Grants for churches
Most grants for churches fund work that serves the wider community or the building itself: food pantries, security, historic restoration and youth programs. Few fund worship or ministry directly.
- 0 open
- 1 rolling
- 2 upcoming
From companies, foundations and states
- ApplyANYTIME
Preliminary letter of inquiry
Lilly Endowment · Nonprofits, Churches
Lilly Endowment funds community development and education in Indianapolis and Indiana, and religion nationally. Requests start with a two-page letter sent by mail.
- Opens12 JAN
National Fund for Sacred Places
National Fund for Sacred Places · Churches
Matching grants of $50,000 to $500,000 plus training for congregations restoring historic houses of worship that serve their communities.
- OpensSOON
Online Funding Inquiry
John Templeton Foundation · Nonprofits, Colleges
The John Templeton Foundation funds research and public engagement on science, religion and character. Each cycle starts with a short online funding inquiry.
- Closed31 JUL
Nonprofit Security Grant Program
Federal Emergency Management Agency · Nonprofits, Churches
$300 million a year for physical security at nonprofits at high risk of attack, including churches, synagogues, mosques and community centers. Nonprofits apply through their state.
- Closed12 MAR
Nonprofit Security Grant Program (Texas)
State of Texas · Nonprofits, Churches
Federal security grants for nonprofits at risk of attack, such as churches, synagogues and mosques, run in Texas by the Governor's Public Safety Office; up to $200,000 per site.
Questions
When do church grants close?
church has a program that takes applications at any time, with no fixed deadline.
Can a church get a government grant?
Yes, for secular community services and for security. FEMA's Nonprofit Security Grant Program funds security upgrades at houses of worship through each state.
Do churches need 501(c)(3) status for grants?
Churches are automatically tax-exempt, but many funders ask for an IRS determination letter or proof of status, so it helps to have one.
Do I have to pay to apply for a grant?
No. Real grant programs never charge to apply or to receive an award. Anyone asking for a fee before you get grant money is running a scam.