Our Mission

Wheat Ridge Ministries is "Lutherans seeding new ministries of health and hope in the name of the healing Christ."  We are a charitable organization with roots in the Lutheran Church that provides support for new faith-based health and human care organizations and programs – and we have been doing so for more than 100 years! It is our desire that all people experience wellness of body, mind and spirit made possible in Christ Jesus.

Wheat Ridge Ministries encourages the health and wellness of leaders and communities through its granting, connecting and equipping activities.

Granting: Wheat Ridge supports more than 100 new health-related ministries each year through a variety of grant programs including Major Grants, Congregation Health and Hope Grants, Good Samaritan Grants and Special Short-Term Grants.

Connecting: Wheat Ridge is a catalyst for the development of new ideas. We celebrate opportunities to bring together people from different disciplines to address common interests in developing new ministries of health and human care.

Equipping: Wheat Ridge sponsors workshops and training events related to current and emerging health ministry issues, and also provides resources in areas of personal health and hope.

In John 10:10, Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life … and have it abundantly.” This is what Wheat Ridge Ministries is all about! Through the seeding of new ministries in the United States and around the world, it is our hope that all people experience wellness of body, mind and spirit made possible in Christ Jesus.

Our Vision

Wheat Ridge Ministries is a primary leader, powerful catalyst and vital resource for efforts by the Lutheran community to stimulate the initial development of sustainable health and human care ministries, through which increasing numbers of people around the world experience wellness of body, mind and spirit made possible in Christ.  Wheat Ridge Ministries has a special interest in nurturing new health and human care ministries developed by local congregations and new faith-based organizations.  

Who We Serve

Wheat Ridge Ministries helps seed new health and human care ministries in Lutheran congregations, agencies and other church-related not-for-profit organizations. We rejoice that the diverse Lutheran community shares a common desire to serve others and to bring health and hope to people in the name of the healing Christ. Wheat Ridge seed grants and other resources are provided only for this purpose.

Wheat Ridge Ministries does not, through its assistance in developing new ministries of health and hope, endorse or advocate other activities, perspectives, practices or political views in the congregations or organizations it serves.

Affiliation

Wheat Ridge is a recognized service organization of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and an affiliated social ministry organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. 

What does it mean to be Lutheran and Christian in social ministry? Read Lutheran Services in America's Lutheran Hallmarks...

Support for Our Organization

Individuals, congregations, schools and organizations across the country share their financial gifts with Wheat Ridge Ministries. In addition to proceeds from its endowment, gifts come to Wheat Ridge from:

• Individuals through our direct mail appeals and online gifts
• Congregations across the country
• Bequests from estates and planned gifts
• Sunday school and day school offerings
• Matching gifts from employers and other foundations
• Donated stocks, mutual funds, and property
• Foundations and corporations

You can help by supporting Wheat Ridge through your prayers and financial contributions, by remembering Wheat Ridge in your estate planning, and encouraging worthy ministries to submit grant applications.

Wheat Ridge Ministries
One Pierce Place - Suite 250E
Itasca, IL  60143
Phone:  800.762.6748 or 630.766.9066
Fax:  630.766.9622