How To Find And Apply To Grants For Church Repairs
It’s Sunday morning, and you’re welcoming people into the sanctuary. As your gaze drifts upwards between handshakes and hugs, your eyes are drawn to the yellowing stains in the ceiling from leaks and multiple in-house repairs. Then your mind wanders over to the bathrooms, whose clean facilities show significant wear from years of use.
There’s been a lot of love and time poured into your building over the years, but it needs more work than your dedicated volunteers can offer (as much as we love free labor, and our volunteers). The good news is that building repairs don’t always need to dig into your monthly donations, or destroy your budget. Introducing grants for church repairs!
What Are Church Grants??
Church repair grants are funds provided by various organizations, governments, or charities to help churches maintain, restore, or repair their facilities.
Grants for church repairs can be a financial lifeline for all that TLC your building needs. If you’re a pastor like me, applying for grants probably sounds like
- The last thing you have time for
- The furthest thing from your natural giftings
Let’s be honest…you’re partly excited (‘free money’ you don’t have to ask the congregation for?!), and partly deflated (“I don’t have time for this”). That’s okay. We’re going to lay out the basics so you can get started.
These grants are often aimed at preserving historic churches, improving accessibility, or addressing urgent structural needs, but they can also be for our more modern day church buildings.
They can provide a critical additional revenue stream for churches on tight budgets or with large capital projects on the horizon. They can also free your church up to continue stewarding your church resources for the kingdom and investing into your community — instead of using them on a new roof (of course, maintaining your building is good stewardship, whichever way you go about doing it).
Finding these grants can vary in difficulty depending on location, needs, and denomination. Here’s a breakdown of the types of grants that are out there:
Local government programs
Reach out to other local leaders, churches and even your town council. Some cities or counties offer grants for historic preservation or community improvement, which can include churches. Network with other local churches and ask around — have any of them been recipients for a repair or renovation grant?
Nonprofit organizations
Groups like the National Trust for Historic Preservation offer grants for churches, particularly those with historical significance.
Religious denominations
Some denominations have specific funds set aside to help their churches with repairs. Connect with your denomination’s regional office to inquire what’s available. Your denomination or association may even be the recipient of large donations or gifts — these funds are meant to support local churches like yours!
Community foundations
Local community foundations may have grants available for churches too, especially if the church is involved in broader community development and services. What are a couple of the top community foundations in your area?
The more your church is serving in the local community, the more these kinds of doors will open up.
11 Grants For Church Repairs Worth Checking out
While there are quite a few general-use church grants you can apply for, we will look at key grants for church repairs or restoration.
1. National Christian Foundation
NCF is one of the largest Christian grant-making organizations in the US, with a focus on supporting evangelical causes, including church construction and renovation projects. NCF works through donor-advised funds, where individuals or churches can create funds to support specific projects, including church repairs.
- Eligibility: Open to evangelical Christian organizations and churches in the US.
- Approx Grant Amount: Vary widely, from a few thousand dollars to several million, depending on the donor and the project. Annually they distribute a total of over $1.2 billion in grants.
- Application Deadline: Contact foundation.
- Learn more: NCF Funding
2. National Fund for Sacred Places
This fund provides grants for the preservation of historic houses of worship across. Specifically, grants are for churches that are valued for their cultural importance as well as their role in providing human services, strengthening communities, and revitalizing neighborhoods.
- Eligibility: Historic congregations of any faith with significant architectural value in the US.
- Approx Grant Amount: $50,000 to $250,000.
- Application Deadline: Contact foundation.
- Learn more: Sacred Places Grants
3. National Trust Preservation Funds
This fund provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations and public agencies in the U.S. for planning and implementing preservation projects that protect historic places, with a focus on feasibility studies, heritage tourism, and educational outreach.
- Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and religious congregations for planning activities and educational efforts related to preservation.
- Approx Grant Amount: $2,500 to $5,000.
- Application Deadline: February 1, June 1, and October 1.
- Learn more: Saving Place Grants
4. New York Landmarks Conservancy Sacred Sites Program
This program provides grants to historic religious properties in New York State. They provide congregations with matching grants for planning and implementing exterior restoration projects, technical assistance, and workshops, with over $60 million loans awarded over the years.
