dhlc foundation

Foundation Misssion

To create a vibrant culture of generosity
that nourishes a legacy,
making a lasting difference in Christ’s ministry

The Foundation adheres to three strategies for making a difference:

1. FUNDING DHLC SEMINARIAN SCHOLARSHIPS

There are currently 3,000 ELCA churches without pastors. The Foundation has awarded thirty scholarships totaling over $275,000 to support seminarians and fill the vacant pulpits.

In 2026, The Foundation is supporting four Divinity Scholarship Recipients:

2. FUND UNPLANNED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AT DHLC

There will always be improvements, expensive repairs, and replacements to the buildings, equipment, and furnishings of the church and grounds. The Foundation helps when there are these needs, both the planned and unexpected such as: a new organ; retractable walls in Fellowship Hall; New Sound System; streaming equipment, and an Intern Pastor for DHLC.

3. SUPPORT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION, COMMUNITY ORGANIZTIONS, AND CHURCHES

Children and young adults are the future of our faith, and the Foundation wants to see that they have opportunities for spiritual growth that they may blossom into strong adult believers and leaders in faith communities. Lutheran Campus Ministries, San Juan Bautista Lutheran Church, RISE Scholastic Achievements and others have had financial needs to support their ministries. The Foundation has donated more than $140,000 to help these organizations spread the gospel.

Click on the graphic below to view the organization's website

What is your Legacy?

Legacy Giving: A Gift That Lasts Beyond a Lifetime

Members of Desert Hills Lutheran Church are members of DHLC Foundation.

Together they “Make a LASTING Difference.”

There are many ways to make a lasting difference through your generous giving.

Make a gift during your life. Your support now can help in important ways and have significant tax advantages when you give appreciated stock to the DHLC Foundation and avoid capital gains tax.
Make a gift in your will or trust. Make a plan now to gift DHLC Foundation after your death to make a difference that lives beyond your lifetime.
Name DHLC Foundation as a beneficiary. Name the foundation as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, annuity, individual retirement account (IRA), payable on demand (POD) account, or transfer on death (TOD) account, or other qualified plan account.
Make a gift of your residence upon your passing. You continue to live in, fully own your home, and retain full title until your death, when DHLC Foundation (as remainderman) is gifted all or part of your home.

creating a lasting legacy

The DHLC Foundation wants to assist you in your planning to

"Make a LASTING Difference."

To learn more about the DHLC Foundation, watch the video and click on the Foundation history link:

Watch the DHLC Foundation weekend services talk video below.

To learn more about the Foundation history, read the DHLC Compass special issue (click here).

A legacy gift is an intent or a plan to give based on current circumstances. It is not a commitment. Over time, circumstances can change, and plans may be adjusted to adapt to those changing circumstances.

By including Desert Hills Lutheran Church in your estate plan, you help:

Provide scholarships to ELCA Seminarians
Maintain our beautiful church campus for future generations
Support Christian Education in the Region

Getting Started

Legacy giving doesn’t have to be complicated. Even a small percentage of your estate can make a meaningful difference. You can:

Speak with your financial planner or attorney about how to include the church in your plans.
Contact the church office to discuss your intentions confidentially.
Contact Lisa Higgenbotham, ELCA Regional Gift Planner, to get additional information.

The DHLC “Foundation holds its endowment with ELCA Foundation. They provide rich resources to help people plan their generosity. Click below for some of their tools

Lisa has a wealth of knowledge of maximizing the tax benefits of this type of planning, and her services are complimentary. She can be reached by phone at 805-910-5048 or email at .

2026 DHLC Foundation

Board of Directors

All members of Desert Hills Lutheran Church are members of the Foundation. The Foundation is managed by a Board of Directors elected by the congregation at its annual meeting. Board responsibilities include investment oversight, distribution approval, long-range financial planning and donor communication.

2026 Foundation Board of Directors are (from left to right):

BACK ROW Jon Fogg – Council Liaison, Steve Sorenson, John Stearman, John Westrich, Dan Carlson, Pastor Mike Sager, Bill Oldread, Carol Bates-Smith – Secretary, Reed Olson – Vice Chair, Bruce Rader, Dick Gardner – Treasurer

FRONT ROW Jane Bruckhorst – Chair, Karla Neumann, Karin Ramige – Pastor’s representative