Our History

Humble Beginnings, Lasting Vision

During the hardships of the Great Depression, the Werners founded a small milling business. Through discipline, hard work, and God’s providence, that business flourished. But they never saw their success as an end in itself. Instead, they believed that financial blessing came with spiritual responsibility. Their vision was clear: to invest in the future of Lutheranism, so that children, schools, and congregations might continue to receive the nourishment of the Gospel for years to come.

The Birth of a Foundation

Out of this conviction, the Werners established the Clara and Spencer Werner Foundation, dedicating over $30 million to Lutheran causes. They didn’t want to create just another fund—they wanted to inspire a movement. In time, their generosity gave rise to the Lutheran Legacy Foundation, a community-based organization built to help others do what the Werners had done: create lasting, spiritually grounded endowments without the administrative burden of starting a private foundation.

LLF was created to serve individuals, churches, and Lutheran institutions across the country, offering an easy and faithful way to ensure their gifts would continue to serve the Church far beyond their own lifetimes.

Strengthening the Church’s Mission

The Lutheran Legacy Foundation does not replace the Church’s mission—it only empowers it. Every gift entrusted to LLF is carefully invested and thoughtfully managed to uphold the intent of the donor and amplify the impact of their generosity.

Through personalized fund creation, matching grant programs, and clear communication, LLF makes it possible for even small congregations and modest estates to make a large and lasting difference.