If we really believe in a billion-soul revival, we must ask the Lord what methods He intends for us to use to see this come to pass. What we have collectively done through Christ has brought us this far, but what unprecedented methods have we not attempted in our efforts to spread His gospel? Grant funding has become a breakthrough method for churches to impact their communities for Christ’s sake.
There are many exciting projects across our organization receiving grant funds right now, including over $6 million in acquisitions for UPCI organizations and churches just recently. Projects range in scope from daycares opening, establishing sensory rooms for kids on the spectrum, launching ESL Classes and men's programs, as well as developing many other community-centered programs. A community youth program was established that enabled a district to cover all the sports equipment for a youth convention. Food banks are opening, state-of-the-art parks are being built on church properties, and substance abuse programs are excelling. Our non-profit organizations are gearing up to receive State and Federal money, and missionaries are starting 501(c)(3)s to tap into international funds. Grant funds are expanding our capacity to reach our communities.
A unified effort toward organizational transformation will equate to preparation and readiness to compete for private, corporate, state, federal, and international funds. With strategic methods, God can quickly supply every penny we need to reach the whole world with the whole gospel by the whole church.
While there is no such thing as free money, there are creative resources we can tap into to fund ministries in creative capacities. A grant proposal is a clear, direct, document written to a particular organization or funding agency to persuade the reviewers to support you because: 1) You have an essential and fully considered plan to advance a worthwhile cause, and 2) You are responsible and capable of realizing that plan. Grants go toward supporting programs that focus on impacting the communities we serve. Starting a non-profit to partner with the community can be a powerful tool to reach souls, allowing us to reach our cities.
Grant readiness can take time, but it is worth the effort if you are involved with the community you serve. Ethical, accountable, and transparent practices make non-profits and churches more effective. Receiving grant funds depends on solid relationships, humble leadership, fiscal stewardship, willingness to unify with others, and God's favor. Funds are typically available to non-profit, government, education, and public housing organizations. They are rarely offered to for-profit organizations, small businesses, and individuals. Typically, funders give to areas including art and culture, community and economic development, education, social services and sciences, health and wellness, and civic affairs. Grants come with the responsibility to show the investor impact on their investment. The grant cycle includes pre-and-post-award responsibilities.
Grants for community projects should be exclusively focused on being an answer to the most pressing needs of our community, not to chase grant funds for financial gain; instead, to create solutions for the souls in our cities, thus reaching, teaching, and serving most effectively.
This process is a deep and thoughtful take on Kingdom transformation. Here are some resources if you are interested in learning more about grants:
- Reach out to the UPCI Stewardship Department and express interest. They can provide you with a free Grants Readiness Checklist. This checklist will be the basis of all the documents you need to get digitally organized.
- Join the Apostolic Chamber of Commerce; a growing, comprehensive directory of our Apostolic business owners who are partnering together for maximum impact.
- Attend the Grants Clinic at this year’s General Conference hosted by the Apostolic Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has partnered with Apostolic grant writers for this practical hands-on event.
- Partner with Exousia Grant Consulting, Coppertop Consulting, or other apostolic consulting firms to offer Grant Workshops in your local church, section, or district.
- Connect with a grant writer who can provide more information on the grant application process and funding.
Ask the Lord how He desires to reach your community outside the four walls of the church and see where He takes you. The demands of our day are calling for us to get bold with reaching, teaching, and serving the Kingdom. It’s time to be sold-out servants of the Lord with a passionate focus on large-scale impact and be led by prayer and divine guidance. We must seek God's will in grant funding and approach the process with greater faith and trust in God's provision. While practical steps like document organization and community outreach are necessary, ultimately, it is God who provides the resources needed to support the work of His ministry.