Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Foundation select these funding focus areas?
- Congregation Social Service Outreach Ministry
- Christian Volunteerism
- Lutheran Education
- Children’s Mental Health – Prevention and Early Intervention Services
- Services to Prisoners/Ex-offenders and their Families
These funding focus areas complement and build on the Foundation’s rich heritage of improving the care of people by supporting people of faith, particularly Lutherans, as they engage in social service outreach ministry efforts. Further, the areas address clear, measurable community needs which the Foundation believes will allow us to better understand and determine our own community impact.
My organization does not address one of the Foundation’s five funding focus areas. Does this mean we are not eligible for funding?
Lutheran Foundation appreciates the important services provided by congregations and organizations in our community. Building on our Christian foundation, we are committing our plans to the Lord and focusing our philanthropic efforts in five areas that address clear, measurable community needs that allow us to better understand and determine our community impact. Organizations seeking funding should address one of the five funding focus areas identified.
When are grants awarded?
Grant Applications may be submitted anytime during the year; however, grants will only be reviewed two times per year as noted below. Exceptions are member Congregation Mini Grants (up to $5,000) which are accepted, reviewed, and acted upon throughout the year.
| Application Deadlines | Board Decision Dates |
| December 1 | February 28 |
| June 1 | August 31 |
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.
Why did you move from three to two grant cycles annually?
The Board felt that this will allow the Foundation to establish stronger relationships with existing and potential grantees, thereby allowing us to make better funding decisions.
What are grant requests typically discouraged for?
Proposals are typically discouraged for, unless invited by the Foundation's board and staff: deficit financing; specific individuals; unrestricted grants; and events, workshops, or seminars.
Does the Foundation award multi-year grants?
Lutheran Foundation does award multi-year grants, usually for no more than three years, to support a specific project (congregations/organizations funded in the Congregation Social Service Outreach Ministry Funding Focus Area may receive up to four years of funding for a specific project; CLICK HERE for more information). Such grants are most often awarded to organizations in which the Foundation has an existing or recent funding relationship. The Foundation typically decreases the amount of the grant each year to encourage the organization to seek other funding and decrease the possibility that the project will be discontinued after Foundation funding ends. Organizations are encouraged to discuss the possibility of multi-year funding before submitting a request to the Foundation.
Why did the Foundation adopt the new Missouri Common Grant Application? Why did you add additional questions?
Lutheran Foundation was part of a team of grantmakers that worked for more than a year on developing the Missouri Common Grant Application. The Application provides grantmakers and grantseekers with a common set of questions to work from that reinforce solid nonprofit practices. Most of the questions asked in this new Application mirror questions asked by the Foundation's previous application. The Foundation has added some additional questions to the Missouri Common Grant Application that are of specific interest to our organization. Applicants must use this modified Application when submitting a request to Lutheran Foundation.
Is the Foundation willing to meet with applicants before an application for funding is submitted?
Foundation staff welcomes the opportunity to meet with organizations to learn more about your mission and services. For those interested in submitting an application, a site visit is strongly encouraged as it also provides organizations an opportunity to learn more about the Foundation's interests. If you would like to schedule a meeting, please contact Melinda K. McAliney, Program Officer/Communications Director, at (314) 231-2244 x2.
Do you have to be Lutheran to apply for funding?
While Lutheran Foundation favors funding requests from Lutheran congregations and organizations, any area church or organization that addresses one or more of the Foundation’s five funding focus areas and complements our mission, vision, and core values may submit an application.
Do you award grants to individuals?
Lutheran Foundation does not provide any funding to individuals. Grants are only awarded to organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation in good standing from the Internal Revenue Service.
Are you related to The Lutheran Foundation in Fort Wayne, Indiana or The LCMS Foundation?
No, Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis is a separate entity. The Lutheran Foundation located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, provides grants to congregations and organizations in that community. For more information, CLICK HERE to visit their website. The LCMS Foundation raises money for and supports programs and activities of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. For more information, CLICK HERE to visit their website.
What are the Foundation's office hours?
The Foundation is open weekdays from 8:00 am - 4:15 pm.
How can I get a copy of the Foundation’s logo?
Lutheran Foundation can provide an electronic copy of our logo for use in grantee newsletters, annual reports, or other publications. Please contact Melinda K. McAliney, Program Officer/Communications Director, for such requests.
Where is the Foundation's office located?
The Foundation is located just off of Interstate 170 at
8860 Ladue Road, Suite 200, St. Louis, MO 63124 in the Regions Bank building.
Directions to our office are:
From north St. Louis City: Take Interstate 70 west to Interstate 170 south. Exit at Ladue Road and turn right; pass under I-170. After the first stoplight, take the first right into the building’s parking lot. (If you come to Hunter Avenue at the second light, you have gone too far.) Pull around to the rear of the building and enter the south entrance. Our office is located on the second floor at the top of the steps.
From north St. Louis County: Take Interstate 270 to Interstate 170 south. Exit at Ladue Road and turn right and pass under I-170. After the first stoplight, take the first right into the building’s parking lot. (If you come to Hunter Avenue at the second light, you have gone too far.) Pull around to the rear of the building and enter the south entrance. Our office is located on the second floor.
From south St. Louis City: Take Take Interstate 64/40 west to Interstate 170 north. Exit at Ladue Road and turn right. Immediately turn right into the building’s parking lot. (If you come to Hunter Avenue at the first light, you have gone too far.) Pull around to the rear of the building and enter the south entrance. Our office is located on the second floor at the top of the steps.
From south St. Louis County: Take Interstate 44 west to Interstate 270 north. Take Interstate 64/40 east to Interstate 170 north. Exit at Ladue Road and turn right. Immediately turn right into the building’s parking lot. (If you come to Hunter Avenue at the first light, you have gone too far.) Pull around to the rear of the building and enter the south entrance. Our office is located on the second floor at the top of the steps.
From west St. Louis County: Take Interstate 270 to Interstate 64/40 east. Take Interstate 170 north. Exit at Ladue Road and turn right. Immediately turn right into the building’s parking lot. (If you come to Hunter Avenue at the first light, you have gone too far.) Pull around to the rear of the building and enter the south entrance. Our office is located on the second floor.
From Illinois: Take the Poplar Street Bridge (I-64/70/55) and travel west on Interstate 64/40 to Interstate 170 north. Exit at Ladue Road and turn right. Immediately turn right into the building’s parking lot. (If you come to Hunter Avenue at the first light, you have gone too far.) Pull around to the rear of the building and enter the south entrance. Our office is located on the second floor at the top of the steps.
Note for persons with disabilities: Please use the entrance on the north/front side of the building and use the elevator located just inside the doors to the second floor. Turn right and go through one door. Our office is on the right near the end of the hall.
I have additional questions. Who should I contact?Please contact Melinda K. McAliney, Program Officer/Communications Director, at 314-231-2244 x2.
8860 Ladue Road, Suite 200 
