Indianapolis Center For Congregations: Resource Grants

The Indianapolis Center for Congregations offers Resource Grants to support Indiana congregations in addressing challenges and opportunities. These matching grants, capped at $25,000, allow congregations to fund essential resources and activities. The program is part of the Center's mission to strengthen congregational work and is funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc. Eligible applicants must demonstrate alignment with their mission and secure endorsements from their leadership.

Aligning with the organization’s mission, the Center for Congregations grant program is designed to help Indiana congregations fund and use the best resources to address their challenges and opportunities.
The grants program is one of the Center’s four primary services alongside resource consulting, education programs and the Congregational Resource Guide (CRG).
A Resource Grant is a matching grant of up to $25,000 for qualifying Indiana congregations to fund a variety of expenses, resources and activities.
Grants are made possible by a grant to the Center for Congregations from the Lilly Endowment Inc.

Eligibility

Your Indiana congregation is eligible if you can show:How the grant request fits your congregation’s mission or priorities.How the resource and project will strengthen your congregation’s mission and work into the future.That a variety of congregational leaders (clergy, staff, laity) have talked about this project and agree that it is a need.That the completed grant application is endorsed by the senior clergy leader and the chair of your congregation’s governing board or council.How you intend to provide matching funds.That you are considered a congregation according to the IRS.

Ineligibility

Grant funds cannot be used for:Private parochial schools run by the congregation.Computer hardware or audio/visual equipment, musical equipment, office equipment, office and program supplies (e.g. staplers, paper, balloons, decorations, etc.).Salaries or payments to congregational staff members or potential staff members.Hosting conferences or events targeted to the general public vs. congregation members.Printing, copies of media, advertising, postage.Operating funds, capital expenses, fund drives (the Grants do cover consultant fees to help raise funds).Resources connected to programs, like education events, for which your congregation will charge or receive a profit. Annually recurring projects or expenses, such as Vacation Bible School and Sunday school curriculum, repeated attendance at a particular conference, annual music license fees. Professional development that exclusively benefits staff.Mission trips.Current projects and/or projects previously paid for.Other resources as determined by the Center.