Church renovation grants

FEMA's BRIC program funds hazard mitigation projects that protect buildings and communities from floods, storms, earthquakes, and other natural hazards. Churches cannot apply directly: eligible applicants are states and tribes, with local governments as subapplicants. A church benefits by having its city or county include the property in its application, so the path in is your local emergency management or hazard mitigation office. The program was reinstated by federal court order in March 2026 after a 2025 termination attempt, and a combined FY2024-25 round worth $1 billion is currently open. For security-focused funding churches can apply for directly, see FEMA's Nonprofit Security Grant Program through your state administering agency.

HUD's CDBG program provides annual grants to states, cities, and counties to develop viable communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and economic opportunity. Religious organizations operating as subgrantees can use CDBG funds for community services and facility improvements that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income persons. Applications are submitted through your local or state CDBG grantee.

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.

The California Office of Historic Preservation administers federal Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) grants to support the identification, evaluation, and protection of California's historic and prehistoric resources. Churches and other religious properties listed on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places may apply for survey, planning, and rehabilitation grants. Grant cycles typically open in the fall with awards announced the following spring.

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) awards grants annually to help preserve and protect Texas's irreplaceable historical and archeological assets. Religious properties and houses of worship listed in the National Register of Historic Places are eligible for rehabilitation and preservation grants. The program emphasizes projects that restore structural integrity and preserve character-defining architectural features.

Florida's Special Category grant program funds acquisition and development projects for properties included in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Nonprofit religious organizations that own historic properties are eligible to apply for rehabilitation and restoration work. Matching funds (50%) are required, and priority is given to projects that ensure public access and benefit to Florida residents.

AGFinancial's Church Strengthening Grants provide financial assistance to Assemblies of God churches facing critical facility needs or ministry expansion opportunities. Grants are available for construction and renovation projects, as well as ministry equipment and technology upgrades that enable churches to better serve their communities. Priority consideration is given to churches in lower-income communities and those demonstrating strong growth.

The Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) provides Mission Investment Fund grants to support Missouri Synod Lutheran congregations in new church starts, facility expansion, and major renovation projects. The grant program is specifically designed to leverage LCEF financing and help congregations close funding gaps on building projects. Churches must be in good standing with their district and demonstrate ministry need.

The Duke Endowment's Rural Church program supports rural United Methodist churches in North Carolina, per the founding indenture: congregations in communities of 1,500 or less (or USDA-designated rural census tracts) that appear on the Endowment's eligibility list. Projects must fit one of four priorities: pastoral leadership, reimagining church real estate, congregational capacity, or selected child-focused programs. Two-stage process with pre-application deadlines of May 10 and October 3 each year; full applications are by invitation.

The National Fund for Sacred Places, administered by Partners for Sacred Places and funded by the Lilly Endowment, provides capacity-building support and capital grants to congregations with historic buildings. Accepted congregations participate in a comprehensive planning process before being eligible for capital grants to address deferred maintenance and preservation needs. The program is open to congregations of any faith tradition across the United States.

FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to state, tribal, and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a presidential disaster declaration. Houses of worship and nonprofit organizations are eligible as sub-applicants through their state or local government sponsor. Eligible projects include safe room construction, flood mitigation, seismic retrofits, and wildfire mitigation.

The New York Landmarks Conservancy's Sacred Sites program is one of the few grant programs in the country built specifically for houses of worship. It funds exterior repairs at historic religious buildings across New York State: roofs, masonry, drainage, steeples, and stained glass. To qualify, a congregation must actively use the building for worship and the property must be listed on the State or National Register of Historic Places or locally landmarked. Grants are awarded in two rounds each year, with deadlines of January 15 and June 1.