Community Impact Report: Siebert Serves
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” ~ Ephesians 3:20
A Faith-Filled Response
Meeting the Match, Multiplying the Impact
What began as one faithful act of stewardship more than 70 years ago continues to inspire a growing movement of generosity and long-term impact.
2025 Milestones
-
Over $470,000 pledged at the 2025 Collaborators’ Event
-
More than $1.3 million raised through the event since 2020
-
$500,000 Endowment Match met
-
Four donor endowment fund commitments established
A New Chapter in Legacy Giving
Launched in 2024, the Foundation’s $500,000 Endowment Match invited donors to invest in the long-term vitality of Lutheran ministries. In 2025, the match was met through four donor endowment fund commitments, marking an important new chapter in Siebert’s history and expanding opportunities for lasting, faith-driven legacy giving.
Generosity in Action
What makes these moments even more meaningful is the impact they make possible. In a year marked by rising need—especially around food security—this generosity allowed Siebert to respond quickly and thoughtfully alongside our partners.
One moment captured this spirit beautifully: watching dozens of first-time gifts come in, each one an expression of trust and shared purpose. From $100 to $80,000, these gifts reflect a community moved to act. It is a powerful reminder that when generosity is shared, impact multiplies—and lives are changed.
When generosity is shared, impact multiplies—and lives are changed!
Collaborators’ Event Packs a Punch
We crossed the $1M mark!
The sixth annual Collaborators' Event, held at Kingdom Prep Lutheran High School, brought together more than 130 donors, families, and youth grantmakers for an evening of generosity and community.
This collaborative giving model has generated more than $1.3 million since 2020. Combined with a match from Siebert, this brought nearly $2 million in additional resources to organizations strengthening faith, education, and community across Milwaukee. Short video pitches, real-time giving, and the joyful ring of a bell each time a ministry crossed the $15,000 mark made the night both energizing and deeply meaningful.
Fifteen ministries received support this year, including food-focused organizations facing record demand as families navigate rising costs. Youth from Wisconsin Lutheran High School, Kingdom Prep, Wisconsin Lutheran College, and Hephatha Lutheran Church participated as grantmakers — experiencing firsthand how generosity shapes their own neighborhoods.
Donor Lori Lorenz Reflects on the Impact of the Collaborators’ Event
Gratitude
Thank you to the individuals and families who donated to Siebert Serves in 2025. Each name represents a story of generosity and faith.
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
Lori and Kurt Bechthold
Drs. Kim and Chris Beloin
David Bohl
Cathy and Greg Buck
Lorraine and William Buehler
Jodi and Matt Burow
Kathy Cavers
Christ Church
Patricia Ramirez Contreras
Sandy and Tom Dunst
Rev. Andrew Fetters
Rebecca and Mike Ehlers
Karen Ellenbecker
Sarah Enstad
Kevin Festerling
Rev. Dr. Kenneth Fisher
Carol Flanary
Bridgette Frommell
Sarah Gilday
Rev. Sara L. Gillespie
Kenneth Ginlack
James Goldschmidt
Emily Gomez
Nancy and Reed Groethe
Katie Hofman
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Dr. Barbara Horner-Ibler
Rev. Donald Hougard
Wendel Hruska
Catherine and Eric Jacobson
Charlotte John-Gomez
The Kammerait and Nemeth Families
Rev. Mary Martha Kannass
Kaztex Foundation
Kingdom Prep Lutheran High School
Margaret and Kurtiss Krueger
Christie and Bill Krugler
Richard Laabs
Timothy J. Larson
Lori and Eric Lorenz
The Lutheran Home
Rev. Chris Manke
Mars Family Foundation
Anna Mattox
Mercer
Deni and Mike Naumann
Dr. Thomas Nebel
Jim Nitz
Outreach for Hope, Inc.
Nicole Owens
Kirstie and John Pahmeier
Ron Philleo
Dr. Joan M. Prince
Jeanne and Larry Prochnow
DJ Rodrian
Gael and Dave Romoser
Scott Sanders
Deb and Larry Schmidt
Debbie Schmidt
Elizabeth Schoenknecht
Robert Schreiber
Abigail and Matt Schumwinger
Rochelle and Bret Siewert
Brenda Skelton-Bendtsen and James Bendtsen
Mary Sowinski
Jenny Stollenwerk
Studio Gear
Terri and Eric Tillich
Derek Tyus
U.S. Bank
Susan and Steven Umland
Julie and Jay Van Cleave
Lisa Sullivan Vedder and Andrew Vedder
Julia Weede
Lana and Bob Wiese
Bethany Winkel
Cindy and Todd Witte
Peggy and John C. Zimdars Jr.
Siebert Lutheran Foundation’s Legacy Circle honors those who have chosen to make a lasting impact by establishing an endowment fund or including the Foundation in their estate plans. Their generosity reflects a deep commitment to faith, stewardship, and the future of Lutheran ministry.
Each name represents a legacy that will support this work for generations to come. Thank you for making this mission part of your legacy.
-
Kurt and Lori Bechthold Family Endowment Fund
-
Donald and Irene Nerenhausen Endowment Fund
-
Ramirez Contreras Family Endowment Fund
-
Rev. Sara L. Gillespie
-
Jacobson Family Endowment Fund
-
Kammerait Family Endowment Fund
-
William and Christie Krugler Endowment Fund
-
Timothy J. Larson
-
Thomas Nebel Liberation Endowment Fund
-
Nemeth (Kammerait) Family Endowment Fund
-
Outreach for Hope Endowment Fund
-
Eugene and Jeanetta Prince Family Endowment Fund
-
Brenda Skelton-Bendtsen and James Bendtsen
-
James and Mary Tyus Family Endowment Fund
-
Witte Family Endowment Fund
Why Derek Tyus Chose to Honor His Parents Through an Endowment Fund
“Since Siebert has been founded, they have been absolute amazing stewards, remaining true to the mission to cascade the Gospel to serve as the hands and feet of Christ and to promote Lutheran education. And knowing that the organization has a long history of stewardship and alignment with that mission gives me, without a doubt, utmost confidence that the assets that I’m sharing with the foundation will continue to promulgate with that mission.”
~ Derek Tyus, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Versiti Inc.
80
2025 Donors
$607,950
Donated through
Siebert Serves in 2025
15
Organizations Received Funding in 2025
Learn More!
When you make a gift to Siebert Serves, you join a community of other faith-based believers who share Gospel values. Additionally, you serve "the least among us” by investing in Lutheran programs that grow the body of Christ and build stronger and healthier communities.
Contact Siebert's Director of Philanthropy, Sarah Gilday, to learn more about Siebert Serves and opportunities to transform lives through a partnership with Siebert.
