Churches and Grant Funding

Today, more than ever, churches are seeking grant funding to supplement the diminishing income that they once received from parishioners and philanthropists.  While this strategy is risky, if successful, it does create an opportunity to diversify their current income-base and thereby withstand today's economic crisis. However, churches must keep a few things in mind when considering applying for grant funding.

Foundations and government entities that award grant funding most likely do so with the intent to fund a program that benefits the broader community, not just the congregation. Does your church have an outreach program? For example, do you currently operate a food pantry, literacy program, or senior day services? Programs like these will be more successful when submitting a grant proposal to a funding source.

Now that you've chosen an outreach program, you can begin researching foundations that will possibly fund your program. Use the internet, church members, and community contacts to compile a group of funders interested in programs like yours. Make sure that the mission of the funding sources matches with your organization's mission. Foundations and government entities will state the types of projects that they want to fund and some may even provide examples of projects that they've funded in the past. Compare your program to the information that they provide; if your organization's mission matches their mission, submit a proposal, if not, continue to research other funders. 

The last step in the grant funding process is to write a great proposal. If the funding organization provides an application form, remember to answer all of the questions as detailed as possible. If the foundation requires a general proposal, remember to include all of the major components of a grant proposal, including a description of your target demographic, program narrative, and a budget.  Funders want to see that you understand your target community and their needs. The proposal will demonstrate this knowledge and show how your organization will be of benefit to the community.

In addition to grant funding, churches should continue to conduct fundraisers as an additional source of income. Grant funding is not guaranteed. Thousands of public entities apply for grant funding each year, making it extremely competitive. However, each day, organizations are awarded the money necessary to maintain their vital community services, with diligence, your church may be one of these successful organizations.