Could Your Ministry Idea Qualify for a Grand Canyon Synod Grant?
Applications are now open for 2027 Grand Canyon Synod Grants, with approximately $175,000 available for fundingand awards of up to $15,000 per project. If your congregation or ministry has an idea that could advance the Grand Canyon Synod Strategic Plan, now is the time to explore whether a grant could help make it possible.
Applications must be submitted by midnight Friday, September 25, 2026. Complete application information, the application form, webinar recording and slides are available at gcsynod.org/grants.
What kinds of projects are we looking for?
Grand Canyon Synod Grants support specific new or continuing projects serving one or more goals of the synod’s Strategic Plan. Innovative new projects will receive priority, and proposals involving collaboration with another ELCA ministry and alignment with the Strategic Plan will receive preferential consideration.
Eligible applicants include organized congregations, Synodically Authorized Worshipping Communities (SAWCs), Synodically Authorized Outreach Ministries (SAOMs) and Strategic Ministries of the Grand Canyon Synod.
Grant funding can support expenses directly connected to a ministry project, including educational and marketing materials, essential equipment and furnishings, youth camp and gathering scholarships, worship and program materials, short-term consultants, qualifying ELCA-related travel and certain building repairs connected with food pantry services.
Grants cannot fund salaries, ongoing operating expenses such as rent, utilities, insurance or health benefits, recreational activities, vehicles, or expenses unrelated to the proposed ministry project.
These grants are possible because of the generosity of people and ministries across our synod—including individual bequests, congregational gifts from received bequests, proceeds from closed congregations, support from the West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop and unrestricted gifts to the synod. Together, these resources become an opportunity to invest in ministry throughout the Grand Canyon Synod.
Start preparing your application now
Applicants should allow time to complete the entire application and gather the required supporting materials. Each application must include a Statement of Financial Position for the applying congregation or organization. Congregations must also provide the amount of their mission support to the Grand Canyon Synod last year or currently pledged.
Completed applications must be submitted electronically by midnight Friday, September 25, either through the online grants system or by email to office@gcsynod.org. Applications submitted as attachments must be Word or PDF files named:
gcsgrant_organizationname_2027
No late applications will be accepted.
If you missed the August 25 Grant Application Webinar and Q&A, the recording and presentation slides are available online along with the application and complete grant guidelines.
As people of faith, we recognize that the resources entrusted to us are gifts to be stewarded for the sake of God’s mission. These grants offer congregations and ministries an opportunity to imagine what might be possible, collaborate with others and put resources to work serving our neighbors and strengthening ministry across our synod.
Explore the grant guidelines, watch the webinar and begin your application at gcsynod.org/grants.
Questions? Contact Theresa Thornburgh in the Office of the Bishop at office@gcsynod.org or 602-957-3223.