Application Submission Requirement

• A grant application must be a minimum of $1,500.

Capital

• A congregation/school is required to contact the Senior Program Officer to discuss the project prior to beginning an application.
• Must comply with TLF’s Grant Guidelines.
• There must be a direct, clear, and substantial relationship between the capital project, TLF's mission, and one or or more of the following focus areas:
  • Provide access to the Word and Sacrament ministry.
  • Gives proclamation to the Gospel, discipleship, and/or outreach purposes.
  • Assist congregation's expression of worship and/or extend opportunities for Christian education.
  • Is an essential component of the congregation's vision strategy.
• The maximum amount of support will be $300,000, not to exceed 50% of the total project cost.
  • A maximum of 3 phases will be considered for a capital project with a clear architectural definition of phases.
• The project must be initiated within one year of the Board approval date.
• A 50% match is required.
• An application will not be considered to fund vehicles.
• An application will not be considered to fund the acquisition of land or buildings.

Community Meal

• TLF will consider funding food and food supplies at 50% of the total cost not to exceed $5,000.

Conference Attendance

• The conference should be designed to continue education or for leadership development.
• TLF will fund $500 per person not to exceed 10 people per calendar year and is not subject to the $1,500 minimum outlined in the Grant Guidelines.

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.

Staff Positions

• The intent is for the position to help grow and/or expand the ministry.
• Only one staff position application can be submitted per calendar year.
• Funding is for salary only.

     Year 1 Funding

• The amounts below are the maximum award for a full-time position and cannot exceed 95% of the total.
  • Ordained (additional pastor) – $65,000
  • Non-Ordained (educator) – $55,000
  • Parish Professional (professional church worker) – $55,000
  • Administrative (support staff) – $40,000
  • Funding for a part-time position will be considered at half the amount.
• The staff position must be hired within 12 months of the grant award date. If the individual is not hired within this time period, the grant award will be revoked.

     Year 2 Funding 

• A new application must be submitted.
• The application will be evaluated based on the impact the position has had on the ministry.
• The amount will be based on 50% of Year 1.

Technology

• TLF will fund up to 50% of the total cost not to exceed $50,000.

Vacation Bible School

• TLF will consider funding at 50% of the total cost not to exceed $2,000 and is not subject to the $1,500 minimum outlined in the Grant Guidelines.
• Application will only be considered during the September 1 (noon) deadline.

Publicity and Grant Recognition 

• Grantees are required to recognize a grant award from TLF as follows unless an exception is made by the Chief Program Officer:
  • The Chief Program Officer must review and approve any recognition, announcement or dedication materials in writing prior to their distribution.

Contact

• We encourage you to contact Sue Faust at (260) 458-2105 or by email to schedule an in-person or virtual meeting to discuss your application.
• Our grant team is always happy to assist or answer any questions regarding the Lutheran grant application process.