FoundationActive
Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative
Lilly Endowment
Amount
$100,000 – $5,000,000
Deadline
Sep 15, 2026
Eligibility
Houses of Worship
Region
National
Lilly Endowment's Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative supports efforts to strengthen the long-term financial health and sustainability of Christian congregations. Grants are awarded to national denominational organizations and theological schools that develop programs helping congregations diversify their income streams and build endowments. Individual congregations may apply through their denominational partners.
Eligible purposes
OperationsMinistry
Get reminded 30 days before the deadline
Grants often don't cover the full project
Most churches combine grant funding with a church loan to fully fund construction, renovation, or expansion projects. Check your loan readiness to see what lenders will cover the gap.
Check your readiness →Tips for applying
- Read the full guidelines first. Every grant program has specific eligibility criteria, required documentation, and scoring rubrics. Review these thoroughly before starting your application to ensure your church qualifies.
- Start early.Most grant applications take 2–4 weeks to compile properly. You will likely need financial statements, Board resolutions, project plans, and letters of support. Starting early gives you time to gather everything without rushing.
- Quantify your community impact. Grant reviewers want to see specific numbers: how many people your church serves, what programs you run, and the measurable outcomes of your ministry. Vague claims about community benefit are less compelling than concrete data.
- Consider hiring a grant writer.Professional grant writers who specialize in nonprofit and religious institution funding can significantly improve your success rate. Many charge 5–10% of the grant amount or a flat fee.
- Have a backup plan. Grant funding is competitive and not guaranteed. If your project depends on grant funding, explore loan options as well. Our free readiness assessment can help you understand your loan eligibility alongside your grant applications.