History
St. Matthew’s Foundation was established in 1974 as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, completely separate from St. Matthew’s Church, for the benefit of the church. It was the desire of the congregation to insure that St. Matthew’s would continue to exist even during hard times or unforeseen circumstances.

The activities of the Foundation are managed by a Board of Directors which consists of ten members of St. Matthew’s Church who are elected by St. Matthew’s Church Council. Nine of the members are elected to alternating 3-year terms. The tenth member of the Board is a representative of the Church Council who is annually elected to the Foundation Board. Although they are elected by the Church Council, the Foundation’s Board of Directors operates independently from the Church Council. The primary work of the Board of Directors is to receive funds, place the funds in secure profitable investments, and annually disperse funds according to the Foundation’s guidelines.

In 2011, the Rev. Gary & Susan Erickson Scholarship Fund was established. The Erickson Scholarship Fund is held and managed by the St. Matthew’s Foundation. The Foundation receives contributions, invests them, and disperses scholarships according to the guidelines for this scholarship fund. Information regarding how to contribute to the Erickson Scholarship Fund and the criteria for potential scholarship recipients may be found in the Erickson Scholarship Fund brochure available at the church office.

Today
St. Matthew’s Foundation has been blessed with many gifts and bequests over the years. The value of the Foundation has grown through contributions and earnings and has allowed the Foundation to annually disperse funds in accordance with the Foundation’s guidelines.

Areas of ministry designated to receive funds from the Foundation fall into two categories:

• Areas of need identified by the Social Ministry Committee – The Social Ministry Committee has partnerships with a variety of local and international initiatives which St. Matthew’s supports through service and financially.

“Our mission is to treat the men living in the streets with dignity.  When they come here, they can wash their clothes, take a shower, and eat a hot meal.  We depend on financial donations to cover our costs, and often we run short by mid-year.  Without the financial support of St. Matthew’s, we would not be able to keep our doors open all year.” – Trinidad Omeda, Casa Esperanza, El Salvador

• Educational Scholarships – Educational scholarships are available specifically for students attending Lutheran colleges and for students pursuing studies in theology.

“Through this work (at the Chicago Night Ministry) I have experienced not only the Holy Spirit working with me and developing my pastoral identity, but also the deep faith, strength, and resilience of people that are unseen and marginalized by society.” – Matthew Petersen, St. Matthew’s Member and Seminary Student

Contributions
It has been said, “The best way to honor the departed is to serve the living.” The Foundation was established to provide a means to do this – to memorialize a deceased loved one by a gift, grant or bequest. Individuals may also wish to designate St. Matthew’s Foundation in their will as a way to recognize the Christian influence St. Matthew’s Church has provided. Finally, gifts to the St. Matthew’s Foundation may be made in recognition of a special event, anniversary, or to honor the accomplishments of a particular person.

Gifts of any amount are appreciated. Contributions to the St. Matthew’s Foundation may be made by church members or non-members. Here are the ways that gifts to the Foundation can be made:

Gifts by will – Bequests recognize the opportunity to make a lasting contribution.

Cash Gifts – Memorializing or honoring a family member or friend on a special occasion.

IRAs, Profit Sharing & 401(K)s – These assets can be subject to both income and estate tax at death. Designating the St. Matthew’s Foundation as a beneficiary can help to reduce taxes to be paid.

Insurance – You may wish to designate the Foundation as beneficiary of your policy.

Questions or requests for more information may be directed to any member of the pastoral staff.

St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church Foundation
1615 Wauwatosa Avenue
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53213
414-774-0441
stmattslutheran.org