Lutheran Heritage Foundation

What it reported doing in 2025

The lutheran heritage foundation (lhf) fulfills the great commission found in the book of matthew by translating, publishing, distributing, and introducing lutheran resources that are bible-based, christ-centered, and reformation-driven so that the church may increase. In order to carry out this work lhf utilizes individuals worldwide who serve as translators, reviewers, editors, general linguists, and theological specialists in order to provide the most accurate translations possible. Since inception in 1992 lhf has published 1766 titles in 187 different languages amounting to over 6,581,475 books printed. During 2025 over 111 titles were printed in 48 languages amounting to over 414,000 books/pamphlets being printed during the year. This included first time publications in 3 new languages a significant publishing accomplishment during the year was the printing of the simplified chinese book of concord in a two-volume set and the reprinting of the swahili book of concord. Other portions of the book of concord, bible commentary, luther's works, and devotional materials were also published in a variety of languages. The topical series of what about? Pamphlets written by former lutheran church Missouri synod president rev. Dr. A.l. Barry addressing 29 doctrinal topics, moral issues, and concerns in the church to help christians grow in their understanding of these important questions was translated and published in vietnamese with a number of ethiopian languages ready to print. Other printing highlights included a first printing of the small catechism with explanation in 2 new languages and reprinting in 5 other languages. The enchiridion, in varying formats, was also printed in 5 new languages and reprinted in 4 other languages. A child's garden of bible stories was printed for the first time in 6 new languages and reprinted in 7 other languages. Bible stories in pictures was reprinted in 1 language. God's word for you was also printed for the first time in 4 languages and reprinted in 1 language. A side-by-side khmer/english edition was printed for cambodia in old testament and new testament volumes. The jesus never fails evangelism booklet written by lhf founder, dr. Robert rahn, was printed in 8 new languages and reprinted in 3 languages with many additional translations now underway. The published resources are distributed through missionaries, churches, and individuals worldwide with increasing requests from within the united states for campus ministry, mission trip, or evangelism outreach purposes. In order to ensure that the resources are understood and used effectively the lhf conducts introductory workshops and training seminars for pastors, church leaders, women, and or children depending upon the content of the volume. Lhf is also offering more resources in electronic and audio formats especially for titles like jesus never fails, god's word for you and the daily spanish devotionals titled la palabra del seor permance para siempre (the word of the lord endures forever). Available lhf digital resources can be found online at https://issuu.com/lhfmissions/stacks. During the year 42 new electronic resources were added covering 11 new languages. Audio resources can be filtered from lhf publication page https://pubsearch.lhfmissions.org/. The lhf is blessed to have a faithful group of dedicated volunteers that assist with mailings and other projects on a regular basis. For more information on current projects, a complete listing of published resources, or to learn how you can support this important work please visit www.lhfmissions.org. Soli deo gloria

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 71.5%; rating input score 71
• Program expense ratio: 74.5%; rating input score 75
• Fundraising efficiency: $10.08 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 36; 36th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 1 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 17
  • Compensation committee: Missing
  • Independent consultant: Missing
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Missing
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Missing
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Scored; rating input score 0
• Grant itemization coverage: Scored; rating input score 0
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 7 of 7 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Other executive compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 12.1%; rating input score 60; 60th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 2.83; rating input score 69; 69th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0; rating input score 88; 88th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 7.6%; rating input score 42; 42nd percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 7.9% per year; rating input score 100; 51st percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 6% per year; rating input score 100; 45th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 8.3% per year; rating input score 100; 50th percentile among comparable filings