YOUR LIFE-GIVING LEGACY INVESTED WISELY TO BRING LOVE TO LIFE, AND BLESS ALW AY S !
Living Water
When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
JOHN 4:7–10 (NIV)
The ALWS Living Water Legacy Fund is inspired by this incident from Jesus’ life, found in John 4:4-21.
Jesus goes into a hostile environment to give care to people in need. The person Jesus helps is someone forgotten by their world – a Samaritan, a woman, a person rejected by their community. Jesus makes no judgment, but instead offers life-giving water for her soul.
In the same way, through ALWS you welcome and care for people regardless of their religion, gender or politics. You give physical lifegiving ‘water’ - the practical care that can transform life. In so doing, you witness to the Love that you are inspired to bring to life.
Give a gift that gives for life!
When you have a heart for helping people, you want to make a lasting impact in their lives.
At the same time, you want your kindness to work as hard as you have and be used carefully and with respect.
What a joy it would be if you could do all that PLUS have your kindness keep on giving!
The good news is, now you can.
The ALWS Living Water Legacy Fund is a simple idea. The Principal of the Fund is maintained, and invested ethically to grow. 5% of the proceeds each year then helps people directly through ALWS-supported projects.
This means your tax-deductible Living Water
Legacy Fund donation can keep on helping people for life.
At a time when bank branches are closing, cheque books no longer issued, and cash disappearing, you may choose the ALWS Living Water Legacy Fund as a safe, secure, straightforward way to use help people in desperate need. Now, and for years to come.
This booklet will show you how the ALWS Living Water Legacy Fund works.
You’ll also see examples of the practical things this wise investment of your kindness will make possible, and how you will keep on helping people, now and ALWayS.
Living Water
You donate to the ALWS Living Water Legacy Fund.
Your tax-deductible donation is invested in high-yielding ethical funds. The Principal is maintained, while the Fund grows. This means your legacy gift can help people every year, while maintaining the real value of your donation for life!
Giving a Living Water Legacy Fund gift means you see the blessings you bring to the world’s forgotten people now, and know you continue to bless ALWayS!
CHILDREN
Your ‘living water’ helps make sure children have clean safe water to drink, and wash. This protects them from deadly diarrhoea and diseases like cholera, especially in crisis situations like here at Kakuma Refugee Camp. Healthy children are less likely to miss out on school.
FARMS
Your ‘living water’ supports farmers to increase crop yield. For Rebecca from South Sudan, it was joining a cooperative to buy rent land near a pond and use a solar power pump to irrigate. Basics like watering cans, and training in modern farm methods, are essential too.
HOME
Before ALWS help, mum Niaman had to walk three kilometres each way to collect water for the family: “Now with our washroom it is much more comfortable, and I feel very happy.” Niaman can now use the time freed up to build a business to support her family!
YOUR LIVING WATER
SCHOOL FOR SUCCESS
School helps children recover from trauma, and equips them to find good jobs. Education, like here at Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, is vital for girls who too often miss out. They can build careers, become leaders, and break down barriers that have held girls back. Thank you! Your help for life!
FOOD FOR FAMILIES
Rebecca says: “We are able to grow vegetables. This has supplemented our feeding. The money I got from the farm helps me support my family. I was able to buy necessities such as soap and oil. Our life improved a lot. We are grateful. May God bless you all.”
Your Living Water donation is a hands-on partnership, to help families improve their life. Your ALWS action builds skills and confidence, gifts that last for life.
The value of your Living Water is always maintained, so you help for life.
BUILD A BUSINESS
When Remaja joined an ALWS-supported Savings & Loans Group, life changed. She took a loan to start a kiosk. “I feel happy because the kiosk has helped me to supply my daily needs, pay for my daughter to go to university, install electricity and even extra savings.”
What is the Living Water Legacy Fund?
The ALWS Living Water Legacy Fund is a long-term investment fund designed to preserve and grow the principal while generating returns to support the mission of ALWS. Donations are placed in ethical investments, and the proceeds support ALWS projects. The Principal is never spent, and its valued is maintained with the annual addition from proceeds of an amount equivalent to the CPI.
