Grants
Support for the ministry right in front of you, and for the ministry ideas that have yet to come to life.
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’re made possible through the generosity of congregations like yours. When you apply, you’re drawing on a shared investment in the health and growth of the Church throughout the Southeast.
Grant funds reset each year and are awarded until distributed, so it’s worth reaching out anytime.
Witness Grants
For congregations and ministries reaching their communities with the Gospel, locally, online, and among new populations.
Community Engagement Grant
Supports initiatives that connect congregations with their surrounding communities through ongoing service and relationship-building — job fairs, meal ministries, resource centers, ESL programs, and similar efforts.
Up to $2,500 / yearOnline Outreach Grant
Supports digital evangelism and online engagement — website development, social media outreach, and other efforts that share the hope of Christ beyond the congregation’s walls.
Up to $2,500 / yearNew Start Grant
Supports the development and launch of new mission initiatives — church plants, Christian schools, evangelism-focused communities, small groups, and similar new pathways for sharing the Gospel.
Up to $20,000 / year, renewable 1 yrAll Nations Grant
Equips congregations and ministry leaders to engage people of diverse languages, cultures, and backgrounds in order to connect people with Jesus.
Up to $2,500 / yearDisaster Response Grant
Supports congregations responding to disasters and serving their communities through mercy and relief efforts.
Up to $5,000 / awardMission Intern Grant
Supports congregations engaging a student during internship in an LCMS-commissioned church-worker program (all fields except Lutheran school teacher).
Up to $20,000 / internship yearWellness Grants
For the health and endurance of the people who lead our congregations, and the circuits and teams that support them.
Congregational Renewal Grant
Supports congregations engaged in a renewal process as they seek to strengthen their ministry and mission, covering approximately 80% of the cost of contracting with an SED-approved coach.
Up to $5,000Worker Wellness Care Grant
Supports the care and well-being of LCMS rostered workers serving within the Southeastern District, assisting with financial need or participation in district gatherings that support spiritual and vocational well-being.
Based on needCircuit Wellness / Witness Grant
Supports circuits in offering opportunities that encourage the well-being of church workers and congregations while strengthening relationships and shared witness.
Up to $250 / circuit / yearCongregational Wellness Team Grant
Supports congregations in strengthening care and encouragement for their church workers by developing teams of individuals who intentionally walk alongside them in ministry.
Available soonStudent Aid Grants
For church workers pursuing their calling, and those carrying the cost of getting there.
Student Aid
Open Feb – April 1Tuition assistance for students preparing for church work at an LCMS college, university, or seminary.
More information →Loan Repayment
Open Sept – Dec 1Support toward repaying student loans for rostered church workers serving within the Southeastern District.
More information →Not sure which grant fits?
Reach out to our Grant Coordinator, Robin Domeier. She’d love to help you find the right one, or think through an idea that doesn’t fit neatly into a category yet.
Email Robin Domeier →