Funding Your Mission: Grant Opportunities for Faith-Based Nonprofits

If you lead a faith-based nonprofit or church, you may have been told that funding opportunities for religious organizations are scarce. We’re here to tell you that this simply isn’t true!

Many funders support faith-based organizations when their missions align! In this blog we are going to walk through six lessons to keep in mind when applying for funding.

Be Prepared

To streamline the application process, having the necessary documents prepared is essential for anyone seeking grants. Key items to collect include your 501(c)(3) confirmation letter, EIN number, organization budget, relevant audits, a list of board members and their affiliations, your mission statement, annual report, and a strategic plan, if available. Many funders require these documents, so being ready can significantly enhance your chances of success. For a comprehensive list of necessary documents, click here for Ghost Writer’s Grant Writing Toolbox download.

Know Your Goal

Next, consider how you plan to use the grant. What is the ultimate goal of your program?  For example, will the grant support a food bank, provide low-cost childcare, fund capital projects, or enhance safety measures? Is it aimed at evangelism or improving services for your church community? Clearly defining your goals will help you identify funders that align with your mission. Funders will give money to organizations whose goals and objectives align with their own.

Know Where To Look

Now that you’re prepared with your documents and have clarified your goals, it's time to identify funding streams that align with your organization’s needs. Here are a few sources to consider:

• Private and Community Foundations: Some foundations specifically aim to advance religious causes and support evangelical missions, including operational assistance. Others may not share a religious focus, but instead give toward programs that advance early childhood education, community health, or the arts. Platforms like Community Foundation Locator and Candid’s Foundation Directory are excellent resources for connecting with these types of foundations. Most online grant directories require separate subscriptions. However, if you work with Ghost Writer, we cover the subscription costs for our employees to use these research tools on your behalf, providing benefits to your organization at no additional cost to you.

• Denominational Grants: If your organization belongs to a denomination, make sure to research the grant opportunities they may offer. Many denominational offices have funding available for groups within their network who need resources for capital projects, faith-based education or community service projects.

• Corporate Grants: Many secular companies like Walmart and Home Depot provide grants or in-kind donations to initiatives related to community development, education, or health. If you partner with a faith-based insurance company like Brotherhood Mutual or Guide One, they many offer grant programs to further their customer’s faith-based initiatives.

• State or Federal Grants: While the opportunities for state and federal funding for faith-based entities may be slimmer, they do exist! For example, the Federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) is a funding initiative administered by FEMA and aims to enhance the security of nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attacks, including faith-based nonprofits. This grant aids with physical security enhancements such as surveillance systems, access controls, and security training for staff. More information and application details can be found on FEMA's website.

Understand the Power of Outcomes

Funders are often more interested in what you do rather than why you do it. While some funders may choose not to support religious programs for philosophical reasons, many are primarily focused on the results your organization achieves. For instance, if your church operates an after-school program that offers homework help and reading support, your personal goal may be to mentor students and build relationships with their families, potentially encouraging them to join your church. However, a funder focused on improving literacy rates among underserved youth may recognize significant value in your program based on the higher grades students achieve, making them more likely to support your initiative.

So, how do you make that connection? Clearly explain your measurable outcomes and demonstrate how they show your program’s success. Provide metrics that show improved literacy rates among students year over year. By presenting strong data and compelling success stories that align with the funder’s goals, you can effectively showcase the value of your program and its capacity to create real change.

Connect With Your Community

If your church or organization is seeking grant funding for building improvements, you may face challenges, as many funders prefer to fund projects & programs that can demonstrate community impact. Now is the time to broaden your perspective and consider how your building benefits the wider community, not just your members.

Does your church host annual events that benefit the wider community? Consider how these days boost local tourism and promote community involvement. Do you offer your facilities to support groups, educational programs, or organizations outside of your church?  By providing essential meeting space, you create a valuable resource for your area. Does your church provide space for cooling or heating stations for vulnerable populations during extreme weather? If so, you can seek out grants focused on improving public health and safety, as well as emergency preparedness.

By creatively reflecting on how your church serves the community through its facilities, you can identify funding opportunities that align with your impactful initiatives. Position yourself as an integral community partner, and you’ll enhance your chances of receiving grants from a diverse range of funders.

Ask For Help!

Grant writing can feel daunting, but you don't have to navigate it alone. You can explore our other insightful blogs for additional tips and tricks to help you enhance your fundraising efforts.

If you’d like personalized support, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Ghost Writer. Our team specializes in helping organizations like yours successfully navigate the grant application process. We can walk you through each step, ensuring you have the tools and strategies you need to continue making a positive impact in your community. Contact us today to get started!