Who can use the ALWS Living Water Legacy
All donations are welcome. However, because the Living Water Legacy Fund is designed for long-term investments, it is especially suitable for donations of $25,000+. For example:
• people blessed abundantly with resources
• companies enacting Social Responsibility
• churches wishing to use realised assets for ongoing ministry
• people who would like to bring forward a bequest so they can see their impact
You are welcome to discuss the suitability of this option for you. Simply call ALWS on 1300 763 407 or email alws@alws.org.au
Where will the Living Water Legacy Fund be invested?
The fund will be primarily invested in equities, with a strong emphasis on ethical and faith-based investments. The portfolio will be diversified to mitigate risk while aligning with ALWS’s values. The fund will be managed with a moderate risk tolerance, focusing on capital protection and growth. Investments will avoid sectors that conflict with ALWS’s Christian values, such as military-related industries.
How is the Living Water Legacy Fund managed?
The Finance, Audit, and Risk (FAR) Committee within ALWS will oversee the fund’s management, conducting regular performance reviews. External advisors may be engaged to assist with managing the fund. ALWS is audited annually.
Yes, most donations to the Living Water Legacy Fund are taxdeductible, but ALWS recommends consulting your tax advisor for specific advice. You will be issued with a Receipt so you may claim any tax benefit you may be due.
Can I specify how my donation is used?
Living Water Legacy Fund is designed to provide undesignated support to ALWS’s operations, allowing us to allocate resources where they are most needed. You are welcome to use whatever method suits you best:
How do I donate to the Living Water Legacy Fund?
ALWS NGR #: 13363329
‘Buyer’ name: ALWS
Address: PO Box 488
grain donation at silo or online: You can do this at the silo using the ALWS NGR # (to right) OR on-line using a ‘Warehouse to Warehouse’ grain transfer form from your bulk handler.
Albury NSW 2640
Phone: 1300 763 407
Contact: Shane Buckland
Can I leave a gift in my Will to the Living Water Legacy Fund?
Yes. A gift in your Will to the ALWS Living Water Legacy Fund is a wonderful way to have your care and kindness live on, and demonstrate the values you hold precious. You should take care of your family first, and tell them your wishes.
ALWS also recommends you seek independent legal advice. Your legal practitioner can then use the wording that follows to express your wishes:
“I hereby bequeath to the Lutheran World Service – Overseas Aid Fund of the Australian Lutheran World Service of Somerset Drive, Albury New South Wales (insert your bequest here – the whole of my estate / the residue of my estate / % of my estate / sum of $…. / description of property) to be invested in the ALWS Living Water Legacy Fund to be used by ALWS in its mission of mercy to people who are the most vulnerable, and in danger of being forgotten, in the world’s developing countries”.
How will I see the impact I make?
ALWS will provide you with a personalised report twice-yearly showing the impact you are making in people’s lives through your Living Water Legacy Fund contribution. The ALWS Executive Director will be your Case Manager, at your service to answer any questions you have, and ensure you see the full impact you make in people’s lives.
Questions? Simply call 1300 763 407 or email alws@alws.org.au
When water comes to life!
“I am very happy you support our community.
My mother and father didn’t support me, yet you being a stranger have thought of us, and supported us in getting a livelihood so we can send out children to school.
Earlier I had nothing and no skill.
My husband used to work. After his death I had no income. I felt very bad because I had no skill and no money. I was in bad condition. I could hardly get enough to eat.
There was no program or support here before you came.
I got my life back after getting support.
When I was chosen to join the program, I was able to have pigs. I already knew how to look after them.
“I used to spend the whole day crying. How would I live now? I was upset for the children.”
Now I had hope that I could sustain my family, and I could have a source of income to feed myself and my children.
I feel like you have been more to me than my mother father sister brother. You have helped me to feed my family. I am very happy that you are here.”
