In 2014, National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) launched a community impact grants program, which eventually evolved to Impact1890–A National Lutheran Program. This was a strategic decision to extend NLCS’ mission to honor, inspire and support choice and opportunity in partnership with older adults into communities we have not been able to reach with our traditional senior living communities and our home care agency.

Over the years, we have been proud to support underserved adults though this program. Since 2014, we have awarded 165 grants, totaling $1.67M, to 74 organizations throughout Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. We are inspired by the stories grant recipients have shared with us regarding the work they do and how the funds provided have helped older adults.

In business, you can prepare for many things, but I do not think any of us could have prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic or the long-lasting effects on organizations providing services to older adults. Like most of our peers, NLCS has been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to this, we had to make some difficult decisions which includes the decision to halt any further grants at this time.

We know many of you rely on grants to support your organizations and are deeply disappointed we cannot contribute to your mission at this time. Please know this is a heart-wrenching decision for us. We started this program because we know it is the right thing to do and we admire the positive difference our partners are making in the lives of older adults. We look forward to working with you in the future.