Grants & Ministry Support

Investing in the Work God Has Given You

The Southeastern District exists to come alongside its congregations — not from a distance, but as a genuine partner in the work. These grants are one of the ways we put that commitment into practice, making resources available to pastors, church workers, schools, and ministry leaders across the district.

They are made possible through the generosity of congregations like yours. When you apply, you’re not asking for a favor — you’re drawing on a shared investment in the health and growth of the Church throughout the Southeast.

Applications are accepted through the end of 2026 or until funds are distributed. Explore what’s available and reach out — we’d love to help you find the right fit.

For general questions and to apply to Southeastern District grants, please contact our Grant Coordinator, Robin Domeier, at rdomeier@se.lcms.org.

Witness Grants

Community Engagement Grant

The purpose of this grant is to support initiatives and activities that help congregations and ministries connect with their surrounding communities.

Community engagement initiatives often take practical forms of serving and caring for others while building relationships with people outside the church. Priority is given to ministry that fosters ongoing connections and has the potential to continue beyond a single event, and create opportunities for evangelism and new faith communities.

Grants are available for up to $2,500 per year and are awarded as funds allow. Examples include job fairs, food or meal ministries, community resource centers, ESL programs, and other initiatives that create opportunities for meaningful interaction and relationship-building.

Online Outreach Grant

The purpose of this grant is to support initiatives and activities that help congregations and ministries connect with people through digital platforms and online engagement.

Through these efforts, ministries can share the hope of Christ and create opportunities for people to encounter the Gospel.

Grants are available for up to $2,500 per year and are awarded as funds allow. Examples include website development, digital evangelism efforts, social media outreach campaigns, or other online initiatives that help engage people beyond the congregation.

New Start Grant

The purpose of this grant is to support the development and launch of new mission initiatives, including church plants, Christian schools, evangelism-focused communities, small groups, and similar initiatives that create new pathways for sharing the Gospel.

Grants are available for up to $20,000 per year and may be renewed for one additional year, as funds allow.

All Nations Grant

The purpose of this grant is to support initiatives that equip congregations and ministry leaders to engage people from diverse languages, cultures, and backgrounds in order to connect people with Jesus.

Grants are available for up to $2,500 per year, as funds allow.

Disaster Response Grant

The purpose of this grant is to support initiatives that help congregations respond to disasters and serve their communities through mercy and relief efforts.

Grants are available for up to $5,000 per award, as funds allow.

Mission Intern Grant

This grant is to support congregations engaging a student during their internship who is enrolled in an LCMS-commissioned church-worker program. This grant applies to all commissioned worker fields except for Lutheran school-teacher programs.

Grants are available for up to $20,000 per year, coinciding with the internship year.

Wellness Grants

Congregational Renewal Grant

The purpose of this grant is to support congregations engaged in a renewal process as they seek to strengthen their ministry and mission.

Grants are available for up to $5,000 and support approximately 80% of the cost of contracting with an SED-approved coach.

Worker Wellness Care Grant

The purpose of this grant is to support the care and well-being of LCMS rostered workers serving within the Southeastern District.

The grant may assist with financial need or participation in district gatherings that support spiritual and vocational well-being.

Circuit Wellness / Witness Grant

The purpose of this grant is to support circuits in offering opportunities that encourage the well-being of church workers and congregations while strengthening relationships and shared witness.

Grants are available for up to $250 per circuit per year.

Congregational Wellness Team Grant

(Available soon)

The purpose of this grant is to support congregations in strengthening care and encouragement for their church workers by developing teams of individuals who intentionally walk alongside them in their ministry.

Student Aid Grants

click here for more information.

Open Feb – April 1

Loan Repayment