GRANT FUNDING IS FOR CHURCHES TOO!

Churches, like any non-profit organization, depend upon contributions to help meet daily operational and program expenses.  However, when tough economic times impact those who support such organizations, the result can be devastating. 

 

In order to meet expenses, cuts may be necessary and ironically, outreach programs are, many times, first on the list.  There are no easy answers or quick fixes; however, there are funding resources available.  I am speaking particularly about grant funding.  Due to a number of misunderstandings, many churches are, at best, apprehensive about applying for grant funding.    

Some grant funding misunderstandings include:

·         All grant funding is provided by the government--FALSE

All grant funding is NOT provided by the government.  Grant funding opportunities are also offered through Corporate and Private Foundations

·         Grantor's will not fund churches—FALSE

Corporate and Foundation grant guidelines are very specific about what they fund and what they do not.  Most will fund Faith Based Organizations but will not fund a project or program that only benefits a specific religious activity or supports a particular denomination or church.  Grantor's seek to support projects or programs that benefit the community as a whole. There are also foundations who specifically fund religious activities and ministries designed to spread the Gospel message; however, these are more difficult to identify and when found, are extremely competitive.

·         Accepting a grant award will restrict what we can say—TRUE and FALSE

Government grants, possibly.  Corporate and Foundation grants, probably not.  Again, read the guidelines. Keep in mind, grant funding opportunities are also available that specifically fund religious programs, projects and evangelism.  

Facts about grant awards

·         Grant funding is extremely competitive.

·         Many funding organizations have reduced award amounts.

·         Funding decisions vary from a couple of months to 6 months or longer.

·         Site visits are common.

·         Most grant awards require reporting be made at various intervals.

·         Grant monies must be spent as stated in the application.

·         Most grants specify support for projects and/or programs and exclude operation expenses and salaries. 

·         Grant application opportunities require a tremendous amount of research and time.  

Grant funding is intended as a financial supplement to help organizations fulfill their mission to serve their respective communities.  Utilizing grant funding can help provide the financial resources necessary to continue an effective outreach program or implement a new one and should never be relied upon as an organizations only revenue source.