Make a Difference Today
When you donate your time, treasure or talent to CLEF or the 22 Christian schools we support across Chicagoland, you are making a difference in the lives of students. Your support helps provide these kids with a strong, moral foundation for future success. Find a way to give that’s right for you!
Financial Contributions
CLEF accepts one-time or recurring donations from individuals and organizations. Donations are tax deductible. Make a donation now
Gifts in Kind
Support CLEF by donating products or services that provide valuable resources our schools can use to provide high-quality education.
Employer Matching Gifts
Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match charitable contributions made to certain nonprofits.
Thrivent Choice Dollars®
Eligible Thrivent members can recommend where Thrivent distributes a portion of its charitable funding by directing Choice Dollars. Eligibility is based on insurance premiums, contract values and Thrivent volunteer leadership. View eligibility details here. If you have Choice Dollars available to direct, please consider selecting Chicagoland Lutheran Educational Foundation’s scholarship fund as your recipient. You can support Christian education at no additional cost to you. Learn more and direct your Thrivent Choice dollars® here.
Amazon Smile
Amazon Smile is an easy no cost way to support CLEF every time you shop on Amazon.com. To get started, log into smile.amazon.com and select Chicagoland Lutheran Educational Foundation as your preferred recipient. After making this one-time designation, simply start all future shopping at smile.amazon.com and a portion of each purchase will be donated to the CLEF scholarship fund.
Donor Advised Funds
Donors can create Donor Advised Fund (DAF) by making a charitable gift to a fund administered by a sponsoring organization. Well known DAFs include Fidelity Charitable, Greater Kansas City CF, Schwab Charitable, and BNY Mellon. Donors typically receive an immediate tax deduction for donations, which can include cash, securities, and even real estate. The sponsoring organization provides professional investment management of your donation. Donors maintain advisory privileges on investment allocations and can recommend grants of distributions to various charities, including CLEF. If you have a Donor Advised Fund and wish to make a one time or recurring gift to CLEF, please contact your investment manager.
Planned Giving
Make CLEF or a CLEF school part of your legacy. Create a gift through your will, trust, or an alternate plan.
Securities, Stocks or Mutual Funds
A gift of securities, appreciated stocks, or mutual funds may provide additional tax advantages.
Support Student Scholarship
Take advantage of the Invest in Kids Act to make a donation and receive an Illinois tax credit for student scholarship contributions.
Event Fundraising
Support CLEF or a specific CLEF-school by hosting a fundraising event.
Volunteer
- > Volunteer at a School: CLEF schools are often in need of volunteers. From landscaping to tutoring, there are many volunteer opportunities in Chicago available through CLEF-funded schools.
- > Become a CLEF Ambassador: Represent CLEF in your congregation, church groups and/or place of business and share success stories, news, and needs from CLEF-supported schools.
- > Host a CLEF Sunday at your Church: CLEF Ambassadors are available to speak or preach at your church. We have presentations, promotional materials, and suggestions for worship services focused on Lutheran education.
Share the Good News about CLEF
Share our story and invite others to learn how CLEF is empowering urban Lutheran schools to deliver innovative, quality education in a Christian environment in Chicago.
Pray for CLEF, our Schools, and our Students!
The Holy Spirit makes our success in quality education in Lutheran schools possible. Please pray more opportunities will develop for financial support and an expanded educational ministry.
