In today’s economic climate, funding for youth ministry has become more difficult than ever. Fundraisers that used to raise thousands of dollars now may raise only hundreds of dollars. Supporters may have stopped donating; and when the church budget as a whole is struggling, funds for youth ministry and programs are often the first to be slashed.
What if I told you there are people who enjoy giving money to strangers—even to youth leaders? What if one of the richest sources of revenue could come from outside your church membership? What if you found partners in ministry who worked for foundations and endowments?
If these questions intrigue you, then you might find answers for your youth ministry by applying for a grant. There are many such foundations and endowments specifically oriented toward meeting the needs of religious or youth organizations, and some of them may not be far from your own back door.
Consider the following: Foundations and endowments exist in all 50 states, and some are national in scope. While many foundations are geared toward underwriting new business ventures, construction costs or new community programs or positions, there are many such organizations that also cater to religious organizations and ministries—particularly programs that involve youth in new ventures, new experiences, or which have a dynamic vision for helping teenagers.
That’s where you come in. Perhaps you have a new idea—a concept for youth ministry that is large and creative—and your church board loves it but can’t find the funds. Maybe your leadership team has been talking about the advantages of hiring a mission leader for teenagers, or you may have a concept of growing a currently successful youth ministry to another level.
If you can articulate these concepts and present them in a concise and cohesive presentation, it might be time to write a grant proposal. In case you’ve never applied for a grant before or don’t know where to begin, here is a six-step outline that can carry you forward.
Step #1: Identify the Foundations
Find and identify three or four foundations or organizations which have as part of their missions a desire to aid religious-based work or more specifically undergird issues or programs impacting teenagers. These endowments do exist, and don’t forget foundations are mandated by law to distribute their various funds each year. These funds are going to go to a young program somewhere. Get your ministry into the mix for consideration!
Locating a foundation can begin at websites such as GrantStation.com, by doing an Internet search for endowments in your area or by visiting your local library. Most foundations have websites now, and their guidelines and application procedures almost always are posted for easy access. There are also individuals who make grants to organizations; some national chains such as Target and Wal-Mart have community-based grants, too.
Once you have identified these organizations and have the application materials, proceed.
Step #2: Tell Your Story
One of the features you will need to develop for most any grant is a narrative of your organization (your church, your youth ministry, your work). Be a good storyteller. Don’t fabricate or create untruths about your ministry or your history, but certainly expound on your successes and achievements. If you have stats to back up your narrative, use them.
Create a brief narrative that will tell your history, but also write with an eye toward answering these basic questions: Who you? What makes your ministry compelling or distinct from other youth programs or community ventures? Why is your story exciting, and why should a foundation be eager to help you achieve your goals?
The narrative portion of your grant proposal is not the place for small thinking. Let your light shine. If you are growing and need additional funds for an exciting new venture, bring the foundation on board and help the review committee catch a glimpse of your successes. Create a story the members would love to help you write.
Step #3: State the Need
OK, now it’s time to make your pitch. Why are you applying for these funds? What needs are you trying to meet? What are the great struggles, work or goals you are trying to address? Why do you need the foundation’s help?
Consider your approach carefully. If you need seed money for a new staff position or supplies that will aid in creating this new venture, be specific about it. Make sure the foundation knows the needs you are addressing and why you are the perfect organization or ministry willing to accept the challenge.
In general, you will want to convince the foundation board there is a need and that your ministry is the one to address it.
Step # 4: Create Your Timeline
All foundation boards will want to know: When will this happen? Is your proposal a quick-hitting idea that will take place one weekend or during a certain month of the year, or is this a ministry that is long-term? Will the funds be used more exclusively during a period of time some months from now?
If you think you are going to need ongoing financial support for a ministry, say so; but be aware most foundations also will want to be able to review your progress along the way and will gravitate toward visions and goals that are more in the short-term or that address a specific need.
Step # 5: Share Your Budget
Make sure you develop a budget for this project or ministry idea. You also may need to provide a full budget from your congregation or your ministry area (usually line-item). Be specific about how the foundation’s money will be used and when and how you will use the funds. Do your research if are going to provide costs for travel, staffing or outside expertise.
Step # 6 Reporting and Accountability
Anyone applying for a grant also will have to show accountability in the process. This includes feedback and reporting and sometimes an ongoing relationship with the foundation board. All money that has been distributed will have to be accounted for in your report summaries. The goals and vision you outlined in the proposal can’t be changed. Someone on your board or ministry team will need to be responsible for keeping the vision on task and the team inspired.
Usually, the person or team writing the grant proposal also will be the one(s) writing the reports and taking the responsibility. If you do receive a grant, calendar your various reporting days in the year ahead and work step-by-step toward the final summary.
Conclusion
Grant writing is not for everyone, of course; and not all youth ministries can benefit from receiving a grant. However, if you are in a position to write a grant but don’t feel you have the time or attention to complete one, don’t despair. There are many individuals and grant-writing companies available to help.
Most grant writers work on a commission basis and usually charge either an up-front fee for the entire project (regardless of successful) or work on a percentage basis of monies received from a successful grant proposal. If you are writing for a larger grant, don’t be scared to hire an expert to write a grant for you.
Finally, don’t hesitate to ask someone at the foundation for help. Many endowments also have staff who are able to direct you through the grant process or give you tips for writing a successful grant. Grant writing, in the end, may be more about relationship and goodwill than ability. Make a visit to the foundation. Talk to the people there. Write thank you notes.
With grant writing, sometimes it’s more about who you know that what you know.
Write on!
See also Grant It! An Application Guide
About the Author
Todd Outcalt is a United Methodist pastor at Calvary in Brownsburg, Ind.; has worked with teenagers for more than 30 years, including mission trips, service projects and daily grind; and authored more than a dozen youth ministry titles.