- Eligibility: Religious institutions in New York State.
- Approx Grant Amount: Amounts vary.
- Application Deadline: There are two grant rounds per year. Submissions deadlines: January 15th and June 1st.
- Learn more: Sacred Sites Grants
5. Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program
This program provides financial assistance to rural communities in America for construction, renovation, or improvement of essential community facilities, including churches.
- Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations, including churches, in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less.
- Approx Grant Amount: Varies; combination of low-interest loans and grants.
- Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines.
- Learn more: Community Facilities Programs
6. Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program
The Lilly Endowment doesn't have a grant program specifically targetting church building repairs, some of their initiatives and supported programs do allow for that type of usage, as part of broader efforts to strengthen congregations and preserve historic sacred places.
- Eligibility: Christian congregations in the US.
- Approx Grant Amount: Up to 50,000 per congregation.
- Application Deadline: Contact foundation.
- Learn more: Lilly Endowment Grants
7. Oldham Little Church Foundation Facility Completion Grants
The OLCF provides Facility Completion Grants to small Protestant churches across the United States. These grants are intended for specific items within building repair, renovation, or new construction projects that would help churches finish their projects. The grants can be used for church facilities only (excluding parsonages) and are to be used toward specific items needed for repairs, renovations, or completion of new construction.
- Eligibility: Small Protestant churches (40-300 members)
- Approx Grant Amount: $10,000 to $15,000.
- Application Deadline: Quarterly.
- Learn more: Oldham Grants
8. National Trust for Canada – Regeneration Works
This trust is one of Canada’s lead grant-making organizations. It supports projects that promote healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. This includes nonprofits and churches that are helping to serve their communities. The National Trust for Canada plays a vital role in preserving architectural heritage.
- Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations, including churches, that own or are responsible for the stewardship of a historic place in Canada.
- Approx Grant Amount: Amounts vary. Grants may include up to 10 hours of advice from professionals on fundraising, business planning and community engagement.
- Application Deadline: Contact foundation for deadline info.
- Learn more: Regeneration Works Funding
9. Ontario Trillium Foundation
This foundation is one of Canada’s leading grant-making organizations. It supports projects that promote healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario, Canada. This includes nonprofits and churches that are helping to serve their communities.
- Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations in Ontario.
- Approx Grant Amount: Amounts vary.
- Application Deadline: Different deadlines throughout the years based on grants.
- Learn more: OTF Capital Grants
10. The Anglican Foundation of Canada
This foundation supports Anglican Churches and ministries across Canada and funds a wide range of projects, including building repairs, renovations and restorations. They also fund community outreach programs, theological education and creative arts initiatives within the Anglican church.
- Eligibility: Anglican churches across Canada.
- Approx Grant Amount: Varies by project.
- Application Deadline: Contact foundation.
- Learn more: Anglican Foundation Grants
11. Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches in Canada Building Programs
This organization provides various programs to help Fellowship Baptist churches with capital projects, including building construction, repairs and renovations.
- Eligibility: Open to Fellowship Baptist churches in Canada. Projects must involve capital improvements, such as building repairs, renovations, or expansions.
- Approx Grant Amounts: Amounts vary.
- Application Deadline: Contact foundation for more info.
- Learn more: Fellowship Grants
How To Apply For Grants: The Six-Step Process
1: Do your research.
- Identify relevant grants: Start by researching grants specific to church repairs or historic preservation in your region.
- Check eligibility criteria: Ensure your church meets the eligibility requirements for the grants you're interested in. Do not apply if you don’t meet the eligibility requirements! Taking a shot in the dark just gets you tossed, unless you have been invited to apply.
2: Gather the documents.
- Prepare financial statements: Collect recent financial records, including budgets, to demonstrate your church’s financial need.
- Document the need: Gather evidence of the repairs needed, such as inspection reports, estimates, and photographs.
- Historic significance (if applicable): If your church is historic, gather documents or designations that highlight its significance. This is a good place to share any cool, historical stories!
3: Create a plan.
- Outline the scope of work: Clearly define the repairs or renovations you plan to undertake.
- Develop a budget: Provide a detailed budget that includes cost estimates for materials, labor, and other expenses.
- Set a timeline: Establish a realistic timeline for completing the project.
4: Write the proposal.
