Christian Community Development and Engagement | Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis

Funding Goal

To support Christian churches and faith-based organizations that are pursuing flourishing through place-based* programming using a healthy developmental approach.

Outcomes

Outcomes describe, in broad terms, the measurable change within each Funding Focus Area that Lutheran Foundation would like to see in the lives of those served by funded partners.

Organizations seeking funding from the Foundation must demonstrate how their program will address one or more of the following outcomes:

OUTCOME #1

Christian churches and faith-based nonprofits will be a more integral part of the local community**, fostering interconnected relationships with key neighborhood stakeholders.

OUTCOME #2

Those living in local communities will experience improved well-being.

OUTCOME #3

Local communities will experience holistic flourishing.

Lutheran Foundation strives to invest in services that show measurable impact in the lives of hurting people by supporting services that are:

Comprehensive and collaborative in addressing the complicated and complex needs of the targeted population;

Intentionally designed:

- Evidence-based/informed and/or utilize best or promising practices.

- Informed by community/lived experience.

*What do we mean by place-based? Place-based speaks primarily to proximity and refers to the strategy or approach used to address specific challenges and opportunities within a defined community while building on local strengths and co-creating with community members.

** What do we mean by “community”? For the purpose of evaluation, Lutheran Foundation defines community as a neighborhood or a grouping of neighborhoods or a catchment area with established shared goals. Lutheran Foundation is specifically seeking partners who can demonstrate significant engagement with community residents and other stakeholders in the design and/ or implementation of the proposed program or project.

Interested applicants must be recognized by and in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) organization or have a fiscal agent.

Applicants must provide place-based* community engagement, development, and service in local communities within the geographic area supported by the Lutheran Foundation which includes the following counties in the St. Louis metropolitan area:

Missouri: Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Charles, St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and Warren

Illinois: Clinton, Jersey, Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair

Lutheran Foundation is highly relational and seeks to develop relationships with funded partners to build mutual understanding and partnership. Organizations that anticipate applying for funding are highly encouraged to request a consultation with Foundation staff.

The average annual grant from the Lutheran Foundation is approximately $50,000 with a maximum grant award of $100,000.

Program Grants

Program grants are restricted grants awarded to support a specific project, initiative, or set of services/activities carried out by the applicant. The funds are designated for clearly defined purposes, outcomes, and timeframes and are not intended for general operating expenses; however, organizations can request support for administrative costs related to implementing the project.

Organizations are typically funded by annual grants. Grants may be renewed for up to three years; however, funded partners must apply annually.

Capacity Building Grants

Capacity building refers to investments that strengthen an organization’s internal ability to fulfill its mission effectively and efficiently. Rather than funding specific programs, capacity‑building support focuses on the systems, skills, leadership, and infrastructure that enable an organization to do its work well over time.

Click here to learn more about capacity building funding.

Multi-Year Grants

Multi-year grants are awarded for up to three years. These grants are rare and are by invitation only.

Funding requests into the Foundation are most often for programmatic support. Specifically, the Foundation seeks to support co-created programming that centers the building of mutual, empowering relationships rather than just offering charity, helping to restore dignity and foster community flourishing. The following are examples of programs/services/activities which the Foundation will consider for funding (not an exhaustive list):

Community planning activities that elevate and/or center resident voice and activate community assets

Asset-based Community Development activities

Affordable housing strategies and supportive services

Economic development activities

Coalition/relationship building activities

Capacity-building support is available for organizations that have an established relationship with the Foundation and are able to demonstrate that the funding will enable organizations to operate more effectively and efficiently. Click here to learn more about capacity-building funding.

The Foundation will generally not consider the following requests:

Word and Sacrament ministry

Programs and ministries meant to serve those already within the congregation

Proselytizing activities (e.g. door-to-door or street evangelism)

Annual appeals/special events/fundraisers/sponsorships

Grants to specific individuals

Lobbying activities

Operating deficits

Scholarships

Services outside the Foundation’s defined St. Louis metropolitan area

Capital campaigns or major capital expenditures that are not directly related to program implementation

For questions regarding funding in this focus area, please contact Treena Thompson, Senior Program Officer. She can be reached at treena@lutheranfoundation.org or 314-231-2244 ext. 102.

For current funded partners with specific questions regarding grant reporting, payment, and contracts, please contact Juliet Holden, Grants Manager. She can be reached at juliet@lutheranfoundation.org or 314-231-2244 ext. 111.

Beyond Funding
Lutheran Foundation is interested in seeing our grantees’ efforts thrive. Thus, in addition to providing funding, the Foundation partners with Send Me St. Louis to offer capacity building support to area congregations and faith-based organizations through trainings and one-on-one consultation to:

Equip congregations and faith-based organizations with tools and knowledge;

Inspire congregations and faith-based organizations with faith tools, resources, and stories; and

Help congregations and faith-based organizations participate in meaningful acts of service.

Click here to learn more about Send Me St. Louis and how your congregation/organization can access these valuable services.