How To Get Church Planting Grants

Church planting becomes the most crucial aspect of church growth. In church planting, a team of leaders sets a vision, creates a strategy, and builds relationships with people. A church plant is all about bringing the Gospel to people who don’t have access to a local church or are searching for a spiritual community. As denominations, church planting requires grants for hiring staff, purchasing supplies and equipment, and providing educational programs. Organizations and individuals provide church planting grants to support new churches or religious organizations. The grants usually go to people or groups who want to start a new church or expand an existing one. By conducting research, we can help you get grants for your church’s planting. 

Ways to Find Church Planting Grants

There may be a limited number of organizations or foundations that provide grants specifically for church planting projects. This can make it difficult to find suitable funding opportunities. Churches often have limited resources and so having access to grants can be beneficial. Additionally, grants may have restrictions on how the money can be used. You can find grant opportunities at some of these potential places. Here are a few:

1. Look for Government Grant

In the case of church planting, there is the opportunity to get a grant from the federal government. As long as church and state are separated, the federal government can’t direct grants money to church planting. However, federal funding opportunities available for non-profits that can help. Check your state’s federal funding opportunities at “governmentgrant.us”. 

2. Use social media

You may be able to getting assistance from many people in a short amount of time if you post a request for help on social media about church planting grants. You can ask for funding opportunities on multiple religious social platforms.

3. Charities

Numerous charities exist in every state that can provide funding for the church planting process You should choose a charity that corresponds to your goals without excluding the possibility of assistance from others. Connect with other church planters and pastors in your area or denomination to learn about their experiences with finding grants and funding. They may have valuable advice or information about available resources that you can tap into.

4. Non-profit organizations

Don’t be afraid to ask for help from non-profit organizations. Research online resources such as websites, blogs, and forums. Reach out to non-profit organizations, especially those in similar contexts, to ask about Church Planting Grants opportunities. Contact church planting organizations and ask about grant programs they may offer. 

5. Search online

Several websites and databases list grants and funding opportunities available to churches and religious organizations. You can search for grants on websites such as GrantWatch.com, Foundation Center, and GuideStar.

6. From your neighbor or friend 

Consider asking family, friends, and relatives if they know of any churches or non-profit organizations that support new churches or individuals for church planting. Even you can ask other pastors or ministers to help you with church planting assistance. They might be able to guide you on how you can get your local grants. It may be possible for any of your family members or friends to provide you with the best solution if they work as volunteers at the church.

Organizations that Provide Church Planting Grants 

Starting a new church can be a challenging endeavor, particularly when it comes to securing funding and resources. Fortunately, several organizations provide church planting grants and funding opportunities to help new church plants get off the ground. These organizations offer financial assistance, training, and resources to support church planters and their teams. Among them are:

1. ACT 29

Acts 29 prioritizes church planting, church revitalization, and theological training. They also focus on developing leaders and planting churches with a vision to reach the lost. Church planting in Acts 29 consists of sound principles, cultural engagement, and a missional focus. The network offers church planters support, training, and resources, including theological education, assessment, and coaching. The Acts 29 program “acts29.com/about-us” began funding US planters in 2022 after they had completed the Acts 29 assessment process. 

This grant seeks to provide resources to churches looking to plant churches in their communities. It is an excellent way for churches to get financial support and access to expert advice and resources to help them grow and succeed. To join Act 29 you should visit “acts29.com/join”. 

2. ARC (Association of Related Churches)

A major way ARC helps church planters is by providing financial assistance in the form of ARC Launch Grants. Launch Grants are a program that provides financial assistance for church planting to help cover costs such as rent, equipment, and salaries. The Launch Grant program offers up to $30,000 in funding to help new churches get off the ground.

They also host events and conferences throughout the year where church planters can network with other churches and learn from experienced leaders, as well as provide coaching, training, and resources. You can apply for grants by visiting “arcchurches.com”. 

3. Converge 

An important part of Converge’s mission is to support and resource church planters. They offer Church Planting Grants as one of their programs to assist church planting.

It provides financial assistance to church planters who want to start a new church. Typically, the amount of funding available through the program ranges from $10,000 to $30,000. When you begin the process of planting your church with Converge, you will receive information about your salary, housing, retirement, and health insurance. With grant funds, you can cover rent, equipment, and salaries. A fundraising coach will assist you in developing a customized fundraising plan. You can get full support about church planting at “converge.org/great-lakes/church-planting/funding”. 

