Endowment Funds

Every endowment tells a story. Every story fuels the mission.

Endowment funds are one of the most meaningful ways to support Sioux Falls Lutheran School. Designed to grow over time, they provide lasting, dependable support—ensuring future generations of students are formed to be World Ready, Faith Secure.

More than a gift, an endowment is a long-term investment in Christ-centered education—one that continues working year after year to strengthen students, support teachers, and advance the mission of SFLS.

Through faithful stewardship and generous partners, these funds ensure the mission of SFLS endures for generations to come.

Endowment funds are stewarded through the LCMS Foundation and the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation.

Endowments make it possible for SFLS to remain strong, faithful, and mission-focused—year after year.

They provide ongoing support for:

• Christ-centered teachers and staff
• Tuition assistance for families
• Academic and program excellence
• Long-term financial strength
• Future ministry opportunities

Unlike one-time gifts, endowments continue working in perpetuity—creating impact that grows over time. Your gift doesn’t disappear after it is given, it continues shaping lives.

An endowment is a permanent fund that is invested for long-term growth. The original gift remains intact, while a portion of annual earnings is used to support the mission of Sioux Falls Lutheran School.

Here’s how it works in practice:

• Gifts are invested for long-term growth
• Each year, a portion (typically up to 5%) is distributed for ministry use
• The remaining balance stays invested and continues to grow
• This cycle repeats year after year, creating ongoing support for future generations

This structure allows a single gift to provide both immediate support and lasting impact over time.

To understand that impact more clearly, consider what a single endowed gift can do over time.

A donor who establishes an endowment with a gift of $25,000 creates a lasting source of support for the mission of Sioux Falls Lutheran School. Whether designated for tuition assistance, faculty support, academic excellence, or another area of ministry, the gift continues serving students and families year after year.

Assuming a long-term average investment return of 7% and annual distributions of 5%, the fund could provide approximately $1,250 in its first year to support the donor’s chosen purpose.

As the fund grows over time, so does its impact. After 20 years, the endowment could grow to approximately $37,000, generating nearly $1,850 annually in support. During that same period, the fund could provide more than $30,000 in cumulative distributions—all while preserving and growing the original gift for future generations.

What begins as a single act of generosity becomes a lasting legacy—one that continues strengthening Christian education and advancing the mission of SFLS for years to come.

This example is for illustrative purposes only. Actual investment returns and distributions will vary. 

Endowment giving takes many forms, and each one plays a meaningful role in sustaining the mission of SFLS.

The starting point is simple: What matters most to you in supporting Christian education?

Join others in strengthening funds already at work supporting students, teachers, and the mission of SFLS. 

Establish a lasting legacy that reflects your faith, your family, or a cause close to your heart.

Named funds may support:

• General mission support
• Tuition assistance
• Faculty & staff support
• Or another area aligned with the mission of SFLS (approved by the Endowment Board)

Named funds begin at $10,000 and offer a meaningful way to create a permanent legacy—whether in honor of someone, in celebration of God’s faithfulness, or in support of future students.

Some of the most enduring gifts are planned with intention and care.

Including SFLS in your estate allows your values and faith to continue shaping Christ-centered education—supporting students and strengthening the mission for generations to come.

Each endowment at Sioux Falls Lutheran School carries a story—of faith, generosity, and a deep commitment to Christ-centered education.

These funds reflect the lives and legacies of families, alumni, and faithful supporters who have chosen to invest in the long-term mission of SFLS. Some honor loved ones, some strengthen tuition assistance, some support faculty and staff, and all ensure the continued growth of our school for generations to come.

Generation to Generation Endowment

This foundational endowment was created to support the full scope of SFLS’s mission—both now and into the future. It provides flexible, board-directed support for:

• Operations
• Tuition assistance
• Merit-based scholarships
• Faculty/Staff salaries and benefits
• Emergency facility needs
• Future ministry opportunities as they arise

It serves as a legacy anchor, allowing the school to faithfully respond to both current needs and those yet unseen.

Charles and Annette Jarratt Memorial Endowment

This endowment was established by the Jarratt children and their spouses—Patty & Scott Peters, Mary & Wes Smith, and David & Sheri Jarratt—in honor of Charles and Annette Jarratt, whose lives bore witness to faithful Christian stewardship and servant leadership. Over 65 years of marriage, they faithfully modeled a life rooted in daily devotion, generous giving, and joyful service to their family, their church, and this school—leaving a legacy that continues to bless others.

