Can churches and faith-based groups get grants?

Yes, many funders support community programs run by faith-based organizations. Some funders exclude religious activities, so check eligibility.

Can grant money be used for religious activities?

Often not, especially from government and many secular funders. Keep funded program activities separate and open to everyone.

What programs do faith-based grants commonly fund?

Food banks, shelters, youth programs, elderly care, counselling, community centres and education, among others.

How do faith-based groups show capacity?

Describe volunteers, facilities, governance, financial controls and the track record of community programs.

Faith-Based Grant Proposal: How to Write One

Faith-based organizations can win grants for community programs by showing a clear community need, programs open to everyone regardless of belief, separation between funded activities and religious practice where funders require it, strong volunteer networks and facilities, sound governance and measurable outcomes. Choose funders whose guidelines welcome faith-based applicants, and describe your work in community-service terms.

Check eligibility first

Funders differ: some focus specifically on faith-based work, some welcome faith-based applicants for community programs, and some exclude religious organizations or activities. Read guidelines closely and contact the funder if unsure.

Present the program clearly

Open access: services available to anyone in need.
Separation: funded activities do not include worship or religious instruction when the funder requires this.
Clear governance: who oversees the program, how money is managed.

Example wording

The food pantry is open to all residents of the Eastside area regardless of faith. Participation in religious activities is never a condition of receiving help, and grant funds will be used only for food purchasing, storage and volunteer coordination.

Strengths to highlight

Volunteers: numbers, hours, skills.
Facilities: halls, kitchens and spaces available at low or no cost.
Trust and reach: relationships with people other services find hard to reach.
Track record: years running community programs, people served.

Outcomes and indicators

Program	Outcome	Indicator
Food pantry	Reduced food insecurity	Households served, repeat visits, survey
Youth club	Positive activities and mentoring	Attendance, confidence survey
Elderly lunch club	Reduced isolation	Attendance, wellbeing survey
Debt advice	Financial stability	Debt managed, cases resolved

Example summary

Example

St. Mark's Community Kitchen requests $20,000 to expand its weekly community meal from one to three evenings, serving around 150 people each week in the Riverside area. Demand has doubled in two years, and the kitchen currently turns people away.

The meals are open to all, run by 45 volunteers, and connected to on-site advice from a local housing charity. Funding will cover food, a part-time volunteer coordinator and kitchen equipment.

See the complete process in how to write a grant proposal, and browse all faith-based grant templates.

How to Write a Faith-Based Grant Proposal for Community Programs