Lay and clergy leaders facing a significant ministry challenge may apply for up to $20,000 through the Forum for Congregational Life’s Reflective Leadership Grants. Applications are due December 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
The program supports established leaders serving U.S.-based Christian, tax-exempt organizations, including congregations, denominations, seminaries, and nonprofits. The Forum plans to award up to 50 grants, with funds awarded to organizations to support their leaders’ reflection.
For Grand Canyon Synod leaders navigating change, recurring concerns, or new opportunities, this grant offers time to listen, learn, and discern a faithful response. Such reflection connects with our Lutheran understanding of vocation: attending to God’s call as we serve our neighbors in changing circumstances.
Applicants should identify a challenge that requires deeper learning, new relationships, or changed practices. Proposals need clear questions and a thoughtful process; applicants do not need to know the answers in advance.
Funding may support coaching, spiritual direction, listening sessions, learning experiences, and materials. It may also cover salary support, temporary coverage, childcare, or senior care that makes reflective time possible. Activities must connect to the leader’s current ministry and bring learning back to the organization. Traditional sabbaticals, vacations, academic degrees, and independent research projects are outside the grant’s purpose.
Key dates and commitments include:
Applicant Q&A sessions: October 21, 2026, 1–2 p.m. Eastern, and November 18, 2026, noon–1 p.m. Eastern.
Application deadline: December 7, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
Award notification: February 15, 2027.
Grant period: April 1, 2027–August 31, 2028.
Required in-person gathering: June 2–4, 2027, in Durham, North Carolina. Reasonable gathering expenses are paid separately by the Forum. Grantees also participate in advisory group sessions.
Each organization may submit one proposal for one leader. Applications require a narrative, reflective leadership plan, budget, and signed institutional support letter confirming protected time and organizational support.
Review eligibility, register for a Q&A session, and access application materials. Begin by discussing your ministry’s pivotal questions and the support needed for sustained reflection with your congregation or organization.