Charles, a banker known for his compassion and integrity, and Annette, a devoted educator and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League leader, shared a deep commitment to raising up Christian leaders—including their own children and grandchildren. Their quiet, faithful presence at SFLS—serving meals, attending events, and supporting its mission—left a lasting imprint.

This endowment reflects both their legacy and their family’s desire to carry it forward—providing flexible support for the mission where it is needed most and advancing Christian education for generations to come.

Jan C. Schultz Memorial Endowment

This endowment was established in memory of Jan C. Schultz, a woman of deep faith, kindness, and service to others. Jan lived her life grounded in Christ, with a quiet strength and a heart for people—especially her family, church, and community.

Jan held a deep desire for every child to have the opportunity to attend SFLS. This fund provides needs-based tuition assistance for students in grades K–12, ensuring children from every walk of life can access a Christ-centered education—an enduring reflection of Jan’s spirit of care and generosity.

Deborah and Larry Raad Endowment

This endowment was created by longtime SFLS supporters and past school parents, Deborah and Larry Raad. Their connection to SFLS reflects both faithful service and enduring leadership—Deborah through her years as a preschool educational assistant alongside Mrs. Tams, and Larry through his early service on the school’s Vision Committee and more recent work helping to expand and strengthen our endowment efforts. Drawing on his professional experience in estate planning, Larry has helped guide policy development and the formation of our endowment committee, while also actively advancing this work by engaging donors, hosting educational seminars, and helping families include SFLS in their estate plans. This endowment reflects a deep commitment to the long-term strength and sustainability of the school.

Aligned with the broad purpose of the Generation to Generation Endowment, this fund provides flexible support across the school’s core priorities, equipping SFLS to respond faithfully to both present needs and those yet to come.

Faithful Educators Endowment

Created in thanksgiving by Loren and Sheila Boyens, this endowment reflects a deep appreciation for the calling and impact of Christian educators. It began in a moment of conversation that was both lighthearted and deeply meaningful—established, as Loren once shared, “because we asked…” Yet what followed reflects something far more intentional: a tribute to family, faith, and a profound respect for Christian education.

Loren and Sheila’s connection to SFLS deepened as they walked the halls, looked into classrooms, and observed students engaged in focused learning within a calm, purposeful environment. In those moments, they saw not only academic excellence, but a culture shaped by faith, discipline, and care—a quiet testimony to the seriousness with which education is taken here.

This endowment stands as both gratitude and response: honoring educators who are called to this work, and planting a seed that will continue to grow opportunities for others to support and invest in this mission in meaningful, passionate ways for generations to come.

Distributions give priority to faculty and staff compensation, including salaries and benefits—recognizing that investing in exceptional, Christ-centered educators is essential to the mission of SFLS and to forming students who are World Ready, Faith Secure.

Sioux Falls Lutheran School Endowment

This endowment provides ongoing support for needs-based tuition assistance for students in grades K–12, helping make Christ-centered education accessible to more families.

Elizabeth Weathers Lias Memorial Scholarship Endowment

This endowment was established in memory of Elizabeth Weathers Lias (SFLS Class of 2002), whose life reflected a deep commitment to serving others. Her years at SFLS helped shape her love for learning and her desire to serve through interests in Spanish, law, and healthcare system improvements. A lifelong Minneboji camper and Honors Camp Counselor, Elizabeth lived with joy, purpose, and faith.

Her confirmation verse, Matthew 6:33—“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness…”—was foundational in her life. In light of the promises that precede it, Elizabeth lived simply—trusting in the Lord’s provision and embodying her belief to “live simply, so others can simply live.”

This fund supports needs-based tuition assistance for middle school students, extending her legacy by opening doors for others to grow and serve.

Much like those who have gone before us, you have the opportunity to:

• Honor a loved one or family legacy
• Invest in students and families who will follow
• Strengthen the mission in ways that will outlive us all

An endowment is more than a gift—it is a lasting investment in lives yet to be touched.

Every endowment tells a story.

Perhaps, the next story is yours.

To learn more about endowments, support an existing fund, establish a named endowment, or include SFLS in your estate plans, please contact the Development Team.

We would be honored to walk alongside you as you create a lasting impact for generations to come.

Rev. Scott Sailer

Development Ambassador
devamb@sflutheranschool.com

Bree Makepeace

Development Coordinator
bmakepeace@sflutheranschool.com
605-335-1923 ext. 3