Nanda NEPAL
Investment Policy Statement for the ALWS Living Water Legacy Fund
1. Overview
The ALWS Living Water Legacy Fund is a perpetual investment fund established to ensure sustainable financial support for ALWS’s mission of empowering vulnerable communities worldwide. This Investment Policy Statement (IPS) defines the Fund’s purpose, objectives, and governance framework. It also outlines principles for ethical and socially responsible investment, ensuring the Fund is managed in alignment with ALWS’s Christian values and long-term financial goals.
2. Executive Summary
This document provides an at-a-glance overview of the ALWS Living Water Legacy Fund’s key principles and policies:
• Purpose: Maintain the Fund’s real (inflation-adjusted) value while generating sustainable income to support ALWS operations and projects.
• Investment Philosophy: Ethical and socially responsible investment practices, aligned with ALWS’s Christian values. Investments exclude sectors such as arms manufacturing, gambling, and exploitative labour practices.
• Governance: The Fund is overseen by the ALWS Board, the Finance, Audit, and Risk (FAR) Committee, and external advisors to ensure compliance, transparency, and accountability.
• Disbursement Policy: ALWS will annually withdraw 5% of the Fund’s value, irrespective of performance, to support operational needs while preserving the Fund’s capital for future growth.
• Emergency Access: The Fund may only be accessed for unforeseen, mission-critical needs, subject to approval by a three-fourths majority of the ALWS Board.
For a detailed understanding of the Fund’s objectives, management principles, and governance, please refer to the following sections.
3. Acronyms Used in This Document
To ensure clarity and ease of understanding, the following acronyms are used throughout this document:
DGR Deductible Gift Recipient
ESG Environmental, Social, and Governance
FAR Finance, Audit, and Risk (Committee)
IPS Investment Policy Statement
SRI Socially Responsible Investing
4. Living Water Legacy Fund Objectives
• Capital Preservation: Maintain the real (inflation-adjusted) value of the Fund’s principal.
• Income Generation: Generate consistent and reliable
investment returns to support ALWS’s projects and operations.
• Long-Term Growth: Achieve capital growth to enhance the Fund’s capacity for future impact.
• Reinvestment: All income generated by the Living Water Legacy Fund will be reinvested to maintain and grow its value.
The Living Water Legacy Fund will be established exclusively through contributions specifically earmarked by donors for this purpose. No existing ALWS funds designated for current or future programs or operations will be used to seed the Fund.
Target Return: CPI + 5% annually, balancing income needs with long-term growth.
This target will be reviewed annually to ensure alignment with market conditions, risk tolerance, and objectives.
5. Guiding Principles
• Ethical Stewardship:
◊ ALWS invests in alignment with its Christian values, prioritising sustainability, social impact, and good governance.
◊ Investments explicitly exclude sectors conflicting with ALWS’s values, such as arms manufacturing, gambling, and exploitative labour practices.
◊ ALWS partners with reputable institutions with a proven track record in ethical investing, ensuring compliance with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.
• Diversification:
◊ The portfolio is diversified across asset classes, sectors, and geographies to reduce risk.
• Risk Management:
◊ The Fund adopts a moderate risk tolerance, focusing on capital protection to reduce volatility where markets demonstrate strong outperformance.
• Transparency and Accountability:
◊ Regular reporting and oversight ensure transparency in the Fund’s management.
6. Disbursement Policy:
ALWS will annually withdraw 5% of the Fund’s value, irrespective of performance, to ensure sustainability and operational support while preserving the Fund’s capital.
Disbursed funds will be classified as ‘undesignated funds’ and allocated to areas of greatest need, in alignment with ALWS’s mission.
The Living Water Legacy Fund does not require a minimum or maximum balance, ensuring consistent fulfilment of its purpose.
7. Emergency Release:
The emergency release clause addresses unforeseen, mission-critical situations, balancing the Fund’s focus on sustainability with the need to respond to exceptional circumstances.
Access to the Fund in such cases requires:
◊ A detailed proposal submitted to the ALWS Board outlining the emergency, amount required, and expected impact.
◊ Approval by a three-fourths majority vote of the Board.
