How much funding does Startup Grants (Organizations) provide?

Startup Grants (Organizations) provides 50% match on first $10,000 in funding.

When is the deadline for Startup Grants (Organizations)?

The funder has not published a deadline for this grant.

Who is eligible for Startup Grants (Organizations)?

Eligible applicants: Lutheran churches, schools, and organizations.

How often is Startup Grants (Organizations) offered?

Startup Grants (Organizations) is described as a one-time opportunity.

Startup Grants (Organizations)

Lutheran Legacy Foundation Inc

Foundation One-time Grants for Churches Grants for Nonprofits Capacity Building Grants

Funding Amount

50% match on first $10,000

Deadline

Deadline not published

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle: One-time opportunity
Tracked since: April 2026

Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Eligible organizations

Lutheran churches, schools, and organizations

Other requirements

Your organization must be starting a new endowment fund with LLF
Organization must raise a portion of the initial gift from community

Overview

Startup Grants for Organizations

Purpose: Help new endowment funds launch with momentum by matching contributions for establishing new endowment funds.

Geographic Scope: Lutheran churches, schools, and organizations (primarily Lutheran)

Key Features:

Matching grants are genuine investments, not loans, and never need to be repaid
Matching funds must be used to build the endowment, not spent directly
Subject to withdrawal policy
Provides the highest match rate compared to other LLF programs

Eligibility:

Your organization must be starting a new endowment fund with LLF
Organization must raise a portion of the initial gift from community
Lutheran churches, schools, and organizations

What They Fund:

Endowment fund establishment for ministries
Long-term sustainability of faith-based organizations

Contact Information:

Address: 513 South Main Street, P.O. Box 31, Paris, IL 61944
Phone: 217-463-8202
Email: Info@LutheranLegacyFoundation.org
Website: lutheranlegacyfoundation.org

Background:
The Clara & Spencer Werner Foundation was established to assist Lutheran churches, schools, and organizations. Today, its successor, the Clara & Spencer Werner Donor Advised Fund (managed by Lutheran Legacy Foundation), primarily provides matching grants to help create and grow endowments. LLF manages over $80 million in assets with 250+ active organization funds.

How to Apply

Application Process

Step 1 — Easy Application
- Fill out a simple application with information about your ministry, your funding goals, and your initial investment
- Contact LLF to apply
Step 2 — LLF Matching Grants Review
- LLF reviews your application and matches eligible funds to help you get started
Step 3 — Growth & Distribution
- Once your fund is established, it begins growing and generating annual support for your ministry

Required Information:

Information about your ministry
Funding goals
Initial investment amount
Confirmation that you will raise a portion of the initial gift from your community

Notes:

If unsure whether your organization qualifies, LLF is happy to walk you through the process
Simple application process designed to be straightforward

Apply with Grantable Learn more

What Lutheran Legacy Foundation Inc actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990, 2025

Grants in 2025: 28
Total given: $932K
Median grant: $15K
Range: $5,019–$281K

By dollars: Indiana 38%, Illinois 27%, Missouri 13%. Top recipient cities: Paris, IL; St. Louis, MO; Ft Wayne, IN.
12% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
36% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.