The Fund for Theological Education Inc
The Fund for Theological Education Inc, also known as the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE), is an Atlanta, Georgia-based public charity formed in 1954. It supports leadership development for young adults and emerging scholars serving the church and academy through grants, fellowships, events, networks, and professional development.
The Fund for Theological Education Inc at a glance
In short: The Fund for Theological Education Inc gave $1.3M across 55 grants in 2024 (avg $24K), top state Tennessee. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,344,000
- +211.1% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 55
- +57.1% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $24,436
- +98.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $12,000
- Total assets
- $39,615,127
- +11.5% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Tennessee (12% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to The Fund for Theological Education Inc
- Invitation Only
-
The doctoral fellowship is listed as currently open for eligible applicants. The Youth Theology Network Leadership and Connection Grant is by invitation only.
- Review Cycle
- February 16, 2027, for the doctoral fellowship.
- Deadline
- February 16, 2027, for the doctoral fellowship.
- Next open deadline
- November 2, 2026 (Ministry Exploration and Mentoring Projects for Young Adults)
- Contact
Mailing address: 2870 Peachtree Rd Nw 915-7080, Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (678) 369-6755
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from The Fund for Theological Education Inc
Doctoral Fellowship for Ph.D. and Th.D. Students
The Fund for Theological Education Inc
Amount
Up to $35,000
Deadline
Expected ~February
Based on past cycles
Ministry Exploration and Mentoring Projects for Young Adults
The Fund for Theological Education Inc
Amount
$1,000
Deadline
Expected ~November
Based on past cycles
Who The Fund for Theological Education Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Azusa Pacific University ($50K). Together the top 10 received $500K.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($12,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
165 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 146 grants of 165 (88%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The doctoral fellowship covers applicants at U.S. and Canadian-accredited institutions, subject to its citizenship or permanent-residency requirements. In 2024, the largest reported shares of grant dollars by recipient state were Tennessee (12%), California (9%), Kansas (8%), Massachusetts (8%), and Minnesota (8%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 55 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How The Fund for Theological Education Inc gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $380K (2020) to $1.3M (2024). In 2024 it made 55 grants totaling $1.3M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Azusa Pacific University Azusa, CA | Discernment Lab Grant | $50,000 |
| Huntington University Inc Huntington, IN | Discernment Lab Grantdiscernment Lab Grant | $50,000 |
| Gordon College Wenham, MA | Discernment Lab Grant | $50,000 |
| Center for Youth Ministry Training Brentwood, TN | Discernment Lab Grant | $50,000 |
| Catawba College Salisbury, NC | Discernment Lab Grant | $50,000 |
| Augsburg University Minneapolis, MN | Discernment Lab Grant | $50,000 |
| Boston College Newton, MA | Discernment Lab Grant | $50,000 |
| Grand View University Des Moines, IA | Discernment Lab Grant | $50,000 |
| Georgetown College United States, KY | Discernment Lab Grant | $50,000 |
| Barclay College Haviland, KS | Discernment Lab Grant | $50,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Fund for Theological Education Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $39,615,127 | $8,347,006 | $5,526,947 | $1,344,000 | 55 | $1,792,209 |
| 2023 | $35,537,023 | $5,752,139 | $5,572,732 | $432,000 | 35 | $1,005,403 |
| 2022 | $32,218,252 | $7,187,666 | $5,327,664 | $400,000 | 11 | $640,856 |
| 2021 | $34,735,752 | $8,780,727 | $4,507,126 | $531,000 | 36 | $2,452,643 |
| 2020 | $30,458,417 | $596,069 | $4,373,873 | $380,000 | 28 | $574,077 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
FTE states that it cultivates diverse young adults to be faithful, wise, and courageous leaders for the church and academy, enabling gifted young people in Christian communities to explore and respond to God’s calling.
Its programs include doctoral fellowships, ministry exploration and mentoring, youth theology initiatives, Discernment Labs, and leadership and connection grants for eligible Youth Theology Network programs. The organization’s 2024 filing describes support for networks of congregations and church-related organizations, fellows exploring Christian ministry, high school youth theology institutes, and early-stage Christian social entrepreneurs.
