Many Christian-based organizations place a high priority on making the gospel of Jesus Christ accessible to as many people as possible. These organizations take the form of outreach ministries, churches and faith-based organizations that serve their surrounding communities. Grant opportunities provide Christian organizations with the monies needed to fund projects and activities that help to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in America.

Raising needed funds remains a challenge for most Christian organizations, as meeting the needs of the community typically takes priority over generating profits. Fortunately, the government makes it possible for organizations to receive a tax-exempt status, which reduces their overall expenses. Organizations with a tax-exempt status can also take advantage of government-sponsored grant opportunities, while those without tax-exempt status are only eligible for grants sponsored by private agencies. As a result, tax-exempt Christian organizations can apply for government-sponsored faith-based grants, which support a range of community service projects, some of which include outreach ministries, family services and food distribution.

The Crowell Trust was established in 1927 on behalf of Henry and Susan Crowell as a source of funding for organizations that spread the gospel through evangelical projects and activities. The Crowell Trust offers grant awards for projects that promote Christian discipleship, cross-cultural missions, Christian leadership training and establishing new churches on a global level. Eligible applicants must exist as tax-exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) according to the Internal Revenue Code. Organizations must also be in good standing with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability in matters of accounting standards and financial activities. Interested parties can apply online at the Crowell Trust website.

The Trust for the Meditation Process is a nonprofit organization that values the practice of meditation as a part of the Christian faith and lifestyle. To promote meditation practices, the Trust offers grant funding to nonprofit organizations that educate Christians and church leaders on the value of meditation as a spiritual practice. Eligible funding projects include workshops, retreats, resources for meditation training and program development. Grant awards target short-term projects with award amounts ranging anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000. Interested parties can apply online at the Trust for the Meditation Process website.

Christian organizations actively involved in community outreach programs may benefit from the grant opportunities offered by the Mustard Seed Foundation. The Mustard Seed Foundation takes a particular interest in churches that encourage individual church members to spread the gospel within their communities using new and innovative approaches. The foundation also sponsors startup projects that target urban and metropolitan communities. Eligible applicants must be able to provide 50 percent of a project’s cost. Award amounts can range up to $5,000 depending on the scope of the project. Interested parties can apply online at the foundation’s website.