SIEBERT LUTHERAN FOUNDATION
2024 Grants
Business Skills for Sustainable Church Leadership at Concordia University Wisconsin
Concordia University Wisconsin’s "Business Skills for Faith-Based Organizations" is transforming the way pastors and other leaders approach the operation of their church organizations by equipping them with essential business management skills.
The origins of this program can be traced back to discussions held in 2022 by Siebert staff and Concordia, after the three local Lutheran synods identified the need for additional business management skills among ministry leaders. This initiative addresses a critical need to strengthen organizational leadership and operational efficiency of ministry leaders.
This innovative pan-Lutheran professional development opportunity delivers a comprehensive curriculum tailored for called, appointed, and hired church workers. Designed around eight focused micro-learning courses, the 12-month curriculum covers vital topics, including human resources management and development, conflict resolution, financial management, social media marketing, fundraising, strategy, and change management. Participants develop actionable solutions through multiple action plans to address organizational challenges and seize opportunities for sustainability and growth.
"I am grateful for this program, which is uniquely crafted to provide skills for pastors in 21st-century ministry. Many programs are expensive, lengthy, or overly business-oriented, but this was focused on church needs."
~ Participating Pastor
Educating while Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ by funding high-performing Lutheran-affiliated schools and other education programs that provide children and youth in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities a path to Christ-centered academic success, empowerment and hope for themselves and future generations.
$1,064,100 Granted | 15 Organizations
Center for Urban Teaching: Growing Leaders, Transforming Schools, and Inspiring Futures
The Center for Urban Teaching (CfUT) is transforming urban education by preparing passionate, faith-driven teachers and leaders to meet the growing demand for high-quality educators. With Siebert Lutheran Foundation’s continued support, CfUT has added over 100 new graduates this year, serving thousands of students through its innovative summer programs.
CfUT provides hands-on learning through its innovative Summer School Program, which allows aspiring teachers to gain real-world experience under expert coaching. Participants not only gain practical teaching skills but also discover a deeper purpose.
CfUT’s programming does not end with Summer School. Graduates of the program continue to receive a minimum of two years of coaching after they secure their first teaching or leadership positions. In addition, CfUT supports more than 50 schools with educator placement services and professional development workshops and conferences designed to enhance teaching effectiveness and foster improved student outcomes.
"CfUT has deepened my conviction to teach. I learned practical skills like lesson planning and behavior management, and I had the opportunity to impact the lives of my students as they have impacted me. This experience has helped me grow in character, faith, and confidence."
~ Reflections from a summer school teacher
Building Hope & Transforming Lives at Serenity Inns
On August 20, 2024, less than a year after breaking ground, Serenity Inns inaugurated a state-of-the-art $3 million treatment center located directly across from its existing facility in Milwaukee's Walnut Hill neighborhood.
This new center offers medically monitored residential treatment for individuals battling substance use disorders, providing a safe and supportive environment for recovery.
Serenity Inns has a holistic approach to treatment, addressing the physical, emotional, social, financial, and spiritual dimensions of recovery. By tailoring services to meet the unique needs of diverse communities, Serenity Inns actively works to reduce disparities and foster an inclusive environment for healing.
Beyond opening the new facility, 2024 was a transformative year for Serenity Inns. The organization completed significant renovations to its original recovery facility, implemented programmatic changes aimed at increasing graduation rates, and launched a new drop-in clinic at Redeemer Lutheran Church to provide immediate Substance Use Disorder treatment services.
"We have found that until the trauma and underlying causes are addressed, addiction cannot be resolved."
~ Ken Ginlack, Executive Director, Serenity Inns