LOANS School Association Loans Financing a loan to purchase, construct or renovate property is a major undertaking. We understand your association’s desire to serve the community in His name while being fiscally responsible. LCEF’s School Association Loans help school associations meet their needs with competitive rates and the full support of LCEF’s passionate staff.

A School Association is an Association of Member Congregations formed to administer and support an LCMS school. HELPFUL DOCUMENTS GET STARTED

Types of School Association Loans

LCEF offers a number of School Association Loans to help your association reach its financial goals. LCEF can also help with individual congregation financing with a number of loans for churches within the LCMS.

Secured (new and refinanced)

Secured Loans can be used for equipment and organ purchases, property purchases, repairs, replacement of HVAC systems and other capital improvements. They can also be used to refinance existing loans.

Construction

Your LCEF Construction Loan can help cover the costs of constructing new buildings or renovating existing ones. LCEF’s Construction Loans have just one closing, saving your association time and money.

Construction Bridge

Construction Bridge Loans provide short-term financing to fill the gap between construction completion and collection of building fund dollars. LCEF’s Bridge Loans have just one closing, saving your association time and money.

Line of Credit

This type of loan helps with anticipated cash flow fluctuations in your association’s operating budget.

Jump Start

LCEF’s Jump Start Loans provide seed dollars to support new or expanding initiatives. For example, this loan might cover the payment of a new staff member for Development Director or your Recruitment Office.

Soft Cost

Soft Cost Loans provide working capital for pre-construction related costs such as architecture/design fees, engineering fees, market studies, capital campaign expenses and special assessments.

SMART Loans for Schools

Our SMART Loan for educational institutions is designed to meet the short-term financial needs of LCMS elementary, middle and high school associations and related recognized service organizations (RSOs).

LCEF’s SMART Loan is ideal for:

  • S – Security upgrades and system enhancements, including energy efficiency projects*
  • M – Maintenance and other facility upgrades, including playground equipment*
  • A – Academic resources for classroom use
  • R – Repairs for both the building and fleet (can also be used for vehicle purchases)
  • T – Technology needs and equipment leases, purchases and upgrades

Benefits & Features

  • Loan structured up to 10 years, depending on needs
  • Up to $150,000
  • 0% interest for first 12 months
  • Interest for second 12 months determined using LCEF’s Cost of Funds (PDF), adjusted annually
  • Interest for remaining term of loan determined using LCEF’s Cost of Funds (PDF) plus up to 2.5%, adjusted annually
  • Low closing fees and no prepayment penalties

School Association Loan Rates

November 2020
Loan TypeRate
Monthly, quarterly or annually - adjustable4.000%
Call for fixed rate options.

Dan Brown

Vice President – National Lending

Andy Grote

Director – National Lending