The School Extension Fund was established in 1973 to provide seed money for starting a Lutheran elementary school. This fund is supported by chapel offerings from our elementary schools and gifts from individuals. We also occasionally receive memorials or thankofferings, which are always welcomed.

The fund is set up to assist ELCA congregations, who make application to the ELEA National Office, providing budget, program information, and other details for review by the National Board.

In 1999, the National Board placed a moratorium on grants from this fund due to low giving and a depleting balance in the fund. In the past two and a half years, only $1,300 has been contributed, and we are still not in a position to be able to accept applications for grants. Grants historically have been awarded ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.

ELEA’s National Board is eager to be able to once again offer grants through this program, but need your help to “build up the coffers”. Please consider a gift from your school or center, or from your church’s benevolence, or personally to assist in this fund. Start-up costs, as we all know, can be very overwhelming for congregations, and there are not a lot of resources available for private schools, but the benefits of this type of ministry are great. Sometimes even $1,000 can make a difference on whether or not a church can purchase tables and chairs, playground equipment, or other “nuts and bolts” items to get them started.

We welcome your ideas about this fund, how it can best serve our churches and schools, and any unique approaches in fundraising for this purpose.

Together, we can help our schools grow!

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