Lutheran World Relief 
The information on this page was last updated 5/9/2023. If you see errors or omissions, please email: [email protected]
Summary
Founded in 1945 by Lutherans in the U.S., Lutheran World Relief is an international aid and development organization that partners with communities to help them develop productive and stable economies, improve resilience in the face of a changing climate, and respond to natural disasters and humanitarian crises. In 2019, Lutheran World Relief joined the Corus International family, an ensemble of global leaders united in a commitment to ending poverty, suffering and injustice once and for all.
At Lutheran World Relief, we envision a future where all people, in every corner of the world can live full, dignified lives.
Founded by Lutherans in the United States at the end of World War II, grounded in Lutheran theology and building on decades of experience, Lutheran World Relief tackles global poverty by helping people adapt to the challenges that threaten their livelihoods and well-being. We work with people based on need, regardless of race, religion or nationality and we do not evangelize.
We provide aid in emergencies and help families restore their lives. We partner with communities to build and grow rural economies. We break the cycle of poverty, so families and communities can thrive.
Our goal is to help people build self-sufficiency and create new community-owned approaches to problem-solving that will last long after our projects end.
Contact information
Mailing address:
Lutheran World Relief
PO Box 17061
Baltimore , MD 21297-1061
Website: lwr.org
Phone: 800-597-5972
Email: [email protected]
Organization details
EIN: 132574963
CEO/President: Shelly Talcott
Chairman: Jean Hanson
Board size: 15
Founder: U.S. Lutherans
Ruling year: 1946
Tax deductible: Yes
Fiscal year end: 09/30
Member of ECFA: No
Member of ECFA since:
Purpose
A healthy world forever flourishing in dignity and justice.
Mission statement
Affirming God's love for all people, we work with Lutherans and partners around the world to end poverty, injustice and human suffering.
Statement of faith
Our Lutheran Identity:
We love, because God first loved us. Lutheran World Relief's work is a labor of love. We love, because God first loved us. God's grace calls us and sends us out into the world to help our brothers and sisters living in poverty.
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We serve our neighbor with impact and integrity. We uphold the Fifth and Seventh Commandments by working for resilient communities and just economies.
God works through human institutions. While other organizations are called to preach the gospel, our call to serve our neighbor is equally important.
All people possess dignity and self-worth. Lutheran World Relief brings aid and resources to others with the knowledge that every person we work with is holy, created in the image of God to be joyful and flourish. We realize that we need others as much as they need us. We need their experience, their knowledge, and their vision, and so we commit to walking alongside them in times of hardship rather than trying to lead or dominate.
All people have a vocation (calling). Lutherans believe that God has a calling for every human being that allows us the opportunity to better serve both God and neighbor. It is Lutheran World Relief's vocation to help people use their calling to the fullest extent.
Donor confidence score
Transparency grade
C
To understand our transparency grade, click here.
Financial efficiency ratings
Sector: Relief and Development
| Category | Rating | Overall rank | Sector rank |
| Overall efficiency rating | | 1083 of 1118 | 86 of 94 |
| Fund acquisition rating | | 986 of 1119 | 81 of 94 |
| Resource allocation rating | | 892 of 1119 | 67 of 94 |
| Asset utilization rating | | 1031 of 1118 | 86 of 94 |
Financial ratios
| Funding ratios | Sector median | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
Return on fundraising efforts Return on fundraising efforts = Fundraising expense / Total contributions | 6% | 14% | 11% | 8% | 7% | 8% |
