Gifts to the Eastern North Dakota Synod Sustaining Endowment Fund will support the synod mission plan. The synod mission plan supports the work of accompanying congregations in transition, equipping new leaders, congregational vitality, faith formation, and other ministry that is the particular responsibility of the synod. Full funding of this endowment would provide for administrative and programmatic costs of the Office of the Bishop, freeing mission funds to be shared with ministry partners around the synod and across the church. All undesignated gifts to the Eastern North Dakota Synod Endowment will be directed to this fund.

The Vital Leaders Endowment Fund is celebrated as the first endowment fund of the Eastern North Dakota Synod.  The vision, legacy, and success of this endowment spurred the generosity and formation of the other endowment funds now in place.  

The purpose of the Vital Leaders Endowment Fund is to sustain rural ministry and enhance the quality of leadership for our pastors and deacons. This fund supports ministry in five areas. 

• Scholarship Aid for Seminarians 

• Student Loan Repayment Aid 

• Pension Equity Grants 

• Support for Rural Internships 

• Leadership Development 

For generations, indigenous peoples have cared for the land and carried forth our Gospel witness across the synod.  Ministry among our Native siblings is a vital part of the mission and witness of the Gospel in the Eastern North Dakota Synod. The Native American Ministry Endowment will ensure sustained, robust synod funding for existing Native American Ministries in the synod and will provide support for emerging ministries in the future.    

 The Eastern North Dakota Synod currently partners with two Native ministries: Dacotah Oyate Lutheran Church on the Spirit Lake Nation and The Way in Fargo. 

In the book of Acts Jesus charges his disciples: “And you shall be my witnesses.” It continues to be the church’s charge to attend to where new opportunities and needs arise for our ELCA witness to the gospel in the Eastern North Dakota Synod. Disbursements from the Resurrection Endowment will support new and renewing ministry initiatives across the Eastern North Dakota Synod. 

We give thanks for congregations who shared gifts to begin this fund as part of their closing legacy: United Lutheran Church Brocket, St. Luke Lutheran Church Streeter, Calvary Lutheran Church Hankinson, and Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Grafton. Their generosity and legacy will provide new life and ministry in new places across the synod.    

In our ever-changing world, it is critical the congregations and ministries of Eastern North Dakota Synod are inspired to think creatively about how to share God’s love and grace in the 21st century. The Holy Innovations Endowment will encourage ministry vitality and inspire congregations and ministries to think boldly and innovatively about being the church in the world today. Grants from this endowment will support innovation and experimentation in congregations and ministries.

2025 RECIPIENTS: 

• Christus Rex: Community Building Trip with Crossroads NDSU
• Grand Forks Conference: Gods Work. Our Hands. Community Event
• The Neighborhood Church: Creating a Confirmation Space
• Grace Lutheran Church, Oakes: Technology Upgrade for Youth and Community Events
• Northwood/Washington Parish: Faith Sharing Initiative

2024 RECIPIENTS: 

• St. John Lutheran Church, Fargo: Food Truck Night
• Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Fargo: Neighborhood Block Party
• Washington/Northwood Parish: Harvest Blessings/Meal Delivery
• St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Thompson: Dinner Church
• Red Willow Bible Camp: Twice Blessed Thrift Store

We give thanks for the leadership and long legacy of our campus ministries! Ministry with young adults is a vital part of our mission and witness to the Gospel in the Eastern North Dakota Synod. The Campus Ministry Endowment will ensure sustained, robust synod funding for existing Campus Ministries in the synod and will provide support for emerging ministries in the future.    

The Eastern North Dakota Synod currently partners with two campus ministries: Crossroads Lutheran Campus Ministry at NDSU and Christus Rex at UND.