Grants for Churches & Faith-Based Organizations

Churches and faith-based organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status can access federal, state, and foundation grants for community programs, facility improvements, social services, youth development, homeless services, food assistance, disaster relief, and humanitarian outreach. While direct grants for worship activities are restricted, faith-based nonprofits are eligible for the same government funding as secular organizations when providing social services to the community. Below are 1333 verified grant opportunities from government agencies.

Types of Church & Faith-Based Grants

Community Programs & Services

Grants support faith-based organizations providing food pantries, homeless shelters, addiction recovery programs, job training, financial literacy, housing assistance, health services, and family support programs. These grants fund the social service mission of churches serving their communities regardless of religion.

Youth & Education Programs

Federal and state funding for after-school programs, mentoring, summer camps, tutoring, college prep, character education, and youth leadership development. Faith-based organizations running youth programs compete for the same grants as secular nonprofits (21st CCLC, OJJDP grants, AmeriCorps funding).

Facility Improvements & Accessibility

Grants for building renovations, ADA accessibility improvements, energy efficiency upgrades, facility expansion, equipment purchases, and capital projects when facilities are used for community programs (not exclusively worship). Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) fund facility improvements for social service provision.

Humanitarian & Disaster Relief

Funding for disaster response, refugee resettlement, emergency assistance, international humanitarian aid, community development in underserved areas, and poverty alleviation programs. Faith-based organizations partner with FEMA, HUD, and international aid agencies for disaster relief and development work.

Who Is Eligible for Church Grants?

Eligibility Requirements for Faith-Based Organizations

501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status: Most federal and foundation grants require churches or ministries to have 501(c)(3) status (churches automatically qualify under IRS group exemption, but many grants require formal 501(c)(3) determination letter)
Secular Social Services: Grant-funded programs must serve community regardless of religion and cannot require religious participation or instruction (federal grants prohibit proselytizing in grant-funded activities)
Organizational Capacity: Demonstrated ability to manage grant funds with financial systems, program experience, qualified staff, board governance, and liability insurance
Community Need: Evidence of community need for proposed services with data on population served, geographic area, and unmet needs
Nondiscrimination: Commitment to serving all community members regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics in grant-funded programs
Separation of Grant Funds: Ability to separate grant-funded activities from religious activities with distinct budgets, schedules, and spaces

Important: Faith-based organizations can maintain religious identity (religious name, leadership, hiring practices for religious positions, displays) while operating government-funded social service programs. However, grant funds cannot be used for inherently religious activities (worship, religious instruction, proselytizing). The 2001 Faith-Based and Community Initiative established equal access to federal grants for religious organizations providing social services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can churches get federal grants for building construction or renovation?

Yes, but with restrictions. Churches can receive federal facility grants if: the space is used primarily for social services (not worship), the project serves a documented community need, the organization has 501(c)(3) status, and the grant doesn't fund inherently religious spaces (sanctuary, chapel). Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) commonly fund church-based community centers, food pantries, health clinics, and shelter facilities. State historic preservation grants may fund church building restoration if the building has historic significance and is open to the public.

Do faith-based organizations need 501(c)(3) status to apply for grants?

Most federal and foundation grants require 501(c)(3) status. Churches are automatically tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3) but many grants require a formal determination letter from the IRS. Options: apply for IRS determination letter (Form 1023 or 1023-EZ, takes 3-12 months), join denominational group exemption (if available), use fiscal sponsorship through established 501(c)(3) organization, or partner with another nonprofit as sub-grantee. Some state/local grants and corporate grants have less restrictive requirements.

What restrictions apply to faith-based organizations using government grants?

Key restrictions: no proselytizing or religious instruction in grant-funded programs, beneficiaries cannot be required to attend religious services or activities, grant funds cannot pay for worship, religious education, or evangelism, programs must serve community regardless of religion, and you must provide secular alternative if your program has religious content. However, faith-based organizations CAN: use religious name and imagery, hire co-religionists for religious positions (not grant-funded positions), display religious art/symbols in facility, and maintain religious character in non-funded activities. Separation of church and state applies to use of grant funds, not organization's overall religious identity.

Can churches partner with government agencies or secular nonprofits for grants?

Yes, partnerships strengthen applications. Common models: serve as sub-contractor to lead nonprofit or government agency, join collaborative grant as partner organization providing specific services, partner with schools for after-school grants, partner with health department for health services, or work with housing authority for homeless services. Benefits: access to larger grants, shared expertise and resources, improved credibility with funders, reduced administrative burden, and addressing community needs holistically. Many grants prefer or require collaborative applications.

Are church food pantries and homeless shelters eligible for government funding?

Yes, these are prime areas for faith-based grant funding. Food assistance: USDA Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP provides commodity foods to food pantries), state food bank partnerships, CDBG grants for food pantry facilities and equipment, and local emergency food grants. Homeless services: HUD Continuum of Care grants for shelter operations, Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) for rapid rehousing and prevention, FEMA Emergency Food and Shelter Program, state homeless assistance grants, and local homeless service contracts. These programs serve community need and don't require religious participation, making them fully eligible for government support.

