Best Grants for Churches

The 1521 Foundation Grant aims to continue Martin Luther's vision of promoting gospel freedom and service to the neighbor. With a mission rooted in the Lutheran Confessional tradition, it supports ministries that teach justification by faith and charitable organizations that provide relief to those in need, regardless of their background. Please note that the foundation has suspended grant requests for the year 2025.

The Joan M. Wismer Foundation, established in 2001, honors the legacy of Joan Marilynn Wismer, who was dedicated to charitable work and community service. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, and medical research. It primarily supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding and effective financial management in its grant-making process.

The Parkinson Family Foundation Grant supports organizations focusing on Food & Water, Faith & Evangelism, and Health & Humanitarian Efforts. Applications are open year-round, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000; larger requests are typically declined. Eligible applicants include schools, state governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The Foundation emphasizes selectivity and prioritizes organizations with established relationships and those promoting American ideals like freedom and justice.

The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People Grant supports partnerships with economically disadvantaged groups in the U.S. It aims to empower these communities to take control of their lives and address systemic issues of poverty and oppression. This initiative encourages sustainable change through community-led programs that advocate for justice, human dignity, and economic equity, fostering a transformative impact on their local environments.

The Roy and Gloria Dinsdale Foundation, established in 2022, is dedicated to enhancing lives in rural Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado through grants exceeding $10,000. It supports nonprofits and government entities focused on food, shelter, healthcare, education, and the arts. The foundation prioritizes local initiatives that enrich communities and improve access to essential services, while maintaining a commitment to assisting veterans, first responders, and individuals with disabilities.

The Festus & Helen Stacy Foundation provides grants to non-profit organizations worldwide, especially those focusing on evangelism, leadership development, holistic ministries, and media outreach. Established in 1980, the foundation aims to support projects that address the needs of the marginalized and promote generous giving. Grants are typically awarded for specific initiatives in South Florida, nationally, and internationally, particularly in emerging nations. Organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) to be eligible.

The Tickets for Kids Grant Program, offered by the Tickets For Kids Foundation, aims to support low-income, at-risk children and youth by providing access to ticketed experiences at no cost. Organizations eligible for partnership include nonprofit agencies, schools serving primarily low-income students, and government agencies. The application process typically takes 2-4 weeks, with responses expected within five business days after review. This initiative enriches existing programming through valuable experiences.

The Verizon Foundation provides grants focused on Digital Inclusion, Climate Protection, and Human Prosperity, emphasizing projects that support diverse communities. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) public charities and K-12 schools, with grant applications by invitation only. Key requirements include compliance with applicable laws and usage of funds for community benefit. The foundation does not fund individuals, political causes, or organizations with overlapping missions with public agencies. Detailed guidelines are available for grant applications.

The Virtual Living Room Grant Program aims to create welcoming spaces for veterans in rural communities, providing access to advanced medical technologies via telehealth. By establishing these rooms in accessible locations, veterans can connect with VA resources without the burden of travel, ensuring they receive essential care in a comfortable environment. This initiative not only supports health access but also fosters community engagement and enhances the quality of life for our nation's heroes.

The WKKF Grant, offered by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, is dedicated to fostering a future where every child and family thrives. With a focus on nurturing early education, accessible healthcare, and equitable food systems, this grant supports initiatives that empower communities across the U.S. and parts of Mexico and Haiti. Organizations meeting IRS regulations and being legal entities, particularly 501(c)(3) nonprofits, are encouraged to apply for funding to create lasting impacts in their communities.

The Kawabe Memorial Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on low-income children, families, and seniors, primarily in the Seattle/King County area. Applications are accepted for general operating support and specific programs, with grant requests encouraged. The fund also offers capital grants to churches and scholarships for teachers and clergy, with most grants lasting one year. Note that proposals must be submitted by the second Friday of March, June, or September.

Mary's Pence Grants provide essential funding and support for women's social justice organizations in the U.S. and Canada. Established over 30 years ago, the program is dedicated to empowering women on the margins by funding grassroots initiatives that focus on community-centered, sustainable change. Organizations with budgets under $200,000 are eligible to apply for grants up to $5,000, fostering relationships and collaborative efforts to address systemic issues and promote social justice.

The Youth Mental Health Fund - Anchor Grant, launched by the Decolonizing Wealth Project, aims to enhance mental health care access for marginalized youth, particularly LGBTQ+ youth and youth of color in the U.S. With a commitment of at least $15 million over three years, this initiative prioritizes community-driven programs that foster healing and empowerment. By addressing systemic barriers and promoting culturally responsive care, the fund seeks to create supportive environments where young people can thrive.

The Antioch Foundation Grant supports innovative projects that share the Gospel and serve communities in faith, education, medicine, and humanitarian needs. Established in 2000, it prioritizes pilot programs and start-up costs, with most awards not exceeding $40,000 for a one-year period. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, particularly those affiliated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Evidence of support from other donors is encouraged to enhance funding opportunities.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The JustPax Fund Grant supports innovative projects addressing gender, environmental, and economic justice. It invites nonprofits across the U.S. to apply for funding up to $25,000 annually, with a focus on transformative initiatives that challenge existing paradigms of oppression. Proposals should foster critical inquiry and community engagement, and can originate from diverse backgrounds, including faith-based organizations. JustPax aims to provide resources that empower agents of change to address pressing societal challenges effectively.

