You may not realize it because it’s easy to get caught up in the daily work and needs of the job. But your church is a central piece to the success of your community. Churches and non-profits minister to people that other organizations often underserve; ministries care for the greater good of humanity, and they serve in ways that other charities can’t. And other people and organizations recognize the critical nature of your church’s ministry to make a positive difference in the community you serve. That’s why there are so many grant opportunities available to your church. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel; you don’t need to be isolated and go it alone. Here are five grant opportunities waiting to be tapped into for churches and ministries just like yours.
Oh, and pro-tip: There are many more opportunities based on the denomination you’re a part of or even the state or region you serve.
1. Mustard Seed Foundation
The Mustard Seed Foundation provides seed funding for small startup projects of churches around the world. The Foundation seeks to help launch projects as a minority partner, providing funds over a limited period and in a way that encourages self-sufficiency and reliance on the local church.
2. The Chatlos Foundation
The Chatlos Foundation’s areas of interest are Bible colleges/seminaries, religious causes, medical concerns, liberal arts, and social concerns. Since The Chatlos Foundation began in 1953, it has awarded over $118 million in grants to more than 10,000 non-profit organizations.
3. Church Communications and Marketing Grant Program
I mean, honestly, what kind of list would this be if we didn’t include Church Juice's own grant program? This program is for churches with a big idea, dream, or concept they’ve been sitting on. We want to help make your church-related dream a reality. And we want the whole church communications community to grow from your experience, too. Applications are due Sunday, October 31. Head to our grant page for more details.
4. Lilly Endowment
Lilly Endowment’s aim in religion grants is to deepen and enrich the religious lives of Christians, principally by supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations. The Endowment values a broad diversity of Christian traditions and congregations today and endeavors to support them in a wide variety of contexts.
5. Wells Fargo Foundation
In the communities Wells Fargo serves, the Foundation primarily invests in non-profit organizations aligned with four focus areas: financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability and environmental justice but may consider grants to support other critical local needs and initiatives. Wells Fargo Foundation prioritizes non-profit programming supporting low- to moderate-income communities, addressing racial and social equity, and accelerating an inclusive economy.
