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Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program

USDA Rural Development

Amount

$5,000 – $500,000

Deadline

Rolling

Eligibility

Houses of Worship

Region

National

The USDA Community Facilities program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. Eligible facilities include churches and houses of worship that provide essential services to the community. Grant amounts are based on the median household income of the area served, with higher grants available in lower-income rural communities.

Eligible purposes

ConstructionRenovationOperations
Apply on USDA Rural Development→Check Loan Readiness →

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.