Zoar Foundation
Expanding the Christian Witness of the Members of Zoar Lutheran Church
The Zoar Lutheran Church Foundation was established in 1987 and became a separate 501(c)3 non-profit entity in 2007. The Zoar Foundation supports Zoar and its members by overseeing endowed funds to provide funding to support and promote the charitable, educational and religious ministries of Zoar Lutheran Church.
The Zoar Foundation receives funds for general and restricted purposes. Currently, there are two general endowment funds – the Grant Endowment Fund and the Operating Endowment Fund, and two restricted funds – the Kurfis Fund for Youth Ministries and the Kazmaier Fund for Theological Education.
Grant Endowment Fund
The Grant Endowment Fund, originally known as “The Endowment Fund,” was established in 1987, to help Zoar members build lasting legacies in support of Zoar and its ministries. To facilitate the purposes of the Zoar Foundation in distributing Grant Endowment Funds, funding guidelines have been established.
To encourage and support congregational efforts:
Application Process: Grant request deadlines are March 31 and September 30. Please use the Grant Request Form below and submit to the Church Office by the deadline for consideration.
Operating Endowment Fund
The Operating Endowment Fund was created in 2019 to give Zoar members an opportunity to help fund the Church’s expenses on a long-term basis. Income from the Operating Endowment Fund is distributed at least annually to the Church to be used exclusively for the payment of any general operating expenses of the Church as directed by Zoar Church Council.
Application Process: Funds will be distributed to the Church at least annually in coordination with Zoar Church Council.
Kurfis Fund for Youth Ministry
The Kurfis Fund for Youth Ministry is a restricted fund. It was established by Philip Kurfis, a lifelong member of Zoar, upon his death in 2012. The fund is to be used for Zoar Youth Programs (under 25 years of age) as a supplement to the Congregation’s annual budgeted support for youth programming to stimulate new ideas for Christ-centered ministry to the youth of Zoar and to promote the ministry of the youth of Zoar to the Congregation and the community. The same funding guidelines as for the Grant Endowment Fund will apply – outreach, innovation, leadership, the arts and flexibility.
Application Process: Grant requests can be submitted at any time using the Foundation Grant Request form below. Foundation Board Members are available to meet with applicants as they develop proposals.
Kazmaier Fund for Theological Education
The Kazmaier Fund for Theological Education is a restricted fund established in 1987 by a gift from the Robert Kazmaier estate to support members of Zoar Lutheran Church who are preparing for one of the ordained ministries of the ELCA. Grants are provided to members as they pursue postgraduate theological education for the Rostered Ministries: Minister of Word and Sacrament (Pastors) or Minister Word and Service (Deacons) at one of the seminaries of the ELCA.
Application Process: Applicants must be confirmed members of Zoar and must be pursuing postgraduate theological education for Rostered Ministries. If you are interested in pursuing candidacy and seeking funding, please contact the Church Office 419-874-4346.
Click below to view Zoar Foundation grants awarded in previous years.
Zoar Foundation Giving Year To Date
Some recently awarded grants include:
Grant Endowment Fund: Assisted with local hunger and shelter programs at Redeemer Lutheran Church After School meal program, Build-A-Bed program, and Wood County Cocoon Shelter; provided aid to those in need in developing countries and refugee services; and supported the Lutheran Seminary scholarship fund.
Kurfis Fund for Youth Ministry: Supported the Zoar youth service trip; partially supported the Zoar young family retreat; and assisted with Zoar youth programs such as Easter, Vacation Bible School and the Advent Workshop.
Applications may be submitted by a member of Zoar as an individual, group or committee who are undertaking the mission of Zoar Lutheran Church and its ministries. Foundation Board Members are available to meet with Zoar members while they are developing their proposals. Please contact the Church Office 419-874-4346 if you would like to meet with a Board Member.
If approved, please use the Foundation Grant Reimbursement/Tracking Form below, attach all receipts and submit to the Church Office. Any unused funds for approved grants will revert back to the Foundation. Purchases made with Zoar Foundation Grants are tax exempt. Please use the Zoar Tax Exempt Form below and present it at the time of making any purchases for your approved project.
Application Deadlines by Fund:
Grant Endowment Fund: March 31 & September 30
Operating Endowment Fund: Funds distributed to Zoar at least annually.
Kurfis Fund: Anytime during the year.
Kazmaier Fund: Please contact the Church Office.
Please email completed application to admin@zoarlutheran.com or print and submit to the Church Office*:
Zoar Lutheran Church
Attn: Zoar Foundation
314 E. Indiana Ave.
Perrysburg OH 43551
419-874-4346
*You will need access to Microsoft Excel to view and edit the grant request document on your computer.
You can contribute to the Foundation through estate bequests, life insurance policies, memorials, charitable trusts, gift annuities, real estate, or personal gifts. Gifts that are not designated will be equally divided between the Grant Endowment Fund and the Operating Endowment Fund. Making a gift to the Zoar Foundation is a wonderful way to support God’s ministry through Zoar Lutheran Church.
If you are interested in supporting the Zoar Foundation, please use the online donation button below or call the Church Office 419-874-4346 to speak with a staff member or with one of the Foundation Board Members.
Name | Term |
---|---|
Glenn Abke | 2028 |
Dustin Brown | 2028 |
Paul Dodge | 2028 |
Holly Newcomer | 2029 |
Lisa Richard | 2029 |
Branch Springer | 2029 |
Dave Stuckey | 2026 |
Scott Williams | 2026 |
Paul Reichert | Senior Pastor |
Derek Meyer | 2024 Council Liaison |
President | Glenn Abke |
Vice-President | Dave Stuckey |
Treasurer | Branch Springer |
Secretary | Scott Williams |
Investment Manager | Loren Odegaard |
Fundraising Consultant | Jeff Abke |