- Tailor the application: Customize each proposal to match the specific goals and requirements of the grant. Nothing will get your application dismissed as fast as generic, copy-and-paste type answers.
- Highlight community impact: Emphasize how the repairs will benefit the congregation and the broader community — this could be what really makes your application stand out!
- Include supporting documents: Attach all necessary documentation and endorsements.
: Find partnerships.
- Gather letters of support: This might be the secret sauce to getting your application to the top of the pile. Get letters of support from fellow community leaders, local governments or agencies who can speak to the impact your church has within the community.
- Consider partnerships: Explore partnerships with other organizations that might strengthen your application. The right partnership could mean an introduction to some in the foundation or one of the decision-makers.
: Review and submit.
- Proofread Carefully: Review your application to ensure clarity, accuracy, and completeness. Have a second (or third and fourth) set of eyeballs on the application.
- Follow Submission Guidelines: Adhere to the specific application process, deadlines, and format required by the grant provider.
- Keep a Copy: Retain a copy of your application for your records, and follow up as needed. Tip: send a simple thank you letter or card after submission. This can help you stand out.
Screenshot this checklist cheat sheet and keep it handy to review the process:
Grant Application: Best Practices
These best practices aren’t about proof-reading or following instructions; these tips are about story and impact. We've seen time and time again that the churches who are most successful in grant applications do a great job of telling the story of their church.
Your church building represents a place to gather, worship, disciple and serve. These best practices are geared to help communicate that most clearly.
1: Emphasize Impact & Mission
Emphasize the importance of tying the project to a broader mission. For example, explain how the repairs will help the church better serve the community. It’s important to get clear here on your church mission and vision, using practical examples where possible.
- Do you have a ministry for single moms, or women in crisis?
- Do you partner with your local food banks to provide Christmas hampers, or year-round supplies?
- Are you known for hosting epic kids summer camps or VBS programs?
- What is your church really known for in your community?
Hone in on your mission, and make sure your grant application highlights that.
Victoria Burkhart, CEO/Founder of The More Than Giving Company, explains that you must bring together the goals and values of both the nonprofit, and the funder, to have a win-win outcome.
2: Build Relationships with Grantors
Networking with grantors is just like the best practice given for securing a new job: it helps to know someone. It doesn’t just give you a small advantage, but this could be what keeps your application from hitting the recycling bin. Networking helps you get referrals, or experience the magic of word-of-mouth connections.
The personal connection helps you stand out and build meaningful relationships with grantors. This can help you make it to top 20 status, for example, instead of just being 1 of 1000.
And remember, grantors are people.
Most grantors share that they feel under-appreciated after that check gets cashed. (ouch…we’re the church — let’s do it better)
3: Demonstrate Financial Accountability & Sustainability
There’s nothing like the granting organization knowing that the funds will be well-spent.
Grantors want to feel confident that the funds will be used responsibly, and that the church has a plan for the future.
- Provide a detailed budget
- Outline a plan for how the repairs will be implemented and maintained over the years
The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) has various resources for churches on financial transparency and integrity. This is a great resource if you’re still ironing out the financial wrinkles.
4: Tell a Compelling Story
Remember, people relate to real-life stories — stories draw on their heart strings, pull them in, maybe even speak to their own experiences.
Have there been community events at your church that changed lives? Are there people willing to share a testimonial? Testimonials are gold.
A good proposal tells a story, and a well-told story will help your application stand out.
Design and marketing agency Achieve offers a few practical tips for storytelling in grants and nailing your proposal. They encourage asking key questions, like,
“Do your grant applications tell stories that catch the attention of funders and illustrate the real impact their support will have on your community?”
Remember: The people who are giving the money away want to feel good about the causes they’re choosing to support.
Critical Software Tools To Add To Your Arsenal
- Wish there was an easy way to figure out the right presentation software for your church? There is. We made this church presentation software shortlist just for you.
- As a pastor, management software is the VA you didn’t know you need. Our top church management software picks will help you manage like a boss.
- Our guide to the best in-class church accounting software will help you save time and energy on the numbers so you can focus on ministry instead.
Join our Email List!
Subscribe to our newsletter for practical tips, insights and tools to help your church, and your leadership, thrive.
We'd love to have you.