Sowing Circle is a private foundation dedicated to advancing Christian ministry and biblical education. The organization operates primarily through two main avenues: directly distributing biblical materials via various media and physical platforms, and collaborating with other Christian ministries, mission boards, and organizations to fulfill its ministry purpose.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$10.1M
+1.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$623K
-26.7% YoY
Grant Count
19
+35.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$33K
-46.0% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Sowing Circle's mission is to present the person of the Lord Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible—God's inerrant written word—and the Holy Spirit as the only true source and means of forgiveness of sin, freedom from guilt, eternal life, and the realization and fulfillment of all of humanity's basic needs and desires.
The organization's primary program areas include:
- Blue Letter Bible – The foundation's primary operational focus, providing a website as an aid in studying the Scriptures
- Blue Letter Bible Institute – Offering quality Bible courses over the Internet
- Evangelism – Supporting evangelical efforts and the spread of the Gospel
- Ministry Assistance – Helping other ministries with operational aspects and providing exposure through web platforms
- Short-term Missions – Supporting missionary work and evangelistic projects
Grantmaking
Sowing Circle made 11 grants in 2023, with total distributions of approximately $1.6 million. Grant sizes range significantly, from a median of $11,000 to a maximum of $680,000.
Grant Range
s range significantly, from a median of $11,000 to a maximum of $680,000.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation funds organizations primarily in California, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania, with particular emphasis on supporting Christian ministries across these regions.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $9,908,427
- Total Revenue: $2,482,639
- Total Expenses: $1,872,375
- Total Liabilities: $2,430,000 (as of 2023)
Program Expenses (2023):
- Blue Letter Bible: $1,584,101
- Evangelism: $78,465
- Ministry Assistance: $15,626
The foundation has zero employees and operates with a volunteer board structure.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $10,075,852 | $9,908,427 | $7,976,490 |
| Revenue | $463,542 | $2,482,639 | $187,208 |
| Expenses | $1,628,487 | $1,872,375 | $4,272,734 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,163,847 | $1,586,369 | $1,375,415 |
| Net Investment Income | $366,891 | $2,434,642 | $89,165 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
76 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Blue Letter Bible ($267,000), Reverence Bible Church ($200,449), Enduring Word ($25,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Letter Bible Greenville, SC | Missions | $267,000 |
| Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa Santa Ana, CA | Missions | $7,200 |
| Enduring Word Santa Barbara, CA | Theological Education | $25,000 |
| Hope For Today Tustin, CA | Missions | $7,500 |
| Reverence Bible Church Misison Viejo, CA | Pastoral Support/Ministry | $200,449 |
| Safe Harbor International Rancho Sta Margarita, CA | Missions | $12,000 |
| Understand the Times Santa Ana, CA | Missions | $15,960 |
| Pastoral Training of Asia Lake Forest, CA | Missions | $5,000 |
| U-Turn for Christ Perris, CA | Missions | $7,000 |
| According to Prophecy Lemon Grove, CA | Theological Education | $25,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Key leadership includes:
- James P. Milligan – Chairman (20 hours/week, $209,000 compensation)
- Stephen M. Greenberg – Secretary (0.5 hours/week, $1,500 compensation)
- Kenneth Buckley – Board Member (0.5 hours/week, $1,500 compensation)
- Frank B. Rabinovitch – Board Member (0.5 hours/week, no compensation listed)
- Andrew J. Guastaferro – Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer (2 hours/week, $9,700 compensation)
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| James P Milligan | Chairman | 20 | $389,046 |
| Stephen M Greenberg | Secretary | 0.5 | $1,500 |
| Kenneth Buckley | Board Member | 0.5 | $1,500 |
| Frank B Rabinovitch | Board Member | 0.5 | — |
| Andrew J Guastaferro | CFO/COO | 2 | $9,359 |
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Sowing Circle fund?
Sowing Circle's mission is to present the person of the Lord Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible—God's inerrant written word—and the Holy Spirit as the only true source and means of forgiveness of sin, freedom from guilt, eternal life, and the realization and fulfillment of all of humanity's basic needs and desires. The organization's primary program areas include: • **Blue Letter Bible** – The foundation's primary operational focus, providing a website as an aid in studying the Scriptures • …
How do I apply for a grant from Sowing Circle?
Sowing Circle made 11 grants in 2023, with total distributions of approximately $1.6 million. Grant sizes range significantly, from a median of $11,000 to a maximum of $680,000. **Recent Grant Activity:** • Blue Letter Bible received $680,000 in 2023 for missions support The foundation's grantmaking focuses on Christian organizations, theological education, pastoral support and ministry, and evangelism initiatives.
Where does Sowing Circle make grants?
The foundation funds organizations primarily in California, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania, with particular emphasis on supporting Christian ministries across these regions.
What size grants does Sowing Circle award?
In 2024, Sowing Circle awarded 19 grants totaling $623K — an average of about $33K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Sowing Circle's EIN?
Sowing Circle's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 33-0754078. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Sowing Circle's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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