The 2024 grantee list includes colleges and universities. The grantees describe their own missions in varied terms: Catawba College says it combines liberal studies with career preparation and draws strength from Judeo-Christian values; Trevecca Nazarene University describes itself as a Christian liberal arts university preparing students for meaningful service; and Barclay College says it prepares students in a Bible-centered environment for Christian life, service, and leadership.
Grantmaking
In 2024, FTE reported 55 grants totaling $1,344,000. Grant amounts ranged from $12,000 to $50,000, with a median of $12,000. The reported grant total was $432,000 across 35 grants in 2023 and $400,000 across 11 grants in 2022.
The 2024 filing lists $50,000 grants for Discernment Lab activities to Azusa Pacific University, Huntington University, Gordon College, Center for Youth Ministry Training, Catawba College, Augsburg University, Boston College, Grand View University, Georgetown College, Barclay College, Southwestern College – The Summit, and Trevecca Nazarene University.
FTE’s doctoral fellowship provides a one-year living stipend of up to $35,000, along with mentorship and community, for eligible Ph.D. and Th.D. students who have completed coursework. The stated fields are religion, theological studies, and biblical studies. Applicants must be enrolled full-time at a U.S. or Canadian-accredited institution and be U.S. or Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The fellowship is intended for under-resourced and underrepresented students; eligible applicants must have completed coursework by September 1 and be at the dissertation stage or past coursework but not yet at candidacy. For applicants at the dissertation stage, the fellowship information requires an approved dissertation research proposal and writing plan.
FTE’s Youth Theology Network Leadership and Connection Grants are available by invitation to eligible programs in that network. Proposals may support coaching and technical assistance, program staff development, or activities that deepen connections among program teams.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Donald Stephen Lewis Jr. as president; Andrea Perrett as chair; Rev. Ernest A. Brooks III as vice chair; and Matt Bloom, Ph.D., as secretary/treasurer. Trustees listed are Rev. Aisha Brooks-Johnson, Rev. John Helmiere, Soon Mee Kim, Dr. Shively T.J. Smith, J. Larry Stine, and Rev. Dr. Starksky D. Wilson.
The Fund for Theological Education Inc is led by Donald Stephen Lewis Jr., President on every filing since 2020; 4 of 13 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Donald Stephen Lewis Jr.
President
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$152K (2020) → $211K (2024)
Andrea Perrett
Chair
Trustee → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Chrishaun Hoopes
Director of Communications
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$107K (2024)
J. Larry Stine
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Shively Tj Smith
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Soon Mee Kim
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Starksky D. Wilson
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Aisha Brooks-Johnson
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
John Helmiere
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Paul Bois
Vice President of Administration
Vice President of Administration → Vice President of Adminstration, 2021
Vice President of Adminstration → Vice President of Administration, 2024
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$140K (2020) → $152K (2024)
Christina Repoley
Vice President of Program
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$132K (2024)
Ernest A. Brooks III
Vice Chair
Trustee → Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Matt Bloom PhD
Secretary & Treasurer
Trustee → Secretary & Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (6)
- Former: Elizabeth Condefrazier (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Frank Yamada (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Aracelis Vazquez Haye (2021) — Trustee
- Former: Gregory C Ellison (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Linda Kay Klein (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Ross A Lockhart (2020) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $211K, to Donald Stephen Lewis Jr (President). 4 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Fund for Theological Education Inc
How much does The Fund for Theological Education Inc give each year?
The Fund for Theological Education Inc gave $1.3M across 55 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $432K across 35 grants.
What is The Fund for Theological Education Inc's typical grant size?
The Fund for Theological Education Inc's median grant in 2024 was $12,000, and its average grant was $24,436, across 55 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Where does The Fund for Theological Education Inc give grants?
