How to Apply

Eligibility
Interested applicants must be recognized by and in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) organization or be sponsored by such an entity. In the latter instance, the sponsoring agency must serve as the lead organization and will be recognized as the fiduciary agent for the grant. Collaborative efforts, which are strongly encouraged, should include the tax-exempt letter of the lead agency. The geographic area(s) supported by the Foundation are identified in our Core Values.

Funding preference will be given to preschools, childcare centers, schools, as well as non-traditional mental health providers such as youth/community centers, afterschool programs, and churches.

Applicants should ensure that their request meets the Foundation's definitions of Prevention and Early Intervention as described in our Funding Strategy.

Examples of Possible Children's Mental Health Projects*

Public education/awareness
Voluntary home visits
Parent education/support
Social/emotional development programs tied to the child's mental health

Mental health screening/ assessment
Skills-building services for child &/or family tied to the child's mental health
Short-term counseling

Examples of Ineligible Children's Mental Health Projects*

Ongoing therapy
Hospitalization/inpatient mental health services
Drug treatment
Youth development activities**

Respite care
Recreational programs**
Academic programs**
Mentoring programs**
Youth leadership programs**
Pregnancy prevention**

* These are examples and are not exhaustive of every possible type of project.
** Unless offered in conjunction with services that directly address the mental health of the child/youth.

Ineligible Funding Requests
The Foundation will generally not consider the following requests:

Operating deficits,
Grants or loans to individuals,
Annual appeals, fundraising events, or sponsorships,
Capital campaigns or major capital expenditures that are not directly related to program implementation, unless invited by Lutheran Foundation,
Lobbying, or
Seed money necessary to start a new agency, unless invited by Lutheran Foundation.

Application Process
All interested congregations or organizations must submit a grant application by the stated deadlines in order to be considered for funding. The Foundation strongly encourages applicants to meet with staff prior to submission of a funding request to explore opportunities for partnership. Lutheran Foundation’s Board of Directors makes funding decisions on all applicants.

Deadlines

Application Deadline	Board Decision Dates
April 1	June 30
August 1	October 31
December 1	February 28

When the application deadline falls on a weekend, the deadline is extended to the following Monday. Proposals must be received by the Foundation (not post-marked) by the stated deadline. In fairness to all, the Foundation does not extend deadlines for any reason.

Overview Funding Strategy How to Apply Grant Application Resources