Winning Grants for Church Programs
An innovative way to fund the Lord's work
-Irene Martin
If your church is starting a program for which funding or materials are needed, you may want to consider asking a local agency, business, foundation, or private charity for assistance. To do that, you must write a grant proposal.
Writing such a proposal isn't so difficult. If your church is doing what God has called it to do, then asking for aid is an honorable way of searching for the resources God is ready to provide.
Proposal writing shouldn't be like a game of chance, in which the church targets dozens of prospects and fires off a form letter to each. Here's a better way to win grants:
1. Know what God wants you to do. Determine exactly what God is calling you to do, how it should be done, and what resources you need to carry it out. Pray as individuals and as a corporate body about your plans. Ask for guidance. And trust God to provide for the needs of his ministry.
2. Determine what grant you need. Several types of grants are available, so make sure you request the right one. For example, a capital grant is designated for construction or renovation. It can be used for building or altering a facility to make it suitable for the program you're planning. An operating grant will fund the daily cost of a program or project, including items such as salaries or utility bills. A special funding grant can finance a particular project, such as a summer youth program. A debt retirement grant can help a church pay off its debt.
3. Network within the church body. Ask the congregation for suggestions of foundations, charities, businesses, church groups, government agencies, and corporations that offer grants. If a church member knows someone in an organization who can help you, cultivate that relationship.
4. See what your denomination has to offer. Check with denominational headquarters to see if grants are available from the denomination or church-related foundations. Aid Associations for Lutherans, for example, sometimes provides matching funds to local Lutheran churches. The Episcopal Church offers substantial grants for programs that address human need. If you want to start a food and clothing bank, contact churches of other denominations, neighborhood associations, and local agencies to see if you can work together on the project.
5. Research groups with similar values. Look for agencies, organizations, and individuals that share your values and might want to help you out financially. Check the phone book (under "Foundations"), the Internet, and your local library. Resources, such as the Foundation Directory, list grant-giving organizations by subject and geographic area .
The directory lists the priorities of each foundation. Some organizations don't offer grants specifically to churches, but others are willing to give to certain kinds of church programs. For example, Newman's Own Foundation, founded by actor Paul Newman, lists the Southminster Presbyterian Youth Group in Beaverton, Oregon, as a recipient of one of its grants. It also provided funds to the Salvation Army in Titusville, Florida.
Some foundations give only to churches, and some only to certain denominations. The Kresge Foundation offers grants to Jewish, Protestant, Roman Catholic, and nondenominational groups. The Knott Foundation limits itself to Roman Catholic organizations.
6. Follow the rules. In writing a grant proposal, heed the guidelines of the potential donor, and include necessary supporting documents. You are establishing a relationship, so emphasize the qualities you want to share, such as courtesy, honesty, charity, compassion, and commitment. Your proposal will tell the potential donor much about you, so make sure you present yourself well and clearly explain why you are searching for funds. Even if you do not win a specific grant now, your ideas and values may influence future giving.
7. Recognize other types of aid. The daycare and preschool program at Saint James Episcopal in Cathlamet, Washington, doesn't get grants from a paper company, but it has received many free paper products. Companies like Microsoft and Foot Locker also donate products to charity. Be flexible. When you ask for help, be thankful for whatever form it comes in.
8. Build an ongoing relationship. Once you have received support and your program is up and running, stay in contact with grant-givers by sending them annual reports of your program and invitations to special events. After all, you may want to approach the donor for future funding. Finally, be willing to share your success story with other churches who may need similar grants. Encourage them as others have encouraged you through their generosity.
If the Bridge can help you in any of these processes, contact us. We are here to Serve YOU.
