How to Apply for a Congregation Mini Grant

Eligibility
Any Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregation in the St. Louis area can apply for a Congregation Mini Grant. The geographic area supported by the Foundation is identified in our Core Values.

Congregation Mini Grants are available for up to $5,000; a church can only have one active Congregation Mini Grant at a time. Mini Grant recipients are eligible to receive free coaching and guidance on the following:

a project's activities and services,
project outcomes,
an evaluation tool(s), and/or
stronger volunteer management systems.

Funding Parameters
Overall

The Foundation will grant up to 12 total Mini Grants in a twelve month period.
Congregation Mini Grants are designed to help congregations pilot new social service outreach ministry projects or volunteer management activities. Mini Grants are not to be used to expand existing activities.
Congregations have up to 12 months after the receipt of grant funds to implement the project.
Toward the end of the Mini Grant period, the congregation can evaluate their interest in continuing the project. If the congregation chooses to continue the project and can justify a need for additional funding, a Regular Grant Application can be submitted to the Foundation. A Regular Grant Application may be submitted before the Mini Grant has ended so that the project’s momentum is not interrupted.
In general requests for capital improvements will not be considered.
All grantees are encouraged to participate in quarterly meetings through the life of the grant for group sharing and learning opportunities.

Congregation Social Service Outreach Ministry

Congregations must have an idea of the project or issue around which they wish to develop a social service outreach ministry.
Creativity in developing proposals for novel or experimental approaches to social service outreach ministry is encouraged, even if this means the prospects for a “successful” program are less certain.
At least 50 percent of program participants/service recipients should be non-members of the congregation.
Preference will be given to efforts that serve people in underserved communities.

Volunteerism

In general, the Foundation will not fund existing or new Volunteer Coordinator positions under the Congregation Mini Grants program.
Congregations can request funding to launch new or strengthen existing elements of a strong volunteer management system.

Examples of Possible Ministry Projects

English as a second language
Citizenship classes
After-school mentoring/tutoring
Job training for ex-offenders
Food pantry/clothing closet
Health fairs
Fitness/healthy living programs
Health screenings
Substance abuse services
Services for pregnant and teen moms
Meals on wheels
Adult mentoring
Outreach to the homeless (food, shelter, clothing

Recreation activities for underserved youth
Social activities for seniors
Exercise programs for seniors
Community computer room/classes
Community revitalization
Ministry fairs
Recognition of volunteers
Reflection opportunities
Spiritual development exploration
Spiritual/serving gifts exploration
Volunteer background checks

Examples of Ineligible Funding Requests

Vacation Bible School
Sunday school activities
Confirmation classes
Youth groups
Bible studies, unless it is a component of a larger outreach effort
Playgrounds
Homebound visits for Word and Sacrament

Evangelism programs
Capital repairs/church renovations
Vans
School ministries
Volunteer Coordinator salary
Existing volunteer management expenses

In general, Lutheran Foundation does not provide funds to purchase food for a food pantry or assist in paying for clients' housing or utility bills. Further, the Foundation typically does not fund the purchase of building supplies/equipment, unless the project is new and supplies/equipment are needed to help launch the program.

Idea Exploration
Congregations should know what they want to do and have an idea of how to get started. If you are not at this point, coaching services to assist your congregation are offered through Lutheran Foundation’s partnerships with Send Me St. Louis and The Missouri District of the LCMS. Please contact the Foundation for additional information. Services include coaching and guidance on:

mapping the congregation’s and community’s assets,
researching opportunities for social service outreach ministry, and/or
planning for a social service outreach ministry.

Application Process
All interested congregations or organizations must submit a Congregation Mini Grant application. Funding decisions for Mini Grants are generally made within one month after receipt of an application.

Deadlines
There are no grant deadlines for the Congregation Mini Grants. Application can be made at any time of the year.

Overview Funding Strategy How to Apply Grant Application Resources