visit https://www.hiscross.org/