How competitive are church and faith-based grants?

Competition varies by program type. Federal social service grants: moderately to highly competitive (20-40% success rates) with preference for experienced providers and evidence-based programs. Facility grants (CDBG): competitive but accessible for organizations demonstrating community need and capacity. Local grants: less competitive (40-60% success) especially in rural or underserved areas. Foundation grants: varies widely by foundation—some specifically support faith-based work, others avoid it. To improve odds: demonstrate track record of service delivery, show data on community need, build partnerships with government/schools/nonprofits, secure matching funds or in-kind contributions, and start with smaller grants to build grant management experience.

How to Apply for Church & Faith-Based Grants

1. Clarify Tax-Exempt Status

Determine if you need formal 501(c)(3) determination letter (many grants require it even though churches are automatically exempt). If needed, file IRS Form 1023-EZ (simple application, $275 fee, 4-6 weeks) or Form 1023 (comprehensive application, $600 fee, 3-12 months). Check if your denomination has group exemption you can join. Obtain Employer Identification Number (EIN) if you don't have one. Register with your state charity regulator if required. Ensure proper corporate structure (board of directors, bylaws, meeting minutes).

2. Identify Fundable Programs

Focus on secular social service programs your church already operates or could develop: food pantry, homeless shelter, addiction recovery, job training, youth programs, senior services, health clinic, housing assistance, financial counseling, or refugee services. Document current program operations, people served, outcomes achieved, and community need. Separate religious activities (worship, Bible study) from social services in program design, budget, and space. Ensure programs serve all community members regardless of religious affiliation.

3. Research Appropriate Funding

Search Grants.gov for federal opportunities (filter by program area: housing, food assistance, youth, health). Check with state departments (education, health, human services, housing) for state grants. Contact local Community Development Block Grant administrator (city/county government) for facility and program funding. Research foundations supporting faith-based work (e.g., Lilly Endowment, Kresge Foundation for facilities). Join denomination's grant network or faith-based nonprofit association for funding leads and support.

4. Build Organizational Capacity

Strengthen infrastructure for grant management: implement financial management systems (QuickBooks or similar, separate grant accounts, audit trail), purchase insurance (general liability, professional liability, D&O for board), hire or contract qualified program staff, formalize board governance (regular meetings, financial oversight, policies), create program evaluation plan with measurable outcomes, and develop data tracking systems. Consider hiring grant writer or consultant for large federal grants. Join local nonprofit association for training and resources.

5. Submit Strong Application

Follow all grant guidelines meticulously (eligibility, deadlines, format, page limits). Demonstrate community need with data (census, local statistics, surveys). Describe program model clearly with activities, timeline, and staffing. Show evidence-based approach with proven methods. Include realistic budget with justifications. Explain evaluation plan with specific metrics and data collection. Address church/state separation clearly (how grant funds will be separated from religious activities). Get letters of support from community partners, government officials, and beneficiaries. Have legal counsel review if needed to ensure constitutional compliance.

Faith-Based Grant Resources

Grants.gov - Federal Grants

Official database of all federal discretionary grants available to faith-based organizations. Search by program area (community development, housing, food assistance, youth services, health, education). Faith-based organizations compete equally with secular nonprofits for social service grants. Create account to receive grant alerts matching your mission. Review eligibility carefully—most require 501(c)(3) status and specific program qualifications.

Visit Grants.gov →

HUD Faith-Based Resources

Department of Housing and Urban Development provides extensive resources for faith-based organizations including guide to federal grants, partnership opportunities, training on church/state separation, Continuum of Care grants for homeless services, Community Development Block Grants for facilities and programs, and HOME Investment Partnerships for affordable housing. HUD specifically welcomes faith-based partners in housing and community development.

Visit HUD.gov →

White House Faith-Based Office

The White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (or equivalent office) provides guidance on federal funding for religious organizations, resources on constitutional requirements, training on grant applications, partnership opportunities across federal agencies, and policy updates. Each federal agency has Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships liaison—check agency websites for contact information.

Visit WhiteHouse.gov →

IRS Tax-Exempt Organizations

IRS resources for churches and religious organizations including Publication 1828 (Tax Guide for Churches), Form 1023-EZ application (simple 501(c)(3) application for small organizations), information on group exemption for denominations, annual filing requirements (Form 990 for most 501(c)(3) organizations, churches generally exempt), and maintaining tax-exempt status. Understanding tax-exempt requirements is essential for grant eligibility.

Visit IRS.gov →

Available Grants for Churches & Faith-Based Organizations

Below are 1333 verified grant opportunities available to faith-based organizations providing social services, community programs, and humanitarian assistance. These grants fund the community service mission of churches and ministries. Click any grant to view official details and application requirements.

Showing 1-20 of 1333 grants (Page 1 of 67)

Application Instructions for the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Imminent Threat (IT) Program

Department of Housing and Urban Development

fixed