Fundraising cost ratio Fundraising cost ratio = Fundraising expense / Total revenue | 6% | 14% | 11% | 8% | 7% | 7% |
Contributions reliance Contributions reliance = Total contributions / Total revenue | 99% | 99% | 99% | 99% | 97% | 96% |
Fundraising expense ratio Fundraising expense ratio = Fundraising expense / Total expenses | 6% | 17% | 17% | 12% | 9% | 7% |
Other revenue reliance Other revenue reliance = Total other revenue / Total revenue | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 3% | 4% |
| Operating ratios | Sector median | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
Program expense ratio Program expense ratio = Program services / Total expenses | 86% | 78% | 78% | 84% | 78% | 81% |
Spending ratio Spending ratio = Total expenses / Total revenue | 99% | 81% | 62% | 66% | 78% | 109% |
Program output ratio Program output ratio = Program services / Total revenue | 86% | 64% | 49% | 55% | 61% | 88% |
Savings ratio Savings ratio = Surplus (deficit) / Total revenue | 1% | 19% | 38% | 34% | 22% | -9% |
Reserve accumulation rate Reserve accumulation rate = Surplus (deficit) / Net assets | 3% | 17% | 46% | 59% | 28% | -14% |
General and admin ratio General and admin ratio = Management and general expense / Total expenses | 6% | 5% | 5% | 5% | 13% | 13% |
| Investing ratios | Sector median | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
Total asset turnover Total asset turnover = Total expenses / Total assets | 1.42 | 0.55 | 0.60 | 0.86 | 0.75 | 1.31 |
Degree of long-term investment Degree of long-term investment = Total assets / Total current assets | 1.23 | 2.21 | 1.96 | 1.26 | 1.60 | 1.37 |
Current asset turnover Current asset turnover = Total expenses / Total current assets | 1.89 | 1.21 | 1.18 | 1.08 | 1.20 | 1.80 |
| Liquidity ratios | Sector median | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
Current ratio Current ratio = Total current assets / Total current liabilities | 15.79 | 2.21 | 6.00 | 4.28 | 3.33 | 8.46 |
Current liabilities ratio Current liabilities ratio = Total current liabilities / Total current assets | 0.06 | 0.45 | 0.17 | 0.23 | 0.30 | 0.12 |
Liquid reserve level Liquid reserve level = (Total current assets - Total current liabilities) / (Total expenses / 12) | 6.00 | 5.43 | 8.48 | 8.48 | 6.99 | 5.88 |
| Solvency ratios | Sector median | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
Liabilities ratio Liabilities ratio = Total liabilities / Total assets | 8% | 24% | 21% | 25% | 26% | 24% |
Debt ratio Debt ratio = Debt / Total assets | 0% | 1% | 2% | 3% | 7% | 4% |
Reserve coverage ratio Reserve coverage ratio = Net assets / Total expenses | 62% | 138% | 132% | 87% | 99% | 58% |
Financials
| Balance sheet | |||||
| Assets | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
| Cash | $20,690,261 | $17,651,016 | $17,752,691 | $16,040,788 | $3,814,875 |
| Receivables, inventories, prepaids | $20,566,841 | $19,185,481 | $16,512,922 | $10,321,667 | $7,401,505 |
| Short-term investments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $7,466,370 | $18,170,167 |
| Other current assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current assets | $41,257,102 | $36,836,497 | $34,265,613 | $33,828,825 | $29,386,547 |
| Long-term investments | $5,062,553 | $10,873,071 | $5,193,592 | $6,620,498 | $6,462,950 |
| Fixed assets | $335,458 | $291,544 | $406,579 | $183,380 | $306,352 |
| Other long-term assets | $44,525,838 | $24,286,555 | $3,387,716 | $13,402,360 | $4,081,124 |
| Total long-term assets | $49,923,849 | $35,451,170 | $8,987,887 | $20,206,238 | $10,850,426 |
| Total assets | $91,180,951 | $72,287,667 | $43,253,500 | $54,035,063 | $40,236,973 |
| Liabilities | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
| Payables and accrued expenses | $4,458,581 | $5,161,323 | $6,484,636 | $4,510,843 | $3,474,688 |
| Other current liabilities | $14,208,451 | $980,366 | $1,520,859 | $5,633,624 | $0 |
| Total current liabilities | $18,667,032 | $6,141,689 | $8,005,495 | $10,144,467 | $3,474,688 |
| Debt | $1,109,710 | $1,265,164 | $1,418,118 | $3,819,072 | $1,679,026 |
| Due to (from) affiliates | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other long-term liabilities | $2,301,044 | $7,657,702 | $1,565,613 | $0 | $4,645,661 |
