4 FREE Places to Look for Faith-Based Grants
Back in the day, I mean way back in the day, I loved doing research for my master’s thesis. It was so far back in the day that I actually had to look at real books (with paper pages!) and file through card catalogues to determine where I could find said books. It was heavenly.
Kids these days, they just don’t know what they’re missing.
Researching for grants now is a totally different beast. One that can be both easier and more overwhelming.
Before we get to the good stuff, here are a few caveats:
Grants are not the magic bullet for your organization. Grants should only be one piece of your funding pie. People who dole out grants can be fickle. You should not – nor cannot – count on them as a consistent source for funding. You should have a healthy and robust way to seek and obtain funding from individual donors.
Before doing your research, know your own program. What is it that you want to have funded? Is it well defined? Is it easy to understand from an outsider’s perspective? Do you already have the program in place or is this a new ministry? How much does it cost to run?
Are you eligible? Don’t waste your time or the time of a foundation. Case in point: many foundations are upfront that they do not fund faith-based organizations (churches in particular), especially if the grant will benefit the congregation (so no to funding your Sunday School or choir). Another key (and easy) question to answer: are you in the geographical area where they want to give their money?
With that in mind, here are four free places to look for grants:
Google – yes, you can do a quick Google search and see what pops up. The chances that you’ll find something are rather slim, but hey…stranger things have happened. When you do a search, be as specific as possible. For example, type in “faith-based grants for Oregon food banks” and see what pops up. You just might get lucky and find what you’re looking for.
Zeffy – this is a relatively new, AI-powered search engine. I typed in, “faith-based grants Oregon” and got six hits. I further refined my search to “faith-based grants Oregon United Methodist” and got six more hits.
The Grantsmanship Center – I love this one because it’s a bit more interactive. Click on your state in the map and up will come the list of the “Top Giving Foundations in [Your State].” You can also look up corporate giving programs and community foundations. Just a reminder, this is only the beginning of your research. You’ll have to determine if you’re eligible to apply to any of these foundations.
Your Denomination – Many denominations have grant programs. Keep in mind, they're quite competitive because you’re usually up against anyone and everyone in the U.S. Another downside: rarely are the grants very large. But as the old adage goes, “If you don’t apply, there’s no way you’ll get it” (and I realize that I’ve messed that saying up, but you get the point). United Methodist? Here is a list of grants that are available.
Grants can be an awesome way to fund ministries that impact people outside of your congregation. But those grants (sadly) won’t just fall in your lap. You need to do quite a bit of research to find the right partner. But don’t let the work discourage you. It’s a critical step in finding a good source of short-term revenue.
So don’t skimp on doing your homework. Say a prayer. Do your research. Find the right foundation. Say another prayer. Go for it!
###
Here’s another grants-related blog:
Yes! Churches Can Apply for Grants
Photo credit: saniusman89 @pixabay.com
Next week! I’ll be leading Legacy Giving 101: Developing a Simple Program for your Congregation on Tuesday, August 12. It’ll be offered twice: 11am-12pm PT and from 7-8pm PT. You can register now.
Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a Stewardship Consultant for the OR-ID Annual Conference. She is also a Senior Ministry Strategist with Horizons Stewardship – helping with capital campaigns and encouraging more generosity. For 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she has helped raise over three million dollars for numerous churches and non-profit organizations.
You can reach Cesie at inspiringgeneorsity@gmail.com, at CesieScheuermann.com, or at cesieds@horizons.net. Want to schedule a meeting? She’s got you covered. Click on the link below. Whether you’re applying for a foundation or a government grant, here’s something to remember.
Schedule a meeting now.
If someone has forwarded this to you and you would like to subscribe to "Inspiring Generosity," click here. Miss an issue? Click here.