What is the Matching Fund Challenge? The Matching Fund Challenge is a short-term event designed to raise additional upfront funding for the construction of the Hope South Campus Worship Center.

What is our Goal?  We hope to raise at least $650,000 to begin construction. This amount does not fully cover the cost of the Hope South Campus Worship Center. Additional funding will be required as the project progresses.

How Does It Work? Generous donors have funded a pool of $325,000. Hope's congregation members and friends are challenged to donate at least an additional $325,000 to match the donor pool fund. 

If successful, the total $650,000 and other funds raised will be used for the Hope South Campus Worship Center. All funds must be guaranteed by October 31, 2025. Any special payment arrangement requests should be coordinated with Mary Beth Stoner (marybeth@hope4all.church) or Bob Franceski (bob@hope4all.church). You may also call the office at (352) 750-2321.

Can I Make My Contribution in Installments? This program is designed to raise capital in the short-term. All contributions must be in hand by October 31, 2025. Any special payment arrangement requests should be coordinated with Mary Beth Stoner (marybeth@hope4all.church) or Bob Franceski (bob@hope4all.church). You may also call the office at (352) 750-2321.

Can My Remaining Hope South Campus Pledge Payments Count Toward the Matching Fund Challenge? No. The Matching Fund Challenge is a separate program to raise new funds. Your existing pledge commitments have already been factored into Hope’s existing financials. 

Will My Contributions Count Toward a Name Listing on the Donor Recognition Wall? Yes, all your past and new contributions to the Hope South Campus Worship Center project will count toward a listing on the Donor Recognition Wall.

How Can I Contribute?

• Online:  Visit Hope’s website (hope4all.church) and click on the Give in Faith. Double Your Impact button.
• Check:  Make a check out to Hope Lutheran Church and notate ‘Matching Fund Challenge’ in the memo line. Drop it off, put it in the offering plate, or mail it to: Hope Lutheran Church, 250 Avenida Los Angelos, The Villages, FL 32162.
• Gifts of Stock, Securities and Mutual Funds may be transferred directly to Hope Lutheran Church. These gifts could offer tax benefits to you. Speak with your financial advisor about the best option for you. For info, contact Mary Beth Stoner (marybeth@hope4all.church) or Bob Franceski (bob@hope4all.church). You may also call the office at (352) 750-2321.
• IRA Gifts: A Qualified Charitable Deduction (QCD) may be made if you are 70 ½.  Required Minimum Distributions from an IRA if you are over age 73. Both of these allow you to transfer the gift directly to Hope Lutheran Church without paying taxes on the funds. Speak with your financial advisor about these options as there are simple requirements to complete the gift. 

What is the Donor Recognition Wall? The Donor Recognition Wall is a permanent exhibit at the new Hope South Campus Worship Center, featuring different categories based on donation amounts. It honors contributors and provides a lasting legacy.

What is Our Goal? The goal is to honor contributors, provide a unique legacy for families and friends, and encourage continued contributions to the Hope South project.

How Does It Work? The wall will have six categories based on total funds donated, with higher donations receiving more prominent recognition. Categories range from donations of $5,000 all the way up to more than $250,000.  

Will Category or Donor Dollar Amounts be Listed on the Wall? No, only the categories and names will be listed, not individual donation amounts.

How Can I Secure a Name Listing? All your contributions toward the Hope South Campus Worship Center will count toward a listing in the appropriate category. You can continue to contribute while the project is in progress.

Will My Matching Fund Challenge Contribution Count Toward a Name Listing? Yes, your Matching Fund Challenge contribution will count toward a name listing on the Donor Wall.

What If I Don’t Want a Name Listing? You can choose to decline a listing. The choice is entirely up to you.

How Can I Donate to Secure a Name Listing?

• Online:   Visit Hope’s website (hope4all.church) and click on the Give in Faith. Double Your Impact button.   
• Check:  Make a check out to Hope Lutheran Church and notate ‘Matching Fund Challenge’ in the memo line. Drop it off, put it in the offering plate, or mail it to: Hope Lutheran Church, 250 Avenida Los Angelos, The Villages, FL 32162.
• Gifts of Stock, Securities and Mutual Funds may be transferred directly to Hope Lutheran Church. These gifts could offer tax benefits to you. Speak with your financial advisor about the best option for you. For info, contact Mary Beth Stoner (marybeth@hope4all.church) or Bob Franceski (bob@hope4all.church). You may also call the office at (352) 750-2321.
• IRA Gifts: A Qualified Charitable Deduction (QCD) may be made if you are 70 ½.  Required Minimum Distributions from an IRA if you are over age 73. Both of these allow you to transfer the gift directly to Hope Lutheran Church without paying taxes on the funds. Speak with your financial advisor about these options as there are simple requirements to complete the gift.  

Can My Remaining Hope South Campus Pledge Payments Count Toward the Matching Fund Challenge?

No. The Matching Fund Challenge is a separate, stand-alone program to raise new funds. Your pledge commitments have already been factored into Hope’s financial requirements.

Can My Remaining Hope South Campus Pledge Payments Count Toward a Name Listing on the Hope South Donor Recognition Wall?

Yes, once your Hope South Campus Expansion pledge if fulfilled, it will count toward your name listing on the donor wall. Your pledge, however, will not count toward your Matching Fund Challenge donation. 

The Matching Fund Challenge is a separate, stand-alone program to raise new funds. Your pledge commitments have already been factored into Hope’s financial requirements. So, while your matching fund donation and fulfilled Hope South Expansion pledge will count toward your donor wall name listing, your pledge will not count as part of the Matching Challenge.

How Can I Pay Off My Hope Southern Expansion Pledge Commitments?

At the beginning of September 2025, all members who had outstanding Capital Campaign pledge balances received a reminder letter confirming their remaining amount due.  All pledge balances are due by March 2026. 

• Pay by Check: You can pay your remaining balance by making out a check to Hope Lutheran Church. Notate ‘Payoff of Hope South Capital Campaign Pledge’ in the memo line. Drop it off, put it in the offering plate, or mail it to: Hope Lutheran Church, 250 Avenida Los Angelos, The Villages, FL 32162.
• Gifts of Stock, Securities and Mutual Funds may be transferred directly to Hope Lutheran Church. These gifts could offer tax benefits to you. Speak with your financial advisor about the best option for you. For info, contact Mary Beth Stoner (marybeth@hope4all.church) or Bob Franceski (bob@hope4all.church). You may also call the office at (352) 750-2321.
• IRA Gifts: A Qualified Charitable Deduction (QCD) may be made if you are 70 ½. Required Minimum Distributions from an IRA if you are over age 73. Both of these allow you to transfer the gift directly to Hope Lutheran Church without paying taxes on the funds. Speak with your financial advisor about these options as there are simple requirements to complete the gift.