Lutheran Grants

The Lutheran Foundation (TLF) supports Lutheran and community organizations to advance Gospel sharing and promote mental wellness that silences the stigma of mental illness.

Our goal is to build and sustain community networks that promote spiritual, mental and physical well-being—and we believe it should start with the church. Through Lutheran grants, we partner with Member Lutheran Congregations, Lutheran Schools and Lutheran Ministries in northeast Indiana. Special consideration is given to programs that address mental and behavioral health and wellness.

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

• TLF will consider up to $1,000 per person, not to exceed 50% of the total cost.

Community Meals

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

Mission Trips (only available to Lutheran Congregations)

• Regional mission trip – up to $200 per person within TLF’s 10-county service area in northeast Indiana.
• Domestic mission trip – up to $400 per person to anywhere in the United States.
• International mission trip – up to $600 per person to anywhere outside the United States.
• A list of confirmed individuals attending must be submitted with the grant application.
• Each organization must submit an individual application, as joint submissions will not be considered.
• Click here to view the complete Mission Trip policy. 

National Youth Gathering Events (only available to Lutheran Congregations)

• Will consider up to $1,000 per person, not to exceed 50% of the total cost.

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.

We are happy to help with any questions. To discuss your grant ideas, we encourage you to email Terri Kortokrax, Chief Program Officer, or call her at (260) 458-2112 ext. 302. For help completing a grant application, please contact our grant team by calling (260) 458-2112, option 1.

Application

• Click here to access the Grant Portal to begin an application.

Grant deadlines

• Applications received after the grant deadline will not be considered.
• If the grant deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it is extended to the next business day at noon.