Who We Are and Our Mission
Who We Are
The WELS Church Extension Fund, Inc. (WELS CEF) is a self-supporting, not for profit corporate affiliate of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). 
Our Mission
WELS Church Extension Fund exists to provide financing for mission-minded endeavors and projects that are under the direction of WELS Board for Home Missions. WELS CEF provides loans and grants to qualified mission congregations so they can acquire land, parsonages and ministry facilities -- used as tools for gospel outreach.
How You and WELS WELS CEF Work Together
The money WELS CEF uses to provide loans and grants comes from two sources -- investments and gifts. Individual WELS members, congregations and affiliated WELS organizations have the opportunity to invest with WELS CEF – which funds our Loan Program. In addition -- donations, gifts and bequests made directly to WELS CEF are earmarked for the Assistance/Grant Program.
Loan Program
Currently, nearly 6,000 investors have entrusted WELS CEF with nearly $70 million.
WELS CEF -- in partnership with the Board for Home Missions -- provided more than $15.5 million in loans to 18 congregations during the past fiscal year. Outstanding loans, total over $124 million to 252 congregatins-- and the demand keeps growing!
Assistance Program
The Assistance Program primarily provides grants that help mission churches get started with a land purchase or a building project. These grants are outright gifts and no repayment is required. Since 1993 more than $21.3 million in grants have been disbursed to mission congregations across North America. During the past 5 years, more that half of that amount has been distributed to more than 70 mission congregations. However, we are at a critical point. While demand for grant keeps growing -- gifts, donations and bequests made to the Assistance Fund have dropped significantly during the past few years.
The Future
We need your help and involvement. The field is fertile for seeding mission churches across North American. Your investment in WELS CEF certificates provides the necessary dollars to make these loans. If you, as an individual -- or if your congregation or WELS affiliated organization is seeking a competitive interest rate, consider investing in a WELS CEF certificate. While you earn a fair return, your investment is pooled with other investments, allowing WELS CEF to make loans, build more churches and reach more souls.
More gifts and bequests from WELS members are also prayerfully requested if we are to achieve the goal of using the Assistance Fund to help plant more mission congregations in North America.
For more information
Please read the Offering Circular to learn more about how you, your congregation or WELS affiliated organization can invest with WELS CEF. If you have additional questions please contact us toll-free at 1-866-511-7793 or via email at: WELS CEF@sab.wels.net. Be sure to sign up to receive a monthly rate sheet.