The Luther League Legacy Fund (LLLF) is an often-under-utilized grant and bursary program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC).
As an extension of the former Luther League, these bursaries are awarded both to young leaders within the church who are for the world, as well as proposed projects geared towards the development of youth and leadership within the church.
Qualified applicants are members of an ELCIC congregation, under 25 years of age or are involved with the training of youth under age 25, and have full endorsement of their ELCIC Synod’s Youth Ministry Committee or Synod Council.
Projects must be aimed at the development of youth ministry, youth leadership, or serve as a resource to youth under the age of 25. Much like that of individual applicants, this project must also be approved by the local Synod’s Youth Ministry Committee or Synod Council in order to be considered an acceptable proposal.
The ELCIC’s Program Committee for Youth Ministry reviews each request to determine eligibility. Applications are reviewed twice a year, with the deadline for submissions being March 1 and October 1.
In recent years, the LLLF has helped fund young individuals in various projects, including ‘The Global Plunge.’ This 10-day trip included stops in Geneva, Switzerland and Taize, France, where young leaders were given opportunities to develop their faith and relationship with God and others through hands-on learning experiences with the Lutheran World Federation and the World Council of Churches while abroad. Following The Global Plunge, two successful LLLF applicants wrote reflections about their experiences learning overseas.
“Our days were spent in prayer, contributing to community, participating in Bible study and becoming closer as a group,” one LLLF recipient wrote. “The first night spent in prayer was an experience I’ll never forget. It was amazing learning and discussing at the World Council of Churches and participating in the lifestyle of the Brothers in Taize. I am so thankful I was given the opportunity to be a part of this program the ELCIC and ELCA created. I am even more thankful that I will be able to lead a new group in The Global Plunge next summer.”
“The Global Plunge group created a tangible relationship that will last rest of my life,” another LLLF recipient wrote. “My faith developed through this trip as God reminded me to slow down, enjoy the moment, and the people around me. I would like to thank the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada for the grant that helped me be able to participate in The Global Plunge. The experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity that is hard to document in words for many reasons. The relationships created on this trip are authentic and real, and something I will hold close to my heart.”
Although primarily serving as a fund distributor, the LLLF also accepts financial donations as a way of continuing to build the Fund. Donations can be made online at secure.elcic.ca by designating a gift to the Lutheran League Legacy Endowment.
With an upcoming application closing date of March 1, 2021, eligible applicants are reminded to consider the LLLF in their future endeavours.
For more information visit: https://elcic.ca/Youth/LuthernLeagueLegacyFund.cfm