The Sorenson Legacy Foundation Grant aims to improve lives through support for education, health care, community development, and innovation. Established by James and Beverley Sorenson, the foundation focuses on enhancing art education, medical technologies, and community assistance in Utah. It prioritizes projects that foster artistic growth, promote innovative solutions, and address health care challenges while aiding vulnerable populations. The foundation's commitment to enriching lives reflects a deep-rooted belief in the power of education and community engagement.

The Player Matching Grant Program by the NFL Foundation supports nonprofit organizations and youth football programs with grants up to $5,000. These grants must be matched by a contribution from the applicant, and players can apply for two grants per year. The program focuses on community betterment through various initiatives, such as mental health and anti-bullying efforts, while excluding donations to political or religious organizations.

The Versafund Grant Program: Impact Grant, offered by the Versacare Foundation, provides funding between $40,001 and $100,000 to eligible Seventh-day Adventist organizations. This grant supports innovative projects addressing community engagement, education, health, and humanitarian efforts. Applicants must demonstrate proven successful practices and creativity in delivering services to underserved populations. The foundation prioritizes projects in North America and the Inter-American Division, emphasizing social justice and support for women, children, and youth.

The Thank Offering Grant, provided by Presbyterian Women, supports up to 20 projects annually with grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. These grants aim to fund programmatic initiatives focused on training, advocacy, hunger alleviation, or small capital improvements. Ideal applicants must have a clearly defined purpose that aligns with the mission of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and address identified community needs through innovative projects.

The Art and Mary Schmuckal Family Foundation, established in 1999, aims to support charitable organizations in the Grand Traverse region. It honors the philanthropic legacy of Art and Mary Schmuckal, who dedicated their lives to community service. The foundation is managed by a volunteer board consisting of family members and friends, ensuring a commitment to wise stewardship of its resources. It welcomes applications from 501(c)(3) organizations throughout the year, focusing on making a meaningful impact in the community.

The Mockingbird Foundation offers competitive grants for music education for children. Focused on underserved communities, the foundation supports innovative projects that engage children directly through music. Grants are only available for nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, including public schools, in the U.S. The aim is to enhance creative expression and provide music education in unconventional settings. Applications must demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion in their programs.

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Grants support the preservation of historic sites that reflect African American cultural heritage. Grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 assist projects in areas like Capital Projects, Organizational Capacity Building, Project Planning, and Programming. Eligible applicants include public agencies, accredited colleges, and nonprofits. The program emphasizes themes such as activism, innovation, and historically significant sites, aiming to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of African American history.

The Conservation Innovation Award, presented by the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS), honors exemplary efforts that advance soil, water, and natural resource conservation. Eligible candidates include organizations that align with SWCS's mission and demonstrate significant impacts in conservation practices. This award recognizes initiatives that enhance public understanding of conservation issues while fostering sustainable practices, aiming to inspire a broader community engagement in environmental stewardship.

Conserving Black Modernism Grant Program

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund (AACHAF), a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has launched the Conserving Black Modernism grant program through funding from and a partnership with the Getty Foundation’s Keeping it Modern initiative. The Conserving Black Modernism grant program is designed to empower and equip preservationists and stewards with funding and technical support to preserve the material heritage, innovation, and legacy of modern architectural sites designed by Black architects.

Integrated into the Action Fund’s existing National Grant Program, the Conserving Black Modernism grant program will support non-profits and municipalities to steward 16 historic assets of modern architecture through funding, technical assistance, public awareness, and education. The program will support eligible project planning activities and seeks to develop future-looking plans that model and strengthen stewardship, interpretation, and asset management. This program aims to increase recognition of Black architects and their artistic expressions as well as diversify the meaning of American modern architecture and design. The Action Fund invites proposals from a broad pool of applicants who steward these places for public benefit and access.

Grants made from Conserving Black Modernism will total $150,000 each. Funding will be flexible and can support planning activities, limited capital improvements, and indirect costs. Funding ratios will be balanced to support and prioritize comprehensive project planning needs. For example, a $150,000 project planning grant with 10% indirect can be allocated to advance a full-scale building evaluation and preservation plan. The grant period for this type of project will be 12 months.

Conserving Black Modernism grants can also support projects consisting of a mix of project planning and limited capital improvements. Funding ratios will be balanced to prioritize project planning. For example, an applicant may propose a project which allocates $90,000 for planning activities, $45,000 for capital expenses, and $15,000 for indirect expenses. The grant period for this type of project will be 18 months.

Grantees can address the building’s priority needs and experience the full cycle of planning, design, and construction. Additional grantee support will include technical assistance, promotion, and conservation management training.

Historic Asset Example Archetypes

While this is not an exhaustive list, we are particularly interested in the following 20th-century property archetypes:

• Buildings Located on HBCU Campuses
• Community and Cultural Centers
• Schools
• Libraries
• Houses and Residences
• Spaces Associated with Sports & Recreation
• Green Book Sites
• Sites associated with Women’s History
• Sites associated with LGBTQ+ History

The McClure Family Foundation Grant honors the legacy of Charles and Dorothy McClure by supporting nonprofit organizations that strengthen families and communities. The foundation aims to promote the arts, historic preservation, education, faith-based initiatives, and the well-being of mankind. Eligible applicants include public charities, governmental units, and established churches. The foundation values personal connections with applicants and encourages endeavors that foster community responsibility and individual leadership.

The Birthday Offering Grant, provided by Presbyterian Women, supports capital improvement projects that align with the mission of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Annual funding ranges from $75,000 to $150,000 for one to five projects. To qualify, programs must meet basic human needs through clearly defined purposes and innovative approaches that either are new or redirect existing initiatives. This grant emphasizes the importance of community-focused improvements and creative solutions.