The Cornerstone Society

Join the Cornerstone Society

LSSI relies on many faithful friends who thoughtfully provide gifts to carry out its mission. Many have “responded to the Gospel” by remembering LSSI through wills, beneficiary designations, and other types of deferred gifts—confident their future gifts will be used in support of LSSI’s ministry. LSSI founded the Cornerstone Society as a way of thanking its friends who have made plans to support our mission through a deferred gift. The Cornerstone Society recognizes these friends of LSSI for the tremendous blessings their gifts will bring to others in the future.

I love LSSI’s ministry. Serving LSSI for nearly 40 years was an honor … It gave me such great joy to know my efforts indirectly helped so many people. By remembering LSSI in my estate plan, I know that future generations will be served with care, love, and respect for their dignity. LSSI deserves our support now and in the future.
Dixie Downes

In addition, The Cornerstone Society recognizes members of LSSI’s Lifetime Giving Program. This lifetime membership recognizes and honors LSSI’s most generous donors for their cumulative and consistent support. The lifetime members are philanthropic leaders of LSSI, and their impact is significant. Members have established endowed funds within the Cornerstone Foundation to benefit our remarkable ministry. Others have given support to already established endowed funds. While others have achieved their lifetime status solely through their longstanding support of LSSI through their beautiful annual gifts. This membership honors donors who have cumulatively given $50,000 or more during their lifetime.

Planned giving helps fuel LSSI’s mission

At Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), our critical services promote dignity, enhance health and well-being, and help people reach their full potential. Your thoughtful generosity continues LSSI’s 158-year legacy that enables us to serve over 62,000 children, adults, and seniors annually across Illinois.

Faith in Action

“I believe giving is the telltale mark of the presence of faith.” Pr. Frederick Aigner’s words show that when people truly hear the Gospel of God’s love, generosity becomes a natural response that reaches far beyond one’s lifetime. As church pastor, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) Board Member, and past Chief Executive Officer of LSSI for 12 years, he has seen the presence of faith impact thousands of lives. He carried that witness into his giving and his family’s philanthropy through the Aigner Foundation.

For 159 years, LSSI has been a living expression of faith in action, serving children, families, and older adults across Illinois. The Gospel inspired LSSI’s founding and still guides the organization’s work. The community of neighbors who came founded LSSI made faithful gifts that continue to bless lives today. A planned gift does work similar to LSSI’s founding neighbors, ensuring that future generations will experience that same care, dignity, and hope.

August is Make-A-Will Month, a perfect time to take this meaningful step. Pr. Aigner reflects that giving grows over time—from weekly offerings to sharing “one’s accumulated resources.” This conviction has guided the personal philanthropy of both him and his late wife, Sally, and through the Aigner Foundation. He has strengthened innovation, supported caregivers, and extended compassion in ways that will endure well beyond his lifetime. He puts it simply: “I can’t think of a more worthy recipient of donative support.” That is the enduring witness of faith-filled generosity.

We’re here to help you meet your goals!

Our team would be happy to speak with you in confidence about your giving goals, with no obligation.

Name: David Novak

Title :Vice President for Advancement

Phone: 847-635-4671

Email: david.novak@lssi.org

Already included us in your estate plan? Let us know