Funding Ministry Needs: A Faith Leader’s Guide to Grants for Churches

Millions of dollars in grant funding are available to churches each year — yet many ministries miss out. Yet, according to the 2024 Giving in Faith report, just 17% of congregational funding in 2023 came from external sources — and less than half of that was from grants, foundations, or endowments.  

For many faith leaders, applying for grants feels overwhelming or out of reach. But with economic challenges continuing to affect giving, outside funding is becoming an increasingly important tool to sustain ministries and grow impact.

With a bit of patience and preparation, applying for church grants can be simpler than you think. When you know where to look — and how to tell your church’s story in a way that resonates with funders — you’ll be better equipped to unlock resources that help you serve your community and expand your reach.

1. Discover what grants for churches can fund 

Not all grants can be used for all things. But whatever your ministry needs, chances are, there’s a grant that can fulfill it.

Before applying for a grant, it’s a good idea to truly assess what your place of worship or church may need. This way, you have a game plan for which grants to pursue. 

• Building repair and renovation: If your building’s plumbing is leaky or your electrical system trips break, a building and repair grant can help. For these repairs, look for public safety or ADA compliance grants. 

• Community outreach: Money to help with the costs of a summer lunch program for children, a free food pantry, or a service to help people re-enter the workforce could fall under a community outreach grant. 

• Technology upgrades: As the world has become more digital, many churches have used these grants to upgrade their streaming services, improve IT infrastructure, or purchase better sound systems.  

• Safety and accessibility: More than ever, safety is a topic of discussion for church leaders, as is ensuring services are accessible for all to enjoy. These grants can be used to upgrade security systems and remain compliant with Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA) compliance.

2. Find grants for churches and places of worship 

Finding grant opportunities will take patience. But church grants are out there if you know where to look, and the rewards can have such a positive impact on your ministry. 

• Online platforms: There are several online grant databases that provide grant listings and serve as a central online location to find grants your church may be able to use. Grants.gov, GrantWatch, and Foundation Directory are a few good places to start. 

• Government programs: Investigate government-backed programs in your state that support faith-based programs and organizations. They may have grants available.  

• Religious foundations: Affiliated networks with your church may have grants available. Think of private foundations and church-governing organizations that have established relationships with churches in your faith community. 

• Networking: Word-of-mouth still works when it comes to finding out information. If there are upcoming conferences, meetings, and similar events, ask your peers about grants and other funding sources.  

3. Tell your story in a way funders will understand 

A compelling story is the heart of your grant application. The story needs to be told in a way that resonates with grant funders and makes your need for the grant clear. Grant reviewers are not just looking for numbers and stats; they want to understand the why behind your work.  

Before you begin drafting your story, there are questions you should ask to tell the most vivid story you can.  

• Identify the need: Preparing to apply for a faith-based grant means determining where your needs are greatest. Think about the exact challenge you want to address. If you need a grant to repair an AC system, what circumstances caused it to become a problem that the grant can address? Is it an old system that you have tried to repair numerous times? If you have tried to solve the problem, share that information so grant reviewers and funders can see how dedicated you are to resolving the issue. 

• Share your vision: How will your church use the grant to address your need? Do you envision a long-term solution, such as a continuous program? Or will the grant fund a single impactful event? If you are seeking a grant to make a much-needed repair, how does that impact your ministry or the reach it could have? 

• Show your impact: If you receive a grant, what impact would it have? If you are trying to solve a problem of food insecurity, for example, how far would a grant go in addressing that need? Include the statistics, but be sure to share what the results of answering that need would mean for your church and your community. 

As you start crafting your story, let go of the jargon and use plain language that gets to the point and is not padded with “fluff” words and phrases. Use data to strengthen your application. If able, partner with a professional grant writer. They are trained and understand the type of content to create for an application. If this isn’t possible, designate a staff member to help complete the process.

What is your most pressing need for your church? This is a question to ask leadership or pose to members to help them feel part of a major decision. Once you have done this, you must determine eligibility for the grants you are applying for.

4. Complete your grant application 

You’ve done your research, found a grant you want to pursue, and have all your information. Now, it’s time to complete your grant application.

Grant applications will vary, based on the organization offering them. Though there is no “one-size-fits-all” formula, most will require several of these core components: 

• Executive summary or cover letter: This is your chance to tell your story and share how much a grant will mean to your church. Look at it as an introduction, much like a summary or cover letter you’d complete for a job application.  

• Statement of need: This statement goes into detail about the need a grant will help you address. It should be enthusiastic, but clear to convey your mission and the results you hope to achieve from receiving a grant. 

• Budget and funds use: This information shares how grant money will be used and managed. It is especially important to consider and outline all costs and any timelines that will show when money will be needed.  

• Organizational background: Before issuing a grant, an organization needs to know to whom it is awarding funds. This portion of a grant application will ask you about the structure of your church. It is a chance to provide credibility for your church, too. 

• Evaluation plan and outcome: Here, you will need to share how the success of your grant-funded project will be measured. This is another section that calls for specifics, so be prepared to describe your methods and results in detail. 

Many grants will need information about your church, such as your legal status, membership numbers, project need description, and a detailed budget. You may also need financial documentation, such as bank statements.  

As you create your application, be sure to follow the instructions exactly. You do not want your application dismissed due to a technicality that you may have overlooked. Also, create a calendar and be conscious of your submission timeline. Note any due dates, mark them on your calendar, and give yourself ample time to meet them. 

Finally, proofread and proofread again. While it’s easy to rely on technology tools to proof and edit a document, be sure to read it on your own. A great tip is to read it aloud to hear the natural flow of the words and catch mistakes.

5. What to do while you wait 

You’ve met your deadline, proofread your application, and are feeling good about your chances. Now the waiting game begins. 

It’s ok to follow up on your submission. There is no set time to do this, but you want to give the committee at least a few days to receive it. Stay in touch and develop your relationship with funders outside of just applying for grant funds. Genuine relationships and interactions can keep your organization top-of-mind for future funding.  

If you receive the grant, congratulations! Your hard work has paid off. Be sure to deliver what you promised in your application and to collect data to show the amazing impact your grant is having.  

If you aren’t awarded the grant, don’t take it personally. Funders receive many applications and compelling stories. Treat this as a learning opportunity and seek input on what you can do to improve your chances next time. And continue to pursue other grants. This will help you become more familiar with the grant writing process. 

Grants for churches: Be purposeful and have patience

Like many journeys with a rewarding end, applying for faith-based grants can seem overwhelming. But with effort and patience, it’s worth it in the end. These grants can lead to better outreach opportunities and life-changing impact in your community. With the right resources and mindset, your team can successfully navigate the grant-writing process.