| Total long-term liabilities | $3,410,754 | $8,922,866 | $2,983,731 | $3,819,072 | $6,324,687 |
| Total liabilities | $22,077,786 | $15,064,555 | $10,989,226 | $13,963,539 | $9,799,375 |
| Net assets | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
| Without donor restrictions | $57,733,280 | $47,294,674 | $23,271,834 | $26,515,714 | $23,450,781 |
| With donor restrictions | $11,369,885 | $9,928,438 | $8,992,440 | $13,555,810 | $6,986,817 |
| Net assets | $69,103,165 | $57,223,112 | $32,264,274 | $40,071,524 | $30,437,598 |
| Revenues and expenses | |||||
| Revenue | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
| Total contributions | $60,833,140 | $69,208,550 | $55,890,638 | $50,427,370 | $46,842,067 |
| Program service revenue | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $383,661 |
| Membership dues | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Investment income | $521,671 | $425,907 | $290,259 | $1,608,940 | $891,333 |
| Other revenue | $28,560 | $0 | $0 | ($12,832) | $501,005 |
| Total other revenue | $550,231 | $425,907 | $290,259 | $1,596,108 | $1,775,999 |
| Total revenue | $61,383,371 | $69,634,457 | $56,180,897 | $52,023,478 | $48,618,066 |
| Expenses | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
| Program services | $39,032,581 | $34,072,597 | $31,119,341 | $31,719,178 | $42,611,542 |
| Management and general | $2,465,784 | $1,988,866 | $1,729,104 | $5,371,374 | $6,773,355 |
| Fundraising | $8,452,850 | $7,369,238 | $4,325,264 | $3,541,172 | $3,523,710 |
| Total expenses | $49,951,215 | $43,430,701 | $37,173,709 | $40,631,724 | $52,908,607 |
| Change in net assets | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
| Surplus (deficit) | $11,432,156 | $26,203,756 | $19,007,188 | $11,391,754 | ($4,290,541) |
| Other changes in net assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total change in net assets | $11,432,156 | $26,203,756 | $19,007,188 | $11,391,754 | ($4,290,541) |
Compensation
| Name | Title | Compensation |
| Daniel Speckhard | President & CEO | $664,684 |
| Joann Theys | SVP Finance & Admin, CFO | $297,511 |
| Tim McCully | EVP Impact & Partnership | $295,155 |
| Edward Byrd | VP External Relations | $287,913 |
| Andrea M Wilson | General Counsel/Vp, Compliance | $280,303 |
| Derek Reynolds | Former VP Business Develop | $278,033 |
| Michael Watt | VP International Operations | $268,068 |
| Eric Ramirez | Senior Technical Director | $220,509 |
| Kristin Cooney | Associate VP INT'L PROGRAMS | $219,180 |
| Lawrence Sthreshley | Sr. Advisor, Innovation | $216,434 |
| Lali Chania | Country Dir. Tanzania | $215,963 |
| Dennis Cherian | Avp Global Health & Nutrition | $205,775 |
| Frederick Kellett | Managing Dir, Impact Investing | $195,563 |
| Shelly Talcott | Senior DIRECTOR, TRANSITION | $188,495 |
| Cheri Kase | Chief Information Officer | $182,317 |
Compensation data as of: 9/30/2023
Response from ministry
No response has been provided by this ministry.
The information below was provided to MinistryWatch by the ministry itself. It was last updated 5/9/2023. To update the information below, please email: [email protected]
History
In 1945, World War II left an estimated one-fifth of the world's Lutherans homeless. Here in the United States, Lutheran churches in at least 20 states mobilized to help in Europe through a new agency called Lutheran World Relief.
Much has changed in nearly 75 years. But in thousands of congregations, in millions of offerings and in uncounted prayers, U.S. Lutherans continue to support Lutheran World Relief's work. Lutheran World Relief was there in the late 1940s, when 800,000 Palestinians were forced from their homes by the creation of the state of Israel ... in the early 1950s when Hong Kong, Korea and Bangladesh and much of Asia was mired in strife ... during the 1970s and '80s, when civil wars and drought plagued Africa.
Today, Lutheran World Relief operates in East and West Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East, helping some of the world's poorest communities build the resilience they need to thrive.