The Outreach Committee meets four times a year to review Great Commission and Linn Fund grant applications. Here are some upcoming 2023/2024 rolling application dates: Oct 2, 2023; Dec 18, 2023; Mar 25, 2024; June 24, 2024; and Oct 2, 2024.
(Looking for information on the Southeastern Synod Mission Endowment Grant, open July 1-Aug 1, 2024? Click HERE!)
Outreach Ministry Project Grants: The synod's Great Commission Fund provides monies for grants to support outreach ministry projects by congregations and official ministries of the synod. The maximum grant is $5,000 per project, and all grants require matching funds from the congregation. Ministries may re-apply for funding on a yearly basis. TO APPLY: An application form and submission instructions are available here.
Youth Ministry Education Grants: Education grants of up to $1,500 per person are available to help individuals attend educational events in the areas of youth, young adult and family ministries. Funds are distributed through the congregations of those persons approved for the grants. Grant applications will be considered on a rolling basis. TO APPLY: An application form and submission instructions are available here.
Multicultural Educational Grants: Education grants of up to $1,500 per person are available to help individuals attend educational events in the areas of multicultural or anti-racism education. Funds are distributed through the congregations of those persons approved for the grants. Grant applications will be considered on a rolling basis. TO APPLY: An application form and submission instructions are available here.
Congregational Mission Planning Grants: Grants of up to $1,000, funded from the synod's Great Commission Fund, are available once every three years to congregations entering a congregational mission planning process to "re-vision" themselves and their mission. TO APPLY: An application form and submission instructions are available here.
Internship Grants: Grants of up to $15,000 per site, funded from the synod's Great Commission Fund, are available to support internship placements with a focus on outreach and/or renewal. TO APPLY: Contact DEM Melissa Fuller Sims.
Grants to the Lutheran Theological Center in Atlanta (LTCA): Grants of up to $5,000 per year may be awarded to LTCA to support classes, workshops, and other educational activities that enhance outreach and multicultural awareness within the synod. TO APPLY: Contact us at synod.office@elca-ses.org
Linn Fund Grants for New Missions and Renewal: Established in 1951 to honor the memory of a former synod president, the Rev. Dr. Charles A. Linn, the purpose of the Linn Fund is to assist in funding mission development and outreach ministries by Southeastern Synod congregations. Grants of up to $5,000 per year may be made to new mission congregations and those actively engaged in renewal. TO APPLY: An application form and submission instructions are available here.
Morton Fund Grants for Ministry in East Tennessee: Each year the Synod Council awards approximately $10,000 in grants of various sizes from the Morton Fund to support ministry projects in Tennessee, from Chattanooga eastward. Grant requests are reviewed by an advisory group from East Tennessee, prior to submission to the Synod Council for final approval at its January meeting. TO APPLY: Complete the application form (available here) and e-mail the form to the synod office. The deadline for completed applications is November 30. Contact person DEM Melissa Fuller Sims
Houser Scholarships: Funded by monies from the E.A. Houser Estate, scholarships are available to students who are preparing for ordained ministry or other full-time professional positions in the ELCA. The size and number of awards are determined annually by the synod’s Candidacy Committee, usually at its summer or fall meeting. TO APPLY: Contact synod.office@elca-ses.org.
Kessler Scholarships for Outstanding Ministry Candidates: Scholarships funded from the Richard C. Kessler Fund are awarded on a competitive basis to outstanding students preparing for ordained ministry or other full-time professional positions in the ELCA. Scholarship recipients must be approved by the Synod Council at its January meeting, after recommendation by an advisory group and by the synod’s Candidacy Committee. TO APPLY: Contact synod.office@elca-ses.org.
Emergency Assistance Grants: Subject to funding availability and with the approval of the synod bishop, a limited amount of emergency assistance may be available in the form of a grant to assist pastors and congregations experiencing significant financial emergencies. As of June 2016, emergency loans are not longer available. TO INQUIRE ABOUT ASSISTANCE: Contact the synod bishop (404-589-1977).
Campus Ministry Grants: Grants of up to $1,000 are available to campus ministries or congregations to fund new ministry initiatives. TO APPLY: Submit the completed application to Pr. Michael Jannett.
Every August the synod's Budget & Finance Committee provides a form to submit requests for funding during the following fiscal year which begins on February 1. The deadline for submission is usually on or around October 15 of the current fiscal year. Note that a separate form is provided for use by synod committees and task forces. That form also becomes available in August with a deadline on or around October 15. Watch for notice of form availability in the synod Enews and on the website.
The Stewardship of Life Institute (SOLI) is accepting grant proposals from ELCA seminaries, synods, congregations and other ministries for projects, workshops or events that encourage stewardship growth. Proposals of primary interest will be those which assist in seminarian education or first call theological education. Proposals that assist in stewardship leadership education among laity and clergy will also be considered, and those that involve collaboration between groups of congregations or ministries within the ELCA will be viewed favorably. Grant funds may not be used for administrative costs.
Grants will normally be a one-time award. Funding may be extended for an ongoing project, but applicants must submit a new application after the first year’s award. Reports are expected upon completion of all projects, and must be received before funding is extended.
Grants will be awarded twice each year. Application deadlines are March 15 and September 15. Notification of grant awards will be made by May 15 and November 15. Grants will range from $1,000 to $12,000. Grant proposals must include the application and a budget. If you have any questions, please contact SOLI’s executive director, the Rev. Dr. Marty Stevens.
Grant Application:
Click here for details and to download the grant application form, which is in Rich Text Format. Save the form onto your computer, fill it out, rename the file and send it by email to SOLI’s executive director, the Rev. Dr. Marty Stevens.
The Stewardship of Life Institute, founded in 1994, promotes stewardship in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Headquartered at the United Lutheran Seminary, SOLI carries on the vision and work of its founder and benefactor, the late Arthur Larson.
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