2021
Annual
Report
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service has been dedicated to welcoming immigrants and refugees for more than 80 years. We're thrilled to share what we've accomplished in one of our most extraordinary years yet.
2021 was all about meeting the moment.
As we entered the year, the United States was still in the midst of a raging global pandemic, coupled with bitter political divisions and a near-embargo on immigration. And yet, we still had hope: hope that a vaccine would come soon, that refugee travel would resume, and that Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) would continue to grow into its potential as the domestic leader in the immigration and refugee resettlement space.
All of those things happened, alongside countless others that we couldn’t have predicted—most notably, the massive increase in unaccompanied children at the United States’ southern border and the fall of Afghanistan’s government to the Taliban. Through each developing crisis, LIRS rose to the occasion in unprecedented ways, taking a leadership role on the national stage through innovative programming, strategic communications and mobilization, and fearless advocacy.
We were able to transform extraordinary challenges into opportunities to expand, improve, innovate, and create a system that enables immigrant and refugee families to thrive. But this critical work of welcome is not undertaken alone. We owe so much to our talented, mission-driven staff and affiliate network, the communities of faith and goodwill across the country that stepped up in incredible ways to welcome our new neighbors, our corporate and foundational partners, and the tens of thousands of donors, volunteers, and supporters who joined the LIRS family in 2021. Thank you.
In many ways, it feels as if our work is only just beginning. We look forward to sharing all we’ve accomplished in 2021 with you in the pages ahead—and working together to do even more in 2022.
2021 At A Glance
In many ways, 2021 was Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service’s biggest year ever. Despite continued challenges to resettlement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we received the most extensive public support in our 82-year history.
Meeting the Moment
In a year beset with crisis, LIRS played a pivotal role in stepping up to serve the most vulnerable. From resettling thousands of Afghan evacuees to ensuring the tens of thousands of unaccompanied children at the border received compassionate care, we were there at every stage—and have used the lessons learned to work toward more sustainable solutions for those urgently seeking safety.
A Legacy of Welcome
For more than 80 years, LIRS has provided a full slate of services to support and empower refugee and immigrant children and families—from respite services at the border to family reunification to setting up homes for New American families. This work is a mainstay of our mission and vision, creating the foundation from which we can build a better system.
Programs and Events
2021 marked the second year of our new slate of programming for communities and congregations that want to take a more active role in the work of welcome. Bolstering our client services, these annual national programs offer opportunities for education, togetherness, advocacy, and service to support and promote empathy for new Americans.
We invite our friends and supporters to engage with our flagship programs for both secular and faith-based communities—or take the next step and become an LIRS Ambassador or member of the Emmaus Network.
The Gift of Welcome
2021 was the most successful fundraising year in LIRS history, spurred by an outpouring of support after the Afghanistan crisis that increased the number of individual gifts given by nearly 300%—from just over 6,000 in FY20 to just under 23,000 in FY21.
Through the crisis and beyond, we connected with 32 corporate and foundational donors to raise nearly $9.5 million—including $4.47 million for our new Afghan neighbors. Notable partnerships included Airbnb, Walmart.org, Bank of America Charitable Foundation, and Uber.
In total, LIRS received $24.6 million in private dollars in 2021. As always, we are inspired by the generosity of our donors and partners, whose gifts make a real difference in the lives of immigrants and refugees every single day.
support vital LIRS programs.
“God has blessed us with a comfortable living, and we have enough money to share. It is hard to imagine being in their shoes, but I hope that if my family ever had to flee our homes, someone would open their homes and hearts to help us.”
Neoma G., LIRS donor
Since 1955, the Tree of Life Lutheran Church in Yakima, Washington, has faithfully served their multi-cultural community. Unfortunately, the harsh impacts of COVID-19 brought the congregation to the difficult decision to close its doors and distribute their final assets.
They chose LIRS to receive a generous donation to continue their long legacy of welcoming the stranger. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the congregation for their generosity and service.
“My son Peter is 12 years old and was extremely saddened by the events that unfolded in Afghanistan. He felt deeply for the refugees, especially children, seeking comfort and safety here in the United States and around the world. We heard about your organization after researching ways to help online. He put together a cookie and lemonade sale on Labor Day weekend. His stand was a huge success, and he is still looking for ways to help and we hope that as the refugees settle closer to our area, we will be able to do more and volunteer our time to your cause.”
2021 Financial Report
LIRS is a careful steward of the private donations and public funds that allow us to carry out our work of welcome.
Statement of Financial Position
| Assets | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Cash & Cash Equivalents | $18,231 | $20,902 |
| Investments | 14,923 | 266 |
| U.S. Govt Receivable | 29,235 | 7,055 |
| Other Assets | 4,178 | 2,830 |
| Investment In Lutheran Center Corp | 3,407 | 3,420 |
| Total Assets | $69,974 | $34,473 |
| Liabilities And Net Assets | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Liabilities | ||
| Accounts Payable & Other Liabilities | $31,005 | $11,539 |
| Long-term Debt | 1,883 | 1,886 |
| Total Liabilities | $32,888 | $13,425 |
| Net Assets | ||
| Without Donor Restrictions | $32,818 | $20,512 |
| With Donor Restrictions | 4,268 | 536 |
| Total Net Assets | $37,086 | $21,048 |
| Total Assets | $69,974 | $34,473 |
Statement of Activities & Changes in Net Assets
| Support & Revenue | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Contributions – Private Sources | $23,170 | $3,414 |
| U.S. Government and State | 93,189 | 57,857 |
| Fees and Other Revenue | 1,909 | 1,801 |
| Total Support & Revenue | $118,268 | $63,072 |
| Expenses | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Program Services | $94,808 | $56,541 |
| Management and General | 5,642 | 3,504 |
| Fundraising | 1,724 | 1,283 |
| Total Expenses | $102,174 | $61,328 |
| Change in Net Assets | $16,038 | $1,744 |
| Net Assets, Beginning of Year | 21,048 | 19,304 |
| Net Assets, End of Year | $37,086 | $21,048 |
Board of Directors and President’s Council
LIRS is a careful steward of the private donations and public funds that allow us to carry out our work of welcome.
Board of Directors
President’s Council
Thank you For your Support!
To help LIRS continue our work of welcome, please visit lirs.org/donate.
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) welcomes newcomers who seek safety, support, and a share in the American dream. In collaboration with partners across the country, we run programs in two core areas: Children and Family Services and Refugee and Migrant Services.
Baltimore, Maryland 21230