How to Apply for a Faith Based Grant

Grants from the government or private foundations are awarded to organizations that will use the money for the public good. That typically means addressing an individual or community problem, such as substance abuse or failing schools. Faith based organizations---churches and religious societies---that set out to meet these challenges can compete for any grant that is available to other organizations. Securing these grants, however, requires a faith-based group to follow rigid application guidelines.

Things You'll Need

• Data Universal Numbering System number

Instructions

1. Search the websites of government and private foundations to find grants in your specialty. The Foundation Center's website links to grant opportunities geared to faith-based initiatives. Find federal grants by searching the database at Grants.gov or by contacting the federal agencies listed on the website. Websites of the Department of Health and Human Services and Indiana's state government link to state and local grants. Private foundations, such as the Ford Foundation and the Duke Endowment, describe funding opportunities on their websites.

2. Locate the grant's solicitation, usually identified on the same page where you found the grant. For example, grants listed on the Department of Justice's homepage link to another page for "Open Solicitations." (Reference 8) Click on an item in this list to access the solicitation, which gives an overview of the grant.

3. Review the solicitation's requirements to determine if your organization is eligible for the grant. For example, a faith-based organization would not be eligible for a Department of Justice grant geared only to state agencies. Also confirm the application's due date.

4. Read the submission instructions. Solicitations will specify required contents for applications, explain the goals and objectives of the program, state performance measurements applicants are judged on, and review terms applicable to faith-based organizations in particular.

5. Take an online tutorial that explains the grant application process. The Office of Justice Programs, for example, suggests that you discuss funding opportunities directly with the agency providing the grant. It also offers tips on how to write the proposal and explains how applications are reviewed.

6. Register with the organization collecting the applications, or you cannot submit the completed version. Registration could take several days, so waiting until the deadline could delay your submission.

7. Request a Data Universal Numbering System number from Dun & Bradstreet. The number is used to track the application and confirm all contact information. Write this number on the application. Call the request line at 1-866-705-5711.

8. Download and print the application package on Grants.gov. Having a hard copy of the proposal allows you to collaborate with others in the organization and circulate drafts for review. Send the completed application to the office mentioned in the grant solicitation.

References

• Foundation Center: Frequently Asked Questions
• Grants.gov: Find Grant Opportunities
• Grants.gov: Browse by Agency
• Department of Health and Human Services: Opportunities for Faith-Based and Community Organizations at the State and Local Levels
• Indiana: Frequently Asked Questions
• Ford Foundation: Grants

Resources

• Department of Health and Human Services: Funding Opportunities
• The White House: Useful Grant Links
• The White House: Executive Order