Grants

The Lutheran Foundation's (TLF) focus statement says: "We invest in Lutheran and community organizations to advance gospel sharing and promote mental wellness that silences the stigma of mental illness.” That means we are committed to advancing the gospel message of Jesus Christ through word and action. We welcome grant applications that support and promote gospel ministry from Lutheran congregations, Lutheran schools and Lutheran ministry organizations in the 10 counties of northeast Indiana.

    Additionally, TLF is committed to promoting mental wellness and reducing the stigma that often surrounds mental and behavioral health issues. We recognize that one in five people in our population live with mental health concerns and live daily with mental illness, addiction, trauma, and broken relationships. Therefore, we are committed to providing resources that support education, inspiration and collaboration in order to transform lives from head to soul. To that end, we welcome community organizations, as well as the Lutheran community, to submit grant applications that address mental wellness and reduce the stigma of mental illness.

    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, fundraising, and promotional items.
    • TLF will not consider a grant application to fund 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.


    Our grants are provided in two distinct categories:

    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.

    Community Grants

    Community organizations in northeast Indiana may apply for a Community Grant that will focus on whole-person health with an emphasis on mental wellness and reducing the stigma of mental illness. The funding request must align with one of the current focus areas. A grant application must be a minimum of $5,000.