Grand Canyon Synod Grants: Apply by Oct. 31 for up to $15,000
Application window: Sept. 8–Oct. 31, 2025 (midnight)
Maximum award: $15,000 per project
Total available this fall: ≈ $175,000
Funding begins: February 2026 (one-time) or February/May/August/November 2026 (quarterly)
Questions: Contact Theresa Thornburgh — office@gcsynod.org | 602-957-3223
The Grand Canyon Synod is receiving grant applications for specific new or continuing ministry projects that serve one, two, or three goals of the Synod’s Strategic Plan. Proposals that demonstrate innovation and collaboration with another ELCA ministry will receive preferential consideration. (Continuing projects should expect reduced funding compared to previous years.)
Funding sources include individual bequests (e.g., Warner Trust Fund), congregational tithes from received bequests, proceeds from closed congregations, West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop grants, and allocations from unrestricted gifts—stewardship that becomes ministry in our communities.
Before you apply
Webinar: Applicants should attend the online grants webinar (Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 4:30 p.m.) or view the recording before submitting.
Recording access: Use passcode: wm=$8S.$ (link provided on our grants page).
Key dates
Info posted: Aug. 18, 2025
Applications open: Sept. 8, 2025
Submission deadline: Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 (midnight) — no late submissions
Committee review: by Dec. 8, 2025
Final review (Bishop/VP/Treasurer): before Jan. 24, 2026 Council meeting
Council approvals: Jan. 24, 2026
Notifications: week of Jan. 26, 2026
Funding disbursement: begins Feb. 2026 (see schedule above)
Eligibility
Applicants must be (1) an organized congregation, (2) a Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community (SAWC), (3) a Strategic Ministry of the Grand Canyon Synod, or (4) an organization/institution in good standing with the ELCA or the Grand Canyon Synod.
Allowable costs (examples)
Educational/marketing materials; social platform start-up for launch
Essential capital equipment (incl. computers) tied to the proposal
Scholarships for ELCA youth camps/gatherings
Essential furnishings (chairs, tables, altar), worship materials, communion elements, musician support
Short-term consultant stipends/honoraria
ELCA-related travel (youth gatherings, Global Mission partnerships, Churchwide Assembly)
Building repair related to licensed food pantry services
Not allowable
Salaries; unrelated capital equipment