The Fund for Theological Education Inc's top state is Tennessee, with 12% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were California (9%) and Kansas (8%). The most frequent recipient cities were Atlanta, GA (3 grants), Nashville, TN (2 grants), Shreveport, LA (2 grants) and Chicago, IL (2 grants).
Does The Fund for Theological Education Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 55 grants with a stated purpose on The Fund for Theological Education Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Discernment Lab Grant" (54 grants).
Who are The Fund for Theological Education Inc's largest grantees?
The Fund for Theological Education Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Azusa Pacific University ($50,000), Huntington University Inc ($50,000) and Gordon College ($50,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($12,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 11% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Fund for Theological Education Inc?
The Fund for Theological Education Inc reported $39.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $8.3M.
What does The Fund for Theological Education Inc fund?
FTE states that it cultivates diverse young adults to be faithful, wise, and courageous leaders for the church and academy, enabling gifted young people in Christian communities to explore and respond to God’s calling. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Fund for Theological Education Inc?
The doctoral fellowship is listed as currently open for eligible applicants. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Fund for Theological Education Inc's EIN?
The Fund for Theological Education Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 21-0725643. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(3)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS August 2, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS September 29, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Other open foundation grants in Georgia
Georgia Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Fund for Theological Education Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Georgia
IBM International Foundation
Armonk, NY
The IBM International Foundation funds education and workforce programs that build 21st-century and technology job skills, including initiatives for underserved students and job seekers. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $8.48 million, with a median of $100,000, and went to organizations across several U.S. states, especially Delaware and Massachusetts. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$357.7M
Grants
16
Total Given
$11.7M
Lilly Endowment Inc
Indianapolis, IN
Lilly Endowment funds community development, education and youth, and religion, with priority given to Indianapolis and Indiana and some national support, especially for religion. Its 2025 grants had a median of $100,000, though awards varied widely; for community development requests, it suggests starting with a brief preliminary letter.
Assets
$105.9B
Grants
2,285
Total Given
$3.9B
Council of Independent Colleges
Washington, DC
The Council of Independent Colleges funds nonprofit independent colleges, universities, state-based higher-education councils, and related programs, including NetVUE projects for students and professional development for faculty and staff. Recent grants ranged from $6,500 to $172,504, with a median of $26,354; funding went to recipients across multiple states. NetVUE has published grant opportunities and deadlines, but the available information does not say whether CIC accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$89.0M
Grants
176
Total Given
$5.9M
Tulsa Community Foundation
Tulsa, OK
Tulsa Community Foundation supports charitable causes through donor-advised grants and selected funds, including scholarships, emergency assistance, disaster relief, arts and humanities, healthcare, and financial literacy, primarily in the Tulsa metro area and eastern Oklahoma, with some giving elsewhere in the United States. Its 2024 median grant was $18,560; selected field-of-interest funds have application cycles, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests generally.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
1,066
Total Given
$158.6M
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta Inc
Atlanta, GA
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta funds nonprofits across areas including health, education, human services, arts, housing, and civic engagement, with an emphasis on equity and shared prosperity. Its itemized 2024 grants had a median of $21,000, and over 64% of its 2024 grant support stayed in the 23-county metro Atlanta region, though it also funds organizations nationally and internationally. Nonprofits can apply through the foundation’s Grants Portal for competitive opportunities; it also makes donor-advised grants, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.5B
Grants
1,414
Total Given
$152.3M
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Atlanta, GA
BGCA funds youth development through local Boys & Girls Clubs, supporting academic success, health, leadership, mentoring, and related programs. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,047 to $2,704,861, with a median of $81,098, and went to communities across the United States, Native lands, and military installations. Whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$95.2M
Grants
797
Total Given
$120.5M
More similar funders
More Funders in Georgia
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Fund for Theological Education Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-fund-for-theological-education-inc-morg_cef2a89f107340739e12fb98689083be
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_210725643_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Fund for Theological Education Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-fund-for-theological-education-inc-morg_cef2a89f107340739e12fb98689083be},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-18. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Fund for Theological Education Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
The Fund for Theological Education Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?