It is a blessing to give of ourselves and of our resources.

Good Shepherd members have the opportunity to nominate a local or global non-profit organization that would further Good Shepherd’s connections to mission and visioning and to greater work in local and world concerns.  Annually we choose from non-profit charitable organizations that serve local and global concerns to receive grants from Good Shepherd. This is one of the ways Good Shepherd practices generosity. Good Shepherd has chosen to give 10% away annually.  

As we re-shape and fine-tune our selection process we stand on the shoulders of early members who, more than 40 years ago had the vision to establish our benevolence fund, first for global concerns and then a few years later for local concerns. For almost half a century Good Shepherd has been growing these separate funds through contributions and bequests; carefully choosing organizations that align with our vision and mission as our recipients. These funds are more than a windfall for generosity. They were given in faith by members who knew that we as American Christians, with careful stewardship of gifts we have been given and in generosity of sharing gifts through outreach to those who need it most, we could make a difference. And we have!

We continue this blessing of Good Shepherd’s “Benevolence Giving” ... Generosity in Action. Thanks be to God!

Be included in our process; whether it is to nominate and/or to select, we want your participation.

See 2026 Benevolence Giving Nomination Format Information below or view PDF.

Any questions?  Just ask! Contact Linda W. Lamb lambs8@comcast.net; 360-357-5068

Benevolence Giving Nomination Process:

•   Please email your nominations no later than Sunday, February 1, 2026, to Linda Lamb.

•   Benevolence Committee will screen and alphabetically list nominees meeting requirements; then forward to Good Shepherd Ministry Teams for ranking purposes no later than Friday, February 27.

•   Alphabetical list of nominees, Local and Global rankings separated, will be made available.

•   All Ministry Teams will have until Friday, April 24 to meet/vote and to rank the nominated organizations, keeping Local and Global organizations separated. Teams return ranking list to Benevolence Committee to consolidate the top-ranking nominees.

•   Top ranked nominee lists will be published to the congregation prior to voting.

•   A congregational forum will be held mid-May to choose final recipients. Each nominated organization will have nominator or representative speak for the organization nominated.

2026 Benevolence Giving Nomination Format Information

Good Shepherd’s “Benevolence Giving”… Generosity in Action

The Lutheran Church of The Good Shepherd is blessed to give of ourselves and of our resources.  Annually we choose from non-profit charitable organizations that serve local and global concerns to receive grants from Good Shepherd. This is one of the ways Good Shepherd practices generosity. 

Any member of the congregation in good standing is invited to nominate non-profit organizations that meet our criteria in serving locally or globally.  To nominate a local or global non-profit organization that would further Good Shepherd connections to mission / vision and greater work in local and world concerns, please include in the submittal the following— 

Nomination Requirements (Please email your nominations no later than Sunday, February 1, 2026, to Linda Lamb, lambs8@comcast.net):

•    Congregational member nominating: Name, Address, Phone Number and Email

•    Local or global non-profit charitable organization’s official Name, Address, Phone Number and Website. 

•    501.c.3 Organization in good standing; attach most recent Form 990*.

•    Describe how the organization mission/work is connected/aligned with Good Shepherd’s mission**/visioning and current ministry areas/priorities.

•    State how the organization is connected to/involved with members and/or ministry teams of the congregation.  This can include current involvement or relationships that will be developed with the congregation.

•    State how proposed gift would be used (i.e. to support general mission or a specific need, if known).

•    Nomination should not exceed one 8.5” x 11” sheet of paper, minimum of 10 pt. font.

*Form 990: —  Annual information return that tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS; provides the public and the IRS with an overview of the IRS approved organization's activities, governance, and detailed financial information to ensure they continue to qualify for exemption. 

**THE LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD Mission Statement: To share the love and grace of Jesus Christ with all people and invite them to the fullness of faith in God.

 “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here. The poor and the rich, the young and the old, People who are single, married, blessed, divorced, separated, partnered, or widowed, People of all abilities, People of all sexual orientations and gender identities, People of all nations and ethnic backgrounds.”