Examples of emergencies where ALWS working capital and reserves may be insufficient:
◊ Urgent humanitarian needs requiring immediate support.
◊ Unexpected and significant declines in donation income. Any access to the Fund under these circumstances ensures longterm sustainability while addressing short-term critical needs.
8. Governance and Oversight
• ALWS Board: Approves and reviews the IPS, sets the risk appetite, and defines the investment strategy.
• FAR Committee: Monitors Fund performance, compliance, and reports to the Board.
• External Advisors: Independent financial experts assist with strategy implementation, and adherence to the IPS
• Executive Director and CFO: Supports governance structures in implementing and monitoring the strategy.
9. Reporting and Communication
• Internal Reporting: Quarterly performance reviews will be provided to the FAR Committee and the Board.
• Donor Reporting: Annual reports will highlight the Fund’s impact, including case studies and project updates.
10. Legal & Regulatory Compliance Compliance
• The Living Water Legacy Fund will comply with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring that it is managed responsibly and transparently. ALWS’s existing legal counsel will review the fund’s investment policy and structure.
• Investments will comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including but not limited to the following.
◊ ACNC Governance Standards and Regulation
◊ ACFID Code of Conduct
◊ ALWS Constitution
Tax Considerations
• Donors may be eligible for tax deductions on their contributions to the Living Water Legacy Fund, depending on their individual circumstances. Donors are encouraged to consult with their tax advisors for specific advice.
• As the Living Water Legacy Fund, sits within ALWS (a registered DGR), the Living Water Legacy Fund complies with DGR status under Australian tax law, ensuring most donations are tax-deductible.
Cost Responsibilities
• The costs associated with establishing and administering the Living Water Legacy Fund will be fully absorbed by ALWS.
• The Living Water Legacy Fund will cover the costs associated with engaging a third-party investment manager to ensure professional and ethical fund management.generosity of the extended Lutheran family.
11. Donation Accountability
The Living Water Legacy Fund will comply with all charity donation requirements, as follows:
Your donation will provide life-giving support in ALWS-supported projects. Should ALWS receive income beyond what is required for such projects, those surplus funds will be used to support other ALWS projects.
Information in this communication is based on data correct at time of writing, and may change. Funds and other resources designated for the purpose of aid and development will be used only for those purposes and will not be used to promote a particular religious adherence or to support a political party, or to promote a candidate or organisation affiliated to a particular party, or to support welfare activities as defined by DFAT.
For more information, call: 1300 763 407
In 2023, ALWS ‘overheads’ (fundraising and administration costs as defined by ACFID Code of Conduct) were 15.43%. The 5 year average is 15.77%. A copy of the most current ALWS Annual Report can be viewed at alws.org.au or requested: 1300 763 407
ALWS collects personal information about you in order to process your gift. A copy of the ALWS Privacy Policy is available at alws.org.au If you don’t wish to receive further news from ALWS, simply call 1300 763 407 or write to alws@alws.org.au
Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) is The Overseas Aid & Resettlement Agency of the Lutheran Church of Australia – ABN 36 660 551 871
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“… and he would have given you living water.”
Jesus
Our Mandate
We love because God first loved us. Jesus said, “For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in; naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me… Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers or sisters of mine, even the least of them, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:35-36,40).
Our Vision
ALWS envisages a world where love comes to life (see 1 John 4:9-12); a world where all people live in just societies, where we are all empowered to achieve our full potential, uphold our rights and the rights of others for a life with peace and dignity; and where we are all inspired to remember, welcome and support those who suffer from poverty and injustice (see Galatians 2:10 and Leviticus 25:35).
Our Mission
ALWS reaches out in love, for justice. We bring together people willing to work in service to help end suffering. As partners, we work openly and accountably, supporting programs which welcome, respect and bring hope through care to those fleeing from, or hurt by, disaster, conflict, poverty or oppression. We add our voice to the voices of those unheard and excluded, together crying out for justice so that we can all live in just and sustainable communities.
FROM JOHN 4:10