Apply by Sept. 25 for a 2027 Grand Canyon Synod Grant
Eligible Grand Canyon Synod ministries may apply for up to $15,000 through the 2027 Grand Canyon Synod Grants Program. Completed applications and all required financial documents must be submitted electronically no later than midnight on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
Approximately $175,000 is available during this grant cycle to support new or continuing projects that advance one, two, or three goals of the Grand Canyon Synod Strategic Plan.
These grants are made possible through faithful generosity across the church, including individual bequests, congregational tithes from received bequests, proceeds from the sale of closed congregations, support from the West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop, and unrestricted gifts to the synod. Through these shared resources, we participate together in God’s work and help ministries respond creatively to the needs of their communities.
Who may apply?
Applicants must be one of the following:
An organized congregation
A Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community
A Synodically Authorized Outreach Ministry
A Strategic Ministry of the Grand Canyon Synod
Projects demonstrating innovation will receive priority. Proposals involving collaboration with another ELCA ministry and aligning with the synod’s strategic plan will also receive preferential consideration. Continuing projects are eligible, although they may receive less funding than in previous years.
Before submitting
Applications must be completed in full. Missing information will affect a proposal’s score.
Every application must include:
A Statement of Financial Position for the applying congregation or organization
For congregations, the amount of mission support given to the Grand Canyon Synod last year or currently pledged
A completed application saved as a Word document or PDF
A filename using this format: gcsgrant_organizationname_2027
Submit the application and supporting documents through the online grants system or as email attachments to office@gcsynod.org by midnight on Sept. 25.
Visit the grants webpage for complete information and online submission options.
Download the Word application.
Eligible expenses
Grant funds may support expenses directly connected to the proposed ministry, including:
Educational, worship, marketing, and program materials
Social media start-up costs for a program launch
Essential capital equipment, furnishings, or technology
Scholarships for ELCA youth camps and gatherings
Short-term consultants, stipends, or honoraria
Eligible travel for ELCA-sponsored events, Global Mission partnerships, and outreach
Food pantry building repairs required for health-department compliance
Funds may not be used for salaries, routine operating expenses, recreational or social activities, vehicle costs, individual-interest travel, health or food-pantry licensing, or equipment unrelated to the proposal.
Applicants should review the complete guidelines before beginning.
Application resources
A recorded webinar and presentation slides are available to help ministries understand the process:
Watch the grant webinar using passcode 0@nwj^X2
What happens after the deadline?
Grant proposals will move through committee review and final review by synod leadership before consideration by the Synod Council on Jan. 23, 2027. Applicants are expected to receive notification during the week of Jan. 25, 2027.
Funding is scheduled to begin in February 2027. One-time awards will be paid in February; quarterly awards will be distributed in February, May, August, and November.
Questions about the application or grant process may be directed to Theresa Thornburgh in the Office of the Bishop at office@gcsynod.org or 602-957-3223.