4. Resonate Global Mission 

As a Christian mission organization, Resonate Global Mission exists to support and equip churches worldwide. Resonate Global Mission supports churches through its Church Partnership program. The organization does not offer any direct church planting grants, but it offers a variety of resources and support that can be helpful when planting a church. By partnering with Resonate Global Mission, churches can receive coaching, training, and resources to help them thrive and grow. There will be ministry tools, leadership training, and spiritual support available through this program. You can find partner support resources at “resonateglobalmission.org/church-planting/partner-support-resources”. 

5. Jehovah-Jireh Foundation

The foundation offers educational opportunities, financial aid, and other resources to local churches in need. They also provide spiritual guidance and pastoral care to the communities they serve. They strive to create an environment of love and support in their local communities. You can complete this basic questionnaire at “jehovahjirehfoundation.org/grant-pre-application”- form if your Church feels that this ministry would be a good partner for them. After you submit your Pre-Application, you will receive a complete Application to complete and return. Only Independent Baptist churches qualify for this program. 

6. New Churches from Send Network

Send Network “newchurches.com/login” supports church planters across North America by providing training, resources, and support. It is part of the North American Mission Board (NAMB) “namb.net” of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) s”bc.net”.

Send Network is a program that plants new churches in diverse contexts, including urban, suburban, and rural areas, with a focus on making disciples in gospel-centered, culturally relevant, and Christ-centered churches. It offers training events, coaching, assessment, funding, and a network of experienced church planters as well as access to training events, coaching, assessment, and funding for church planters.

7. New church initiatives

As part of the Episcopal Church’s New Church Initiatives program, resources, and support are provided to new church plants. Through NCI, local Episcopal congregations can reach new audiences and get in touch with people who may not be reached by existing Episcopal congregations. 

Church Planting International offers training and coaching, as well as financial support in the form of grants. NCI “newchurchinitiatives.org” also provides resources such as demographic data, marketing and branding assistance, and administrative assistance to church planters. 

8. Master Seed Foundation 

An organization known as Mustard Seed Foundation provides seed funding to local churches in the world’s largest urban centers to launch start-up projects. To address the needs of the urban poor and underserved communities, the foundation’s mission is to assist in the creation of new and innovative Christian ministries.

The Mustard Seed Foundation provides matching grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to churches and organizations that meet certain eligibility criteria. It is important to submit a detailed proposal outlining the project’s goals, objectives, and expected outcomes during the grant application process. The Mustard Seed Foundation’s website, “mustardseedfoundation.org”, contains information about grant applications and eligibility criteria.

9. Abell- Hanger Foundation-Texas 

Applicants for Church Planting Grants should be based in the State of Texas. By the degree to which national organizations operate or provide material benefits to the citizens of Texas, national organizations will be considered for grants. The following areas of giving are available: Arts, Cultural, Humanities, Education, Health, Human Services, Public Welfare, and Religion. “abell-hanger.org”. 

10. Mennonite Church USA

There are two components to Mennonite Church USA’s church planting initiatives. The objective of this initiative is to establish and nurture missional peace churches that are gathered together by Jesus, whose life and witness reflect the gospel of peace, and who are actively engaged in their local communities. Its primary objective is to provide grants directly to new church plants. As part of the Mennonite Mission Network coaching program, MC USA “mennoniteusa.org” will provide a $5,000 grant each year to approved church plants.

To receive a grant, one must submit a grant application, along with any required documentation, to [email protected] The number of grants available is determined by the available funds. The funds are provided directly to the church plant and may be used according to the church plant’s needs like programming, staff, facilities, etc. Mennonite Mission Network Sent Team will make the grant decision.

11. Gospel Future Fund

Gospel Future Fund is a charitable organization that supports church planting efforts worldwide. In addition to doing church planting, Gospel Future Fund provides training and resources for church planting teams, and outreach initiatives that help connect new churches with their communities. Visit “gospelfuturefund.com.au” for more information.

12. ECO Church Planting

A key objective of ECO Church Planting is to plant new churches within the denomination of the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians (ECO). The mission of this organization is to assist church planters in creating healthy, vibrant, and sustainable churches that are rooted in Jesus Christ’s gospel and mission.

