Bethlehem Foundation

2023 Bethlehem Outreach Support

The Bethlehem Foundation has agreed to provide financial support for most of Bethlehem’s outreach giving for 2023, which will continue to be directed by the Outreach Committee. Some of the organizations benefiting from this support include Starfish, Beacon Interfaith Housing, and Habitat for Humanity, among many others. The allocated amount, up to $107,000 for the year, will have no effect on the allocations the Foundation continues to provide via its existing grant program. It’s meant to provide support in a year of transition for the church as we call a new pastor and strengthen the church’s financial position. We give thanks for the legacy gifts that make this possible.

Emily Stoll Shares Her Samuel Dewitt Proctor Conference Experience

The Samuel Dewitt Proctor Conference in Atlanta nurtures, sustains, and mobilizes the Black faith community in collaboration with civic, corporate, and philanthropic leaders to address critical needs of human rights and social justice within local, national, and global communities. The Bethlehem Foundation recently provided a grant to Emily Stoll, Bethlehem’s Director of Service, Engagement, and Fun, to attend as a liaison of the Bethlehem Community.

New Grant Spotlight: Simpson House

Simpson Housing Services (SHS) is currently building a new low-barrier shelter with 70 beds and 42 supportive housing units at 2740 1st Avenue in Minneapolis.  It has been intentionally designed to meet the short-term housing needs for people experiencing homelessness in our community and is expected to open in 2024. At the last board meeting, the Bethlehem Foundation board voted to issue a grant for $10,000 in support of the project, which will be matched with support from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation.

We are committed to helping people provide for and obtain needs, such as housing, shelter, food, healthcare, and education. Homelessness in our community is especially problematic, made worse by a shortage of affordable housing. We look forward to providing further updates on SHS’s innovative project as it develops.

Congratulations to Dagny LeMunyon!

One of the Bethlehem Foundation’s ongoing commitments is to provide grants for students connected to the Bethlehem community who are in seminary or divinity programs. That’s why we were especially excited to be present to celebrate the ordination of one of those students, Dagny LeMunyon, on August 30. Dagny graduated from Bethel Seminary earlier this year with a Master of Divinity degree. She is now Associate Pastor at Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley. Blessings to you, Dagny!

A Successful Art Show

Art has always served as a powerful vehicle for the expression of faith. This fall the church explored the topic of “Created in God’s Image” as a preaching series and wanted to extend that into a unique collaboration with the congregation and community by inviting everyone to submit their art for an exhibit honoring that theme. An evening event was held at both campuses.  Thanks to the generosity of the Foundation, we were able to coordinate the event, offer delicious charcuterie treats and beverages and frame the children’s art. What a beautiful way to see the different talents from our congregants as well as explore the expressions of God’s creation.

Supporting Choral Music at Bethlehem

The Bethlehem Foundation has recently provided a grant for a new Choral Scholar Program to begin this fall.  The program will feature four choral scholars from September to May who are undergraduate students at a local college or university.  The scholars will participate in weekly rehearsals and Sunday worship services and will spend time at both the Minnetonka and Minneapolis campuses. Each scholar will also receive a $3,200 scholarship for the program year paid to their current college.

This grant was given in memory and honor of Dick Dronen, whose long service to both the congregation and the Bethlehem Foundation will forever be remembered. 

Planned Giving

Learn about how estate planning tools can financially support not only your loved ones but also the Bethlehem Foundation.

Contact [email protected] for more information.

Stock Gifts

There are two ways to make a donation of stock or securities: through an electronic transfer authorization or physical delivery. To ensure that we can acknowledge your gift for income tax purposes, please notify Lisa Quist in advance of the transmittal. Click here for a Stock Transfer Form.