A School With a Mission
A small school with a big mission: providing an exceptional college preparatory education in a challenging and inspiring Christian environment.
The Spirit of Giving
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Luke 6: 38
Rockford Lutheran, like many educational institutions, relies on the generosity of alumni, parents, grandparents, friends, corporations and foundations to meet our financial goals. These financial goals ensure that we can provide the full spectrum of services needed by our students, teachers and coaches. We are proud of not only the rigorous academic environment that students succeed in, but also the Christ-centered culture that ensures their spiritual growth. Because of you and with your support, we can continue to be a school of choice that nurtures students spiritually, academically and holistically. Thank you for considering Rockford Lutheran School in your charitable giving. There are many ways to give your financial support when you are ready. If this page doesn’t answer your questions please contact our office.
For giving or record-keeping purposes, our Tax ID Number: 36-6126103.
GIFTS FOR TUITION ASSISTANCE – THE CRUSADER FUND
"A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."
Proverbs 11:25
Many of our alumni, friends, organizations, and corporations provide significant financial support for Rockford Lutheran students, allowing more families to access Christian education. Family need continues to increase as economic factors continue to put pressures on families for the limited available financial resources to support a private Christian education. Over 60% of our students get some financial award that helps reduce tuition costs and over 40% qualify for need-based financial assistance, resulting in close to $1.5Million in financial support provided to our families.
We often just can’t meet a family’s needs so each year we regretfully part ways with hundreds of families that come to us hoping to become a Crusader family.
The Crusader Fund is our annual fund that supports making these forms of financial support possible each and every year to our families. Every gift matters and can help fund one of our awards to a family. Thank you for partnering with us to continue to meet this need!
Gifts of Appreciated Securities
Gifts of appreciated securities held by the donor for more than one year provide two tax benefits: (1) no capital gains tax is imposed on the “long-term” appreciated gift portion, and (2) the donor is entitled to a charitable deduction equal to the fair market value of the securities on the gift date.
Life Insurance Assignment
Donors who assign ownership of a life insurance policy to Rockford Lutheran receive an immediate charitable deduction equal to the lesser of the donor’s basis or the policy’s net cash value. If the donor continues to pay premiums, he or she receives an additional deduction for amounts paid. When ownership of a life insurance policy is transferred gift credit will be given for either the donor’s basis or the cash value of the policy.
Gifts that Pay Income for Life
Donors may arrange for a gift that will ultimately come to Rockford Lutheran School and retain the income from the gift for life (or the lives of donor and spouse) or a designated number of years. There are several vehicles to achieve these goals, such as Charitable Remainder Trusts. We would be happy to assist any donors in arranging a meeting with a professional gift planner to discuss options or assist in setting one up. This is an ideal way to provide for Rockford Lutheran’s future without sacrificing investment income and receive significant income, gift and estate tax benefits. There are many options available to donors related to planned giving, and we can help get you started.
Gifts from IRA Roll-over
Donors over the age of 70 ½ can give up to $100,000 annually directly from their IRA to a charitable organization, such as Rockford Lutheran, according to current IRS rules. This transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you still benefit even if you do not itemize your tax deductions. This is a way for donors to manage their Required Minimum Distributions each year where those funds would create increased taxable income beyond their needs. Ask your tax or financial advisor about this or see our General QCD Letter to prospective donors.
Gifts of Real Estate
A gift of real estate such as commercial property, a residence, a farm, timberland, or undeveloped acreage can provide significant benefits to Rockford Lutheran School and the donor. A gift of unmortgaged real estate held for more than one year will generate an income tax deduction based on fair market property value at the gift date. The donor is not required to recognize any gain on the transfer. For gifts of real estate valued at $5,000 or more, the donor must obtain a qualified appraisal.