20 Faith-Based Resources for Christian Ministries and Churches

Introduction

When it comes to funding, Christian ministries and churches often face the challenge of finding the right foundations to support their mission. With the ever-changing landscape of grantmaking foundations, it’s crucial to stay informed about the top resources available. This article provides a comprehensive list of 20 faith-based foundations that either prioritize funding Christian organizations or have a strong preference for supporting them.

The National Christian Foundation (NCF) of Alpharetta, Georgia

The NCF is the leading Christian foundation in terms of funding. With over $1.5 billion in assets and $1 billion in new income annually, they are dedicated to advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ nationwide. The NCF primarily operates as a donor-advised fund, offering individuals and families guidance on planned giving and asset donations. Their focus extends to various forms of charitable donations, including stocks, real estate, business interests, and restricted securities.

Website: National Christian Foundation

The M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust

The M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust aims to enrich the quality of life in the Pacific Northwest by granting funds and supporting nonprofit organizations. Their focus lies in strengthening the educational, spiritual, and cultural foundation of the region through sustainable and creative approaches.

Website: M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust

The Rees-Jones Foundation

Based in Dallas, Texas, the Rees-Jones Foundation is a family foundation that funds programs aimed at improving the quality of life for underserved communities in North Texas. Their support includes employee/matching gifts, capital campaigns, general operations, management and program development, and scholarship funds. The foundation prioritizes organizations that address hunger relief, medical care for the disabled, educational opportunities for youth, affordable housing, shelter, and spiritual development.

Website: Rees-Jones Foundation

The J. E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation, Inc.

Established in 1948 by John E. Mabee and Lottie E. Mabee, the J. E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation is committed to aiding Christian religious organizations, charitable organizations, institutions of higher learning, hospitals, and other charitable entities. While the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications for funding, it actively supports various causes aligned with its charitable nature.

Website: J. E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation

The Barnabas Foundation

The Barnabas Foundation, located in Tinley Park, Illinois, supports nearly 200 member Christian ministries through planned giving and estate planning. They offer stewardship education and development programs to facilitate stewardship based on the belief in God’s ownership of all gifts. The foundation categorizes participating churches into Legacy Churches, Good Steward Ministry Churches, Member Asset Management Churches, and Member Churches.

Website: Barnabas Foundation

The Maclellan Foundation

Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Maclellan Foundation is an independent foundation that provides funding nationally and internationally, with a focus on Chattanooga. As the largest foundation among a group of four family foundations, they are dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus Christ through strategic giving. The foundation offers financial and leadership training to local organizations that enhance spiritual well-being and extend the Kingdom of God.

Website: Maclellan Foundation

The Lilly Endowment of Indiana

The Lilly Endowment of Indiana is renowned for its Clergy Renewal Program and support for the Christian Theological Seminary. Founded in 1937 by J. K. Lilly, Sr., and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., the endowment focuses on community development, education, and religion. In 2015, the endowment granted $435.5 million to various causes.

Website: Lilly Endowment

The Stewardship Foundation

The Stewardship Foundation provides resources to Christ-centered organizations that share their faith in Jesus Christ through word and deed. They primarily serve the poor, marginalized, disadvantaged, and those lacking faith in Jesus Christ. The foundation targets programs addressing Christian leadership, poverty alleviation, reconciliation and justice, relational evangelism and discipleship, and children at risk.

Website: Stewardship Foundation

C.I.O.S. Foundation

The C.I.O.S. Foundation, based in Waco, Texas, was granted charitable status in 1987 and reported assets of $110 million in 2015. The foundation, supported entirely by the Piper family and Piper Industries, does not accept unsolicited applications for funding.

The Crowell Trust

The Crowell Trust, established in 1927, is dedicated to promoting the teachings and extension of Evangelical Christianity through grants to qualified organizations. Their aim is to encourage and enhance evangelism, church planting, and the integration of mercy and truth. The trust focuses on delivering human resources and spiritual care to indigenous and cross-cultural populations.

Website: Crowell Trust

The Koch Foundation

The Koch Foundation, founded in 1979 by Carl and Paula Koch, is an international Catholic foundation that prioritizes areas and populations most in need of a Catholic presence. Their mission is to strengthen and propagate the Roman Catholic faith by providing grant support for various evangelization efforts worldwide.

Website: Koch Foundation

The Arthur S DeMoss Foundation

The Arthur S DeMoss Foundation, established in 1959, focuses on supporting Christian evangelical purposes. While they do not accept unsolicited applications for funding, the foundation is dedicated to furthering the cause of Christianity.

The Lynn and Foster Friess Family Foundation

The Lynn and Foster Friess Family Foundation, an independent foundation based in Jackson, Wyoming, primarily funds faith-based entrepreneurial programs, with a strong emphasis on one-on-one mentoring. They provide general/operating support, matching/challenge support, and program-related investment/loans.

The Harry J. Lloyd Charitable Trust

The Harry J. Lloyd Charitable Trust, located in Overland Park, Kansas, supports evangelism efforts worldwide to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ. The trust provides grants to start new ministries or expand existing ones, with a focus on organizations that are creative, accountable, stable, and effective. They also fund Christian programs that provide housing, food, medical assistance, education for the poor, and medical research.

Tyndale House Foundation

The Tyndale House Foundation, established in 1963, was founded with the conviction that every person should have the opportunity to encounter the love of God as revealed in Jesus Christ. Their purpose is to minister to spiritual needs primarily through literature consistent with biblical principles. The foundation supports tools that help people worldwide understand God’s love and plan for reconciliation with humanity.

Website: Tyndale House Foundation

The Chatlos Foundation

The Chatlos Foundation proclaims the glory of God by funding nonprofit organizations in the United States and around the globe. Their areas of interest include Bible colleges/seminaries, religious causes, medical concerns, liberal arts colleges, and social concerns. The foundation provides templates and guidelines for applying for grants on their website.

Website: Chatlos Foundation

The Amos Family of Foundations

The Amos Family of Foundations aims to glorify God and His Son, Jesus Christ, by supporting Christian and charitable organizations. Their purpose is to partner with organizations worldwide that have demonstrated the ability to make a lasting impact and extend the love, mercy, and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Website: Amos Family of Foundations

First Fruit

First Fruit is a grantmaking foundation guided by Christian faith. They provide resources to leaders and organizations working among the poorest segments of the Majority World. Their areas of focus include holistic ministry, leadership development, and reaching the less and least reached.

Website: First Fruit

The Festus & Helen Stacy Foundation

The Festus & Helen Stacy Foundation is a private family foundation founded in 1980 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Their mission is to partner with Christian organizations worldwide that have made a lasting impact on mankind by extending the love, mercy, and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Website: Festus & Helen Stacy Foundation

Kingsway Charities Inc.

Kingsway Charities Inc. is a faith-based, Christian charitable organization headquartered in Bristol, Virginia. Their primary focus is on international medical missions, providing medications and medical supplies to qualified medical mission teams serving the poor in third-world and developing countries.

Website: Kingsway Charities Inc.

Conclusion

These 20 faith-based resources provide a diverse range of funding opportunities for Christian ministries and churches. Whether your organization operates locally, nationally, or internationally, these foundations offer viable possibilities for financial support. Remember to conduct thorough research and tailor your applications to each foundation’s specific aims and preferences.

By leveraging these resources and exploring other potential funding options, Christian organizations can continue their important work and make a lasting impact on communities and individuals worldwide.