How late can applications be submitted on the due date?
Applications are only accepted by email, and they will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the respective deadline:
- Spring — Feb. 1
- Fall — Oct. 1
- Grants are awarded for a 12-month term.
If Feb. 1 or Oct. 1 is during a weekend, the deadline will be the following Monday.
My congregation has many ministry areas and programs. May we apply for more than one grant?
We encourage your congregation’s ministry areas to work together to submit one application. Components of the application can be managed by individual ministry areas, but only one application will be accepted per applicant organization.
What is the difference between a project goal, objective and outcome?
Project goal — The project goal is the “destination” where you would like to be at the end of the effort. It is a broad general statement of what the program or activity will accomplish. Example: The project goal is to assist with an unmet need and develop new relationships in the neighborhood community.
Project objective — An objective describes the specific steps or tasks that will be undertaken to meet the project goal. You may have more than one objective. Example: Host an after-school program for children in the community.
Project outcome — An outcome is the result that will be achieved when you complete the project objectives. Outcomes are linked to objectives. Example: 10 percent of the participants in the after-school program will be first-time visitors to the church.
Examples:
- Project goal: St. John’s Lutheran Church will provide an after-school program and establish new contacts in the community.
- Project objective: St. John’s will host an after-school homework assistance and mentor program for 30 children in the community.
- Project outcome: Three new children or their families will be actively engaged in regular Sunday school, Bible study or worship attendance at St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Does my application need to be signed?
No, a typed name is sufficient.
How and when will we be notified about the grant decisions?
Grant award notifications will be sent for all submissions, whether the final decision is positive or negative. Notifications will be sent by mail to the project coordinator’s attention.
Grant decisions are anticipated to be made by the end of May for the Spring cycle and by the end of January for the Fall cycle. We ask for your patience while our office prints and mails these letters.
When will grant money be available to the recipient?
Grant agreements are mailed with the award notifications. Grant funds are disbursed after one page of the grant agreement is signed and returned to our office. Smaller grant awards may be disbursed as a one-time payment. Larger grant awards may be distributed in two payments and are contingent upon receipt of required reporting.
What are the project reporting requirements for the grant?
Specific reporting requirements are included in the grant agreement that accompanies your grant award notification. Reporting is required by all grant recipients. Reporting should include a description of goals, objectives and outcomes met. Please include pictures whenever appropriate.
Download Grant Report Form
If we receive a grant, can we apply again for the same project after the grant term ends?
Another new application can be submitted for the same project, however there are no guarantees that an additional grant will be awarded. Applications for the same project are limited to three years. Any subsequent grants are awarded in declining amounts.