The Southeastern District is pleased to announce the following grants available to the congregations, schools, service organizations and workers of the District. These grants are possible through the commitment of mission partnership support by congregations to the District. These gifts and tithes, working together, have a wider and stringer impact on the entire District.
2025 Grants Are Now Open
Grants are open for application until the end of 2025 or until the grants have been awarded to an applicant.
For general questions regarding SED Grants please contact Chief Ministry Officer Martin Schultheis
Witness Grants
Please contact Rev. Dr. Yared Halche for application information
Community Engagement Grant
The purpose of this grant is to support or enhance a community engagement opportunity that connects people to Jesus, so that lives may be transformed, and God’s kingdom grows, which incorporates a strategic path of rejoicing, engaging, encouraging, and serving. This grant is for a maximum of $2,000 per year and is limited in availability. (examples include, but are not limited to: community job fairs, food banks, community resource centers, and English as a Second Language)
Open
New Ministry Grant
The purpose of this grant is to support or enhance a new ministry which connects people to Jesus, that lives may be transformed, and God’s kingdom grows, which incorporates a strategic path of rejoicing, engaging, encouraging, and serving. This grant is for a maximum of $20,000 per year, is renewable for one additional year, and is limited in availability. Priority is given to new church starts.
Open
New School Grant
The purpose of this grant is to support or enhance a new school or Lutheran Education opportunity which connects people to Jesus, that lives may be transformed, and God’s kingdom grows, which incorporates a strategic path of rejoicing, engaging, encouraging, and serving. This grant is for a maximum of $20,000 per year, is renewable for one additional year, and is limited in availability.
Open
All Nations Grant
The purpose of this grant is to support or enhance an “All Nations” ministry which connects people to Jesus, that lives may be transformed, and God’s kingdom grows, which incorporates a strategic path of rejoicing, engaging, encouraging, and serving. This grant is for a maximum of $11,000 per year, is renewable for an additional year, and is limited in availability.
Open
Online Outreach Grant
The purpose of this grant is to support or enhance online outreach which connects people to Jesus, so that lives may be transformed, and God’s kingdom grows, which incorporates a strategic path of rejoicing, engaging, encouraging, and serving. This grant is for a maximum of $2500 per year and is limited in availability. (Examples include, but are not limited to: new website, and social media campaigns).
Please contact Hannah Gillrup for this grant application.
Northern Region: Open
Central Region: Open
Southern Region: Open
Disaster Response Grant
The purpose of this grant is to support or enhance disaster response efforts which connect people to Jesus, that lives may be transformed, and God’s kingdom grows, through mercy ministry. This grant is for a maximum of $5000 and is limited in availability. Please contact Sally Hiller (disasterhelp@se.lcms.org) for more information.
Open
Mission Vicar Grants
Supports a congregation participating in an LCMS seminary vicarage program with the purpose of connecting people to Jesus, that lives may be transformed and God’s kingdom grows. Grant is awarded after the congregation has been assigned a vicar. Amount: $20,000/yr, coinciding with vicarage dates. Limited number of grants. Priority is given to past recipients.
Open
Renewal Grants
The purpose of this grant is to support the renewal process for a congregation in its effort to connect people to Jesus, that lives may be transformed, and God’s kingdom grows. This grant provides up to $5000 toward approximately 80% of the cost of contracting with an SED approved, certified coach. This one-time grant is payable directly to the coach who will provide agreed upon specialized facilitation and coaching services. This grant is limited in availability.
Open
Circuit Wellness/Witness
The purpose of this grant is to support a circuit of the SED in providing a wellness opportunity for its church workers or congregations or a joint witness opportunity, as it connects people to Jesus, that lives may be transformed, and God’s kingdom grows. This grant is for $250 and has a limit of one grant per circuit per year.
Open
Wellness Care Grants
In partnership with the LCMS Soldiers of the Cross grant, the purpose of this grant is to provide emergency support and pastoral care for LCMS rostered workers based on financial need. Wellness Care Grants are also available to assist in SED conference expenses based on financial need.
Please contact Rev. Martin Schultheis for more information.