New Worshipping Communities Grant
Presbyterian Mission Agency (PC(USA))
Amount
$10,000 – $75,000
Deadline
Closed
Eligibility
Houses of Worship
Region
National
The PC(USA) 1001 New Worshiping Communities movement funds new worshiping communities through a graduated grant ladder: Seed grants of $10,000 in year one, Investment grants of $30,000 after 12 months, and Growth grants of $30,000 about 18 months later, plus health insurance and sabbatical support for leaders. Applications are reviewed roughly four times per year (2026 deadlines: January 27, April 28, June 30, September 1) and every application must be reviewed and signed by the community's local presbytery, which receives the funds.
Eligible purposes
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.