Skip to content
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • Login
  • Subscribe
  • Renew
  • Donate
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • Login
  • Subscribe
  • Renew
  • Donate
The Alabama Baptist
Search
Close this search box.
The Alabama Baptist
Search
Close this search box.
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Editorials
  • Classifieds
  • Free Email Newsletter
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Editorials
  • Classifieds
  • Free Email Newsletter

Grant opportunities available for churches, nonprofits who pursue them

  • August 13, 2022
  • Carolyn Tomlin
  • Church Resources, Latest News, Ministry Tip
Jim Jones with Alabama Childhood Food Solutions used grants to purchase a bus “Feeding Little Tummies” to distribute food to central Alabama’s hungry children.
Photo courtesy of Jim Jones

Grant opportunities available for churches, nonprofits who pursue them

A faith-based, nonprofit organization needed a warehouse to store food donations they distribute to low-income families. They wrote several foundation and corporate grants to construct a building, but all requests were denied.

Another faith-based nonprofit needed a building, but they went about the grant process in a different way. Instead of asking for funds for a building, they wrote a step-by-step proposal that would support not only food for needy families, but also mental health counseling, transportation to medical appointments and day care for working mothers. A line-item budget showed the cost of each. The program would be administered and organized from a building on their property. They received a grant. 

Writing a grant is one of the best and simplest fundraisers for a church or faith-based nonprofit since grants are not paid back; bank loans have to be repaid. Some watchdog groups estimate millions of dollars in grants go unclaimed each year because no one requests them, so churches and nonprofits whose ministries fit grant criteria could benefit from a grant-writing ministry.

Foundations and corporations are the best grants for a church or faith-based organization since government grants are more complicated and detailed. It is important to always use the funds for what was intended in the grant.

When applying for a grant, show where the “gap” is and how a funder can fill it. Most granters will not support constructing a building (known as a “brick and mortar” grant) but will support programs that will take place in that building.

Common questions about grants

  1. Why is searching for foundation and corporate grants important?

Grants do not have to be paid back — loans do. Is there a gap or space in your organization where money can make a difference in what you are now doing and what you would like to do?

  1. How has the grant application process changed over the last couple of decades?

Today’s application process is much simpler. In the past, a large government grant could take a ream of paper, with copies needed for each member of the team who would read it. Those copies had to be mailed through the postal service as well. 

Today’s grant applications are usually done online and emailed. Some require only two or three pages.

Make sure to honor the deadline — one day late and you have to wait until the next quarter or annual reading.

  1. Why do problems get attention? 

It’s sad but true — problems do draw attention. If you’re affected by a natural disaster, contact a funder early. Keep newspaper and media references and attach them to the grant.

  1. Where can I find funds?

Contact the plant manager or CEO of a local company. Funders want to support projects where employees live and work. If a local business is part of a franchise or national chain, they usually have grants, but you have to research and contact the corporate office. Utilities, banks, insurance companies, grocery stores, motels and restaurants are usually in this category. 

  1. How can I involve others in my church or organization?

Do you have church members who serve on boards of a possible granter? What about retired people in the congregation or organization? They may still have contacts.

Organize a grant-writing committee from those who have a strong desire to support the church or organization. Technology skills are vital, as much time is spent researching granters and what they fund.

6. What are some ways a church can show appreciation to a granter?

“Writing Grants for Faith-Based Organizations and Community nonprofits” by Carolyn Tomlin

Make a presentation to the CEO or plant manager during a service or banquet. Have children send birthday cards for the management’s birthday. Invite management to participate in church services. 

Using grants to serve God and others 

Jim and Linda Jones, co-founders of Alabama Childhood Food Solutions, started a faith-based nonprofit in central Alabama some 10 years ago. He realized grants would be the fastest way to help feed Alabama’s hungry children.

“I knew nothing about writing grants,” Jim said. “Then I attended a grant-writing workshop and was given the book, ‘Writing Grants for Faith-Based Organizations and Community Nonprofits.’

“Today, ACFS has been awarded over $10 million in cash donations and $6 million in-kind food donations. These funds have provided 5.7 million meals for children and families in central Alabama. Grants make a difference!” 

Grants come in a variety of sizes, meet specific needs and can be used for a variety of projects. Writing grants requires identifying the need and finding the foundation or corporation that can meet that need through funding. You can be that person! You can master the skill of becoming a successful grant writer.

Share with others:

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn
Share on email
Email

Latest News

  • Your Voice: Importance of building emotional intelligence
    Your Voice: Importance of building emotional intelligence
    November 30, 2023/
    0 Comments
  • Chuck Norris shares about life at 83 and how he’s aging well
    Chuck Norris shares about life at 83 and how he’s aging well
    November 30, 2023/
    0 Comments
  • Diagnosing ‘invisible condition’ of dysautonomia offers opportunity for many to thrive again
    Diagnosing ‘invisible condition’ of dysautonomia offers opportunity for many to thrive again
    November 29, 2023/
    0 Comments

Sign up for the Highlights

Get all latest content delivered to your email a few times a month.
Email is required Email is not valid
Thanks for your subscription.
Failed to subscribe, please contact admin.

Related Posts

Birmingham after-school program making a difference in the lives of children

October 28, 2023

Discovery Clubs, an after-school program in 23 schools in the Birmingham Metro area, is all about sharing the redemptive story of Scripture with children who might have no other exposure to the gospel.

