Open
Mission Grant
Support for mission-focused church initiatives
Last Update: May 29, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : September 30, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program supports mission-focused projects for congregations, specialized ministries, and Ministry Areas, with no maximum funding amount specified in the source. It funds exploratory initiatives, relationship-building efforts, and projects that strengthen congregational vitality, discipleship, and outreach.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Train or support volunteers
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : September 30, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Other services (except public administration)
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Social Services
- Emergency and Relief
- Income Support and Maintenance
- Religious Congregations and Associations
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Compassionate justice initiatives addressing hunger and poverty in the wider community
- Long-term mission partnership programming over two or more years
- Short-term mission partnership programming completed within one calendar year
- Experimental or exploratory mission initiatives
- Projects that build relationships and engage local communities
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Project description and objectives
- Project budget
- Names and contact details for the applicant and project lead
- Signed sponsor or congregation endorsement
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Congregations
- Specialized ministries
- Ministry Areas
Who is not eligible
- Applicants seeking funding for church signs
- Applicants seeking funding for non-essential electronic equipment
- Flow-through funding requests such as grocery purchases for a food bank
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Church signs
- Non-essential electronic equipment purchases
- Flow-through funding, such as groceries for a food bank
Eligible geographic areas
- Eastern Synod territory
- From Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario to Halifax, Nova Scotia
Selection criteria
- Impact on people outside the church building
- Impact on people inside the church building
- Benefit to the wider church
- Partnership with other congregations or community agencies
How to apply
- Step 1: Discern and prepare
- Consider the project idea and discuss partnership opportunities.
- Develop the project proposal and supporting budget information.
- Step 2: Complete the online application
- Use the online Mission Grant application form.
- Provide project details, objectives, partnerships, timeline, and funding needs.
- Have the sponsoring congregation, ministry, or Ministry Area review and endorse the application.
- Step 3: Submit by the deadline
- Submit the completed application through the online form.
- Applications are accepted by the posted deadline dates.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed twice yearly.
- Applications are ranked on a 1-5 scale across several mission-related criteria.
- Preference is given to proposals showing strong partnership commitment.
- Approved funds require a signed release form before cheques are issued.
- Reporting is required by September 30 of the program year.
Additional information
- Applications are reviewed twice a year.
- Interim reports are required for ongoing funded projects.
- Previous reporting forms must be received before new funding can be reviewed.
- Unused funds must be returned to the Synod Office.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mission Grant Program
What is the Mission Grant?
This program supports mission-focused projects for congregations, specialized ministries, and Ministry Areas, with no maximum funding amount specified in the source. It funds exploratory initiatives, relationship-building efforts, and projects that strengthen congregational vitality, discipleship, and outreach.
Who is eligible for the Mission Grant program?
To be eligible for the Mission Grant program, you must:
Congregations, specialized ministries, or Ministry Areas
Mission-focused and exploratory projects
Outreach beyond the church community
What expenses are eligible under Mission Grant?
Compassionate justice initiatives addressing hunger and poverty in the wider community
Long-term mission partnership programming over two or more years
Short-term mission partnership programming completed within one calendar year
Experimental or exploratory mission initiatives
Projects that build relationships and engage local communities
Who can I contact for more information about the Mission Grant?
You can contact Eastern Synod Of The Evangelical Lutheran Church In Canada (ELCIC).
Where is the Mission Grant available?
The Mission Grant program is available the province of Ontario.
Who are the financial supporters of the Mission Grant?
Mission Grant is funded by Eastern Synod Of The Evangelical Lutheran Church In Canada (ELCIC)