GCS Grants Open Sept. 8: Learn How to Apply at Our Sept. 17 Webinar

Register now for the Grand Canyon Synod Grants Webinar—Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. (Arizona time).

This live Q&A is the best starting place for anyone planning to apply for up to $15,000 toward a new or continuing ministry project. Save your spot: Register for the webinar.

Why this matters: Thanks to the generosity of God’s people, approximately $175,000 is available this fall. Funding comes from individual bequests (e.g., the Warner Trust Fund), congregations tithing from received bequests, proceeds from closed congregations, a grant from the West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop, and other unrestricted gifts—including mission support shared by congregations across our synod. Together, we’re equipping ministries that witness to Christ in Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, and the Navajo Nation.

Who should apply & what we prioritize

  • Eligibility: Organized congregations, SAWCs, Strategic Ministries of the Grand Canyon Synod, and ELCA-related organizations/institutions in good standing.

  • Priority: Projects that collaborate with another ELCA ministry and align with the Grand Canyon Synod Strategic Plan receive preferential consideration. Innovative/new projects are prioritized; continuing projects may receive reduced funding.

Key dates

  • Grant info posted: August 18, 2025

  • Application window opens: September 8, 2025 (Full details)

  • Webinar/Q&A: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 • 4:30 p.m. AZ — Register here

  • Submission deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025 (by midnight)

  • Committee review: by December 8, 2025

  • Final executive review: before January 24, 2026

  • Council approval: January 24, 2026

  • Notifications: week of January 26, 2026

  • Funding: February 2026 (one-time) or Feb/May/Aug/Nov 2026 (quarterly)

Allowable expenses (examples)

Educational/marketing materials; essential capital equipment; youth camp/gathering scholarships; essential furnishings/worship materials; short-term consultants; ELCA-related travel (e.g., gatherings, Churchwide, Global Mission); limited building repair tied to food pantry licensing.

Not allowed: salaries; general operating costs (benefits, rent, utilities); unrelated capital; licensing fees; recreational/social activities; personal-interest travel; vehicle purchases/payments/mileage.

What to submit

  • Completed application (Word or PDF), file-named: gcsgrant_organizationname_2026

  • Statement of Financial Position for the applicant

  • For congregations: last year’s or current mission support amount to the Grand Canyon Synod

  • Submit by email to office@gcsynod.org or via the online system by Oct. 31. No late submissions.

  • Application and full instructions: Grand Canyon Synod Grants page (download the Word application there).

A Lutheran lens on shared stewardship

These grants are a concrete expression of our shared mission: congregations, individuals, and partners pooling gifts to strengthen the body of Christ in our region. Your mission support, legacy gifts, and thrift shop partnerships make this possible—thank you.

Questions? Contact Theresa Thornburgh in the Office of the Bishop at office@gcsynod.org or 602-957-3223.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardGCS Grants ProgramComment