Theology 101 — The Spirit of Giftedness

October 26, 2022

Last week, Theology 101 focused on Galatians 5:22 which directs us to seven basic qualities of the spiritual fruit the

pink flower plant inside room

Halloween outreach tips for connecting with community

October 24, 2022

By Chip Warren Albertville, Ala. For a number of years, my family and I were involved in our church’s fall

Explore the Bible Sunday School Lesson for October 30

October 24, 2022
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

By Robert Olsen, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile The Sin Harvested Hosea 10:5–15 False religion (5–8)

Want to receive news highlights throughout the week? Sign up here!

Email is required Email is not valid
Thanks for your subscription.
Failed to subscribe, please contact admin.

About

  • Free Email Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • Our Story
  • Our Staff
  • Awards and Recognitions
  • Affiliations
  • Partner Links
  • Advertise
  • Internships
  • Find Churches
  • Classifieds
  • Archived: Special Resources
  • Special Events
  • Photo Galleries
  • Free Email Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • Our Story
  • Our Staff
  • Awards and Recognitions
  • Affiliations
  • Partner Links
  • Advertise
  • Internships
  • Find Churches
  • Classifieds
  • Archived: Special Resources
  • Special Events
  • Photo Galleries

Explore

  • Latest News
  • Archive
  • Sunday School Lessons
  • Editorials
  • Alabama News
  • Podcasts
  • Obituaries
  • Theology 101
  • Someone You Should Know
  • Rashional Thoughts
  • Persecuted Church
  • Heroes of the Faith
  • Reader Response
  • About Alabama
  • Videos
  • Latest News
  • Archive
  • Sunday School Lessons
  • Editorials
  • Alabama News
  • Podcasts
  • Obituaries
  • Theology 101
  • Someone You Should Know
  • Rashional Thoughts
  • Persecuted Church
  • Heroes of the Faith
  • Reader Response
  • About Alabama
  • Videos

Submissions

  • Story Ideas
  • Staff Change or News Item
  • Letter to the Editor
  • Reader Submissions
  • What Are You Reading?
  • Obituary
  • Correction / Clarification
  • Submission Policy
  • Story Ideas
  • Staff Change or News Item
  • Letter to the Editor
  • Reader Submissions
  • What Are You Reading?
  • Obituary
  • Correction / Clarification
  • Submission Policy

Subscribe

  • Start a new subscription
  • Renew your subscription
  • Start a new gift subscription
  • Start a new group subscription
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate
  • Subscribe to the TAB News app
  • Update your subscriber list
  • Subscribe to Highlights
  • Register for online access
  • Hosted Church
  • Manage Account | Customer Service
  • Start a new subscription
  • Renew your subscription
  • Start a new gift subscription
  • Start a new group subscription
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate
  • Subscribe to the TAB News app
  • Update your subscriber list
  • Subscribe to Highlights
  • Register for online access
  • Hosted Church
  • Manage Account | Customer Service
The Alabama Baptist
Address:
3310 Independence Dr.
Birmingham, AL 35209
Copyright © 2023 The Alabama Baptist, Inc.
  • Privacy Policy/Terms of Use
  • Help
  • FAQ
  • Privacy Policy/Terms of Use
  • Help
  • FAQ
Email:
news@thealabamabaptist.org

About

  • Free Email Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • Our Story
  • Our Staff
  • Awards and Recognitions
  • Affiliations
  • Partner Links
  • Advertise
  • Internships
  • Find Churches
  • Classifieds
  • Archived: Special Resources
  • Special Events
  • Photo Galleries
  • Free Email Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • Our Story
  • Our Staff
  • Awards and Recognitions
  • Affiliations
  • Partner Links
  • Advertise
  • Internships
  • Find Churches
  • Classifieds
  • Archived: Special Resources
  • Special Events
  • Photo Galleries

Explore

  • Latest News
  • Archive
  • Sunday School Lessons
  • Editorials
  • Alabama News
  • Podcasts
  • Obituaries
  • Theology 101
  • Someone You Should Know
  • Rashional Thoughts
  • Persecuted Church
  • Heroes of the Faith
  • Reader Response
  • About Alabama
  • Videos
  • Latest News
  • Archive
  • Sunday School Lessons
  • Editorials
  • Alabama News
  • Podcasts
  • Obituaries
  • Theology 101
  • Someone You Should Know
  • Rashional Thoughts
  • Persecuted Church
  • Heroes of the Faith
  • Reader Response
  • About Alabama
  • Videos

Submissions

  • Story Ideas
  • Staff Change or News Item
  • Letter to the Editor
  • Reader Submissions
  • What Are You Reading?
  • Obituary
  • Correction / Clarification
  • Submission Policy
  • Story Ideas
  • Staff Change or News Item
  • Letter to the Editor
  • Reader Submissions
  • What Are You Reading?
  • Obituary
  • Correction / Clarification
  • Submission Policy

Subscribe

  • Start a new subscription
  • Renew your subscription
  • Start a new gift subscription
  • Start a new group subscription
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate
  • Subscribe to the TAB News app
  • Update your subscriber list
  • Subscribe to Highlights
  • Register for online access
  • Hosted Church
  • Manage Account | Customer Service
  • Start a new subscription
  • Renew your subscription
  • Start a new gift subscription
  • Start a new group subscription
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate
  • Subscribe to the TAB News app
  • Update your subscriber list
  • Subscribe to Highlights
  • Register for online access
  • Hosted Church
  • Manage Account | Customer Service

Log In

Lost your password?

Log Out?

Lost your password?

Log in

Become a part of our community!
Forgot your password? Get help

Reset password

Recover your password
A password reset link will be e-mailed to you.
Back to
Login
×
Close Panel