Growing the Body of Christ Grants

Growing the Body of Christ Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Siebert Lutheran Foundation
Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Summary

The Growing the Body of Christ Grants, offered by the Siebert Lutheran Foundation, aim to enhance the Lutheran community by funding capital requests over $50,000, specifically in the Fall cycle. These grants support ministries that strengthen congregations, develop leaders, and innovate in church practices. Eligible organizations include Lutheran churches in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, promoting effective, collaborative outreach and educational initiatives for youth and families.

Overview

NOTE: Please contact the Siebert office via phone or email before submitting a letter of inquiry. We accept building-related, capital requests exceeding $50,000 only in the Fall cycle (represented by the Spring deadlines). About Us Siebert Lutheran Foundation is an independent, private foundation established by the late Albert F. Siebert to advance the Lutheran church and its ministries. Pan-Lutheran in nature, the Foundation accepts funding requests from ministry programs associated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Vision People, families and communities filled with the peace that passes all understanding that comes from Christ. Mission The Siebert Lutheran Foundation stewards its resources and relationships and fosters partnerships to enable the Lutheran Christian community to be more effective, collaborative and innovative. Our funded partners share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, while educating children and youth in Christ-filled environments, and/or serving the needs of our neighbors. Our geographic focus is Wisconsin, especially Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine and Kenosha counties. Funding Priority - Growing the Body of Christ... ... by investing in Lutheran leaders, ministries, and evangelism. Desired outcomes: Short Term  - Existing congregations receive financial support to sustain operations in under-resourced communities.Intermediate - Strong leaders sustain and grow the future church.Long Term - New models, research and innovation are deployed to grow the Body of Christ. We strive to support: Investing in Church Leaders through Seminary and Continuing Education;Lay Leadership Development in Multi-cultural Contexts;Encouraging Next Generation Ministries, e.g. Millennials and Gen Z;Catalyzing Innovation and New Models;Supporting New Lutheran Mission Start-ups. Grant Cycles Siebert has two grant cycles per calendar year, which we call Spring and Fall based on when the grant decisions are made by our Board of Directors.  Please note that applicants are always encouraged to submit prior to the deadlines.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. We accept grant applications in this funding priority from within the state of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.All capital, building-related applications exceeding $50,000 must be submitted in the Fall cycle.We only accept proposals from Lutheran churches and organizations or, in rare circumstances, proposals from non-Lutheran organizations that directly enable Lutheran ministries or projects.An organization may have only one Siebert Lutheran Foundation grant working each year.

Ineligibility

The Board will not immediately reconsider a grant it has turned down, but if your organization's circumstances have changed and you feel resubmission would be beneficial, you may contact Foundation staff and ask permission to apply again in the next grant cycle.Capital, building-related applications over $50,000 are not accepted in the Spring cycle.