Organization Overview
Lutheran Development Group began in 2013 as an idea to connect the resources of Lutheran congregations and organizations with the needs of their neighborhoods. The agency works to rebuild urban communities through real estate development and community initiatives designed to build not only physical structures, but relationships with and in communities based on mutual respect, mercy, compassion, & dignity. The agency partners with City churches who provide a variety of health/human service ministries for and relationships with residents.
Partnership #1 (2018)
Previously, the agency had to partner with other developers to secure financing for its projects. The Brown Sisters Foundation awarded a challenge grant to help the LDG raise funding from new and existing donors to secure the capital needed to become a lead developer, thereby improving access to financing and providing greater financial stability and liquidity. The grant also allowed the agency to immediately expand its work to one additional neighborhood.
Partnership #2 (2021)
In order to provide disadvantaged young people with job training in a skilled trade that is currently facing labor shortages, LDG is seeking to create a year-round, full-time paid carpentry apprenticeship program for young people ages 18‐25 years old living in or near the low-income Dutchtown neighborhood. LDG plans to hire 3 apprentices in the first year of the program and will support participants in securing employment in the carpentry field (or other construction-related position) following the program. The Brown Sisters Foundation issued a challenge grant to support this new program and to attract new and increased donors to LDG.