Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Foundation changing its number of Regular Grant cycles?
Yes, beginning in 2010, the Regular Grant cycles will be reduced from four to three to coincide with the Foundation’s focus areas. Each cycle will have its own focus area, and requests will only be considered from that area. The new deadlines and decision dates are:
| Focus Area/Regular Grant Cycles | Application Deadline | Decision Date |
|---|---|---|
| Building a Healthier Community | March 1st | End of June |
| Community Outreach | August 1st | Early December |
| Lutheran Congregations | December 1st | End of March |
| Lutheran Education | December 1st | End of March |
How will the Foundation transition into the new 3-cycle system?
The new 3-cycle system will begin with the March 1, 2010 cycle, Building a Healthier Community; followed by the August 1 cycle, Community Outreach; and the December 1 cycle, Lutheran Congregations and Lutheran Education.
However, for 2010 only, Lutheran Congregations may apply for Regular Grants in any of the three cycles. Beginning with 2011, Lutheran Congregations and Lutheran Education may apply for funding only in the December 1, 2010 cycle.
Why separate cycles dedicated to focus areas?
Considering similar requests at one time offers the opportunity for the Foundation Board of Directors to be more intentional and effective in its grantmaking. For example, this will allow all Lutheran Congregation and Lutheran Education requests to be considered at one time. And the same for Building a Healthier Community and Community Outreach.
What is Building a Healthier Community?
A healthy community is one that promotes positive physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being. Because Christ Jesus calls us to action to show our faith in service to others, The Lutheran Foundation is committed to building healthier communities through programs it supports. Priority is given to health care and social service ministries with faith-based resources that strengthen a community’s capacity to reach those most in need.
What is Community Outreach?
While The Lutheran Foundation’s primary interest is in faith and health, it recognizes that a broad range of programs and projects may benefit the people of northeast Indiana. Therefore, The Board may award grants that help the community demonstrate Christ’s compassion through social ministries and other qualified organizations that meet social needs.
Who might be included in the Lutheran Education focus area?
Lutheran Education would include Lutheran camps, NEILSS (Northeast Indiana Lutheran School Services) including Lutheran day schools, Concordia Lutheran High School, Indiana-Kentucky Synod ELCA, Indiana District LCMS, Concordia Seminary, etc.
Who might be included in the Building a Healthier Community focus area?
Neighborhood Health Clinics, Matthew 25, Associated Churches Food Bank, Charis House, Cross Connections, etc.
Who might be included in the Community Outreach focus area?
Outreach ministries such as Lutheran Social Services, Mustard Seed Furniture Bank, Lutheran Ministries Media, Allen County Jail Chaplaincy, etc.
How do I know in which cycle to apply?
Visit the Grants Overview page where you will find information about our focus areas and grant cycle deadlines. Please contact the Foundation with any specific questions.
Can a congregation, school or organization apply for grants outside their focus area?
No, each congregation, school and organization must apply in the focus area in which they are assigned; even if they are submitting a proposal they feel might be appropriate elsewhere. Please contact the Foundation with any specific questions.
What happens when the application deadline falls on a weekend or holiday?
Proposals must be received by the Foundation or postmarked by the stated deadline. Thus, if a deadline falls on a weekend, the proposal must be in the Foundation office by Friday, or postmarked by the deadline date. In fairness to all, the Foundation does not extend deadlines for any reason.
Are there any changes in store for Regular Grants?
Regular Grant guidelines will remain the same in 2010. However, while the Foundation still intends to support capital projects after 2010, the Board of Directors is considering the necessity of lowering the current $300,000 maximum matching grant amount.
What happened to the Partnership Grant program?
Beginning in 2010, the Fostering Healthy Congregations (FHC) initiative replaces the Partnership Grant program.
Who can apply for FHC grants?
FHC grants are limited to Member Congregations.
What are FHC grants designed to do?
Fostering Healthy Congregations grants are designed to encourage congregations in their efforts to proclaim the Gospel and give glory to God by:
Funding initiatives at Member Congregations which foster healthy congregations through intentional outreach and evangelism; and Enabling Member Congregations to meet those most in need.
These grants are intended to promote programs and ministry that strengthen the church, reach out to the world, and glorify God.
What cannot be funded with FHC grants?
FHC grants will not be awarded for equipment, furnishings, building repairs, property improvements, or for items that would be considered ordinary operating expenses.
Are there any exceptions to these rules?
An FHC grant may include equipment if the equipment is needed specifically for a new or expanded initiative, and if the equipment is not considered an ordinary operating expense.
How often may Member Congregations apply for FHC grants?
Member Congregations may apply for FHC grants only one time per year. However, that application may contain multiple requests.
Is each Member Congregation “guaranteed” a Fostering Healthy Congregations grant?
Each congregation may apply for up to $10,000 through a Fostering Healthy Congregations grant in 2010. However, there is no guarantee the grant will be approved. All or part of the request may be declined if it does not meet the goals and intent of the FHC initiative.
If a part of our FHC grant request is declined, can we reapply?
Yes, you can reapply, following the application deadlines, providing there is an application deadline remaining.
When can Member Congregations apply for FHC grants, and when will the grants be awarded?
The three Fostering Healthy Congregations grant application dates in 2010 are:
| FHC Application Deadline | FHC Decision Date |
|---|---|
| #1. February 1st, 2010 | End of March 2010 |
| #2. May 1st, 2010 | End of June 2010 |
| #3. August 1st, 2010 | End of September 2010 |
FHC grant applications will not be accepted after August 1st.
Where can I find an FHC application form?
The FHC application form, as well as Regular and Emergency Grant applications can be found on the Fostering Healthy Congregations and Lutheran Congregations pages.
Can a Member Congregation apply for both a Fostering Healthy Congregations (FHC) grant and a Regular Grant?
Yes, the Fostering Healthy Congregations initiative is separate from the Regular Grant program, and, as such, congregations may apply for both.
If several congregations are working together on an exciting outreach ministry project, can they apply for more than $10,000?
Yes, the Foundation is always excited to hear when congregations work together in ministry. Churches working together on a ministry project are encouraged to apply for a Regular Grant.
Will the Foundation consider exceptions to the grant cycles or guidelines?
In unique circumstances, the Board of Directors may also make exceptions at their discretion.
