Lutheran Grants

Lutheran congregations, schools, and ministries in northeast Indiana may apply for a Lutheran Grant that will foster outreach, support programming, and promote capacity-building ministry opportunities. TLF also encourages grant applications that focus on mental and behavioral health and wellness. A grant application must be a minimum of $1,500.

Grant Guidelines

  • TLF will only consider an application from organizations located in our 10-county service area of northeast Indiana (Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells, and Whitley counties).
  • TLF gives priority to organizations that demonstrate the love of Christ by who they are, and by what they do and say.
  • TLF’s primary interest is in improving spiritual, mental and physical health and wellness; however, we recognize that a broad range of programs and projects may benefit the people of northeast Indiana. The Board may, therefore, award grants that help the community in other ways.
  • TLF does not consider capital funding a priority but will accept applications. Applications for maintenance and repairs may not be considered.
  • TLF will not accept applications for projects that have been completed, deficit financing, and any expenses related to fundraising events.
  • TLF will not consider a grant application to fund a fund or an individual.
  • TLF will not fund medical procedures which are destructive of life or programs which encourage them.

The Lutheran Foundation Board of Directors may from time to time expand upon their understanding and interpretation of these guidelines and may also make exceptions at their discretion.

Funding Policies

Application Submission Requirements
  • TLF will not fund an application at 100% of the total cost.
  • TLF will only fund one project per application.
Capital
  • TLF will consider applications for capital, although it is not a priority.
  • Matching basis only.
  • Up to $300,000, not to exceed 50% of the total cost.
  • Only one application can be submitted per project (multiple phases are considered one project).
  • The project must begin within one year of the Board approval date.
  • Click here to review the Capital Business Asset definition.
Conference Attendance
  • The conference should be designed to continue education or for leadership development. 
  • TLF will fund $500 per person not the exceed 10 people per year and is not subject to the $1,500 minimum outlined in the Grant Guidelines. 
Community Meals
  • TLF will consider funding at 50% of the total cost not to exceed $5,000.
Mission Trips (only available to Lutheran Congregations)
  • TLF will fund $300 per person and is not subject to the $1,500 minimum outlined in the Grant Guidelines.
  • Financial support will be restricted to actual expenses related to the mission trip and recreational excursions will not be covered.
National Youth Gathering Events (only available to Lutheran Congregations)
  • TLF will fund $300 per person and is not subject to the $1,500 minimum outlined in the Grant Guidelines.
  • Financial support will be restricted to actual expenses related to the mission trip and recreational excursions will not be covered.
    Pass-Through Funding
    • TLF will not fund an application for pass-through funding. Pass-through funding is defined as when the grantee distributes the funds to another individual or organization, such as purchasing and handing out gift cards.
    Staff Positions
    • Staff Positions must be for a new or expanded ministry or program. The expectation is the position would be continued and maintained by the organization beyond the third year.
    • Year 1: Will consider up to 75% of salary and benefits.
    • Year 2: Will consider up to 50% of salary and benefits.
    • Year 3: Will consider up to 25% of salary and benefits.
    Technology
    • TLF will fund up to 50% of the total cost not to exceed $50,000. Technology is typically defined as items that have a shorter life span (i.e., computers, iPads, etc.). Items that have a longer life span (i.e., file server, copier, etc.) are considered capital. Please contact the grant team to discuss if you are unsure.
    Vacation Bible School
    • TLF will consider funding at 50% of the total cost not to exceed $2,000.
    • Application must be submitted in the September grant cycle (September 1 noon deadline).
    Vehicle
    • TLF will not fund an application for a vehicle.

    The Grant Team is always happy to help with any questions regarding the application process. 

    • To discuss your grant ideas, we encourage you to contact Terri Kortokrax at (260) 458-2112 ext. 302.
    • For assistance with any other items, please contact Sue Faust at (260) 458-2112 ext. 316.

    Grant Deadlines and Timeline

    • If the grant deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it is extended to the next business day at noon.

    Application

    • Applications received after the grant deadline will not be considered.
    • An application will not be considered if: 
      • any information is incomplete.
      • the application does not include the required templates and attachments. 
      • the organization has any overdue grant reports/follow ups.
    • Click here to access the Grant Portal to begin an application.