Training and coaching, financial support, and networking opportunities are available to church planters through ECO Church Planting. Furthermore, the organization assists with administrative and logistical aspects of starting a new church, such as legal compliance, fundraising, and marketing. Apply online at “eco-pres.org/churchplanting/cpag”.

13. Reformed Church in America

The Reformed Church in America (RCA) is a Protestant Christian denomination in the United States. For nearly 400 years, the Reformed Church in America planted new congregations. As part of RCA Church Multiplication, a denominational assessment covers staff time, leadership, events, record-keeping, communication, and the processes and partnerships necessary to plant a church. As part of its partnership with the Church Growth Fund, RCA Church Multiplication supports new church planters. It offers competitive interest rate loans and savings certificates that support ministry grants at an affordable rate. You can apply for funding at “rca.org/church-planting/funding”. 

Eligibility Criteria for Planting Grants

In reality, church planting grants are not available to everyone. Each organization or foundation has its criteria for providing grants. However, there may be some common criteria:

• Specific missions: A church planting initiative must clearly articulate a mission and purpose that aligns with the values and goals of the organization or foundation providing the funding.
• Leadership: Church planting projects require a qualified and experienced leader or leadership team that is committed to the project and has a record of successful ministry.
• Financial stability: It is essential that the project has a viable financial plan and can demonstrate financial stability, including additional funding sources than the grant.
• Community Impact: There must be a commitment to serving the local community and making a positive impact on the surrounding community for a church planting project to be successful.
• Only religious organization: Typically, church planting grants are only available to religious organizations such as churches, denominations, or faith-based nonprofits.
• 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status: Most church planting grants require that the organization be a registered nonprofit organization and that it is tax-exempt under IRS section 501(c)(3).

Step By Step Church Planting Grants Application Guideline

Grants application for church planting may involve a variety of steps, depending on the particular grant or funding opportunity. In general, there are several steps you should follow:

Step 1: Review the guideline 

Ensure that before applying for a grant, your organization meets the requirements of the church or organization’s guidelines or eligibility requirements. A grant application may require that you be a member of a particular denomination, have a certain amount of community support, or meet certain project criteria. 

Step 2: Documentation 

Prepare a detailed proposal that details the objectives, goals, target community, and budget of your church planting project.

• An applicant’s statement 
• A brief description of the background
• An overview of the project 
• Church budget for the current year
• The previous year’s church budget
• Budget for the project
• Members of the Church Governing Board

Step 3: Submit Grant Application

To apply for the grants, you must submit both a church planting proposal and a grant application by the deadline. In some grants, a formal application is required, whereas, in others, a written application is accepted. 

Step 4: Get approval

To confirm receipt of your application and address any questions or concerns the grant provider may have, follow up with them after submitting your application. You should follow up regularly with them after they email or call you. Remember that the application process is time-consuming To identify and apply for grant opportunities that will support church planting, may take time and effort.

FAQ 

How do religious organizations use federal funding?

You can’t use grant money for activities that are inherently religious, such as prayer, proselytizing, devotional Bible study, or worship. Specifically, the funds will be used to accomplish Congress’s goals, including preventing juvenile crime, combating crime, aiding crime victims, and maintaining youth and adult development programs.

What factors determine how much funding I receive for Church Planting Grants?

The following are the factors that determine the amount awarded:

• Funding requirements of the church
• Effectiveness of the ministry plan
• Strength of the parent church
• Fundraising efforts
• Church size and budget
• Experience and qualifications
• The location of the planting site

What are the types of expenses that a church planting grants can cover?

Church planting grants can cover a variety of expenses, depending on the nature of the organization or foundation that is providing grants. An organization may use a grant to cover a variety of expenses, including facility rentals or purchases, public relations, marketing, salary expenses, and equipment and supplies.

Do individuals have to be part of a larger group to get church planting grants?

In most cases, church planting grants are offered to churches or organizations instead of individuals. In contrast, some organizations may provide grants or support for individuals who are part of a larger church planting project. If you are interested in applying for a church planting grant, you should research the different funding sources available to you and carefully review their eligibility criteria.

Is there any restriction on how church planting grants fund may be used?

Different organizations and foundations may have their own rules and regulations regarding using of grant funds for church planting. Funding restrictions on church planting grants will depend on the specific funding source providing the grant. In some funding sources, however, there may be specific restrictions or limitations on how grants go to. To apply for a church planting grant, it’s important to carefully review the grant terms and conditions and make sure you can comply with any restrictions or conditions that may apply.