5 Top Grants for Churches: Where to Find Church Funding in 2025

While churches continue to connect the community by worshiping, educating, and reaching out, they have to seek ways to raise money other than simple tithes and offerings. No matter if you are planning on starting a new ministry, renovating your church building, or paying for local outreach projects, church grants have the ability to help you make your dream a reality.

Below is a list of foundations that give grants to churches, and some helpful tips on improving your funding opportunities in 2025 and beyond.

Top Sources of Grants for Churches

1. The Lilly Endowment

The Lilly Endowment is one of the largest private philanthropic foundations in the United States, with a special interest in religion, education, and community development. Through its Religion Division, the foundation provides millions of dollars annually in church grants aimed at leadership development, pastoral health, and congregational creativity.

• Focus Areas: Clergy renewal programs, seminary partnerships, church innovation labs
• Notable Programs: National Clergy Renewal Program, Thriving Congregations Initiative

2. The Mustard Seed Foundation

Dedicated to furthering Christ-honoring influence in society, the Mustard Seed Foundation gives grants to church leaders and young professionals serving through faith-based projects to interact with culture. Churches that sponsor or mentor emerging leaders in business, government, media, or academia might qualify.

• Focus Areas: Urban ministry, cross-cultural outreach, faith-in-action initiatives
• Eligible Projects: Church planting, mentorship programs, vocational discipleship

3. Oldham Little Church Foundation

Focused solely on church infrastructure, the Oldham Little Church Foundation helps with grants for churches in need of help with upkeep or improvement of their physical structures. This is particularly helpful for small evangelical churches that lack the funds for capital spending.

• Focus Areas: Building repair, accessibility improvements, emergency maintenance
• Grant Amounts: Up to $5,000 per project

4. Local Community Foundations

Across the country, there are thousands of community foundations making focused grants to nonprofits, like church grants, especially where churches are actively involved in serving social needs. They include food distribution, after-school programs, addiction recovery ministries, and more. Examples include The Cleveland Foundation, The Chicago Community Trust, and The Seattle Foundation

• Tip: Look for foundations with a “Faith-Based” or “Community Impact” category
• Where to Search: Candid.org, GrantWatch.com

5. Government Programs for Faith-Based Organizations

While the U.S. government does not provide money for religious worship, it does provide funding to faith-based organizations, such as churches, for programs that benefit the wider community. This money might be from federal or state departments that deal with education, disasters, public health, or security. Consider applying for the following:

• FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program: Security upgrades for churches
• Health and Human Services (HHS): Grants for child care, addiction recovery, and food programs
• Department of Education: Grants for after-school tutoring or ESL programs

How to Apply: Church Grant Writing Tips That Get Results

Even with plenty of other opportunities, church grants can be competitive. The following are winning strategies to improve your chances:

1. Tailor Every Application

Avoid generic proposals. Study each funder’s mission statement and priorities. Write your proposal in their language and explain how your project will help further their mission.

2. Use Real Data and Impact Metrics

Don’t simply state your vision; quantify it. Include statistics about your congregation, the number of individuals you are reaching through outreach, and concrete goals. For example:

“Last year, our food pantry served over 3,000 individuals. With this grant, we aim to increase capacity by 40%.”

3. Write in Clear, Jargon-Free Language

Keep your proposal easy to read. Avoid theologically repeating or denominational jargon unless it applies directly to your mission in a way that the grantor will recognize.

4. Be Honest About Past Challenges

If you’ve had difficulty with fundraising, staffing, or program delivery previously, be truthful and describe what you’ve learned. Honesty builds trust.

5. Stay Organized with a Grant Calendar

Create a spreadsheet or use grant management software to track:

• Application deadlines
• Required documents
• Contact information for each funder
• Submission statuses and follow-up dates

6. Build Relationships Before You Apply

Get in touch with foundations before applying. Ask questions. Get acquainted with your church. Funders are more apt to invest in applicants who are willing to establish relationships, listen, and learn.

 

There are more opportunities than ever for churches to be financially supported by foundations, community groups, and governmental initiatives. From church planting to facility renovation and ministering to the underserved, these church grants can make your vision a reality.

Start small, stay persistent, and keep your mission front and center.

Also, check this article on in-kind donations to boost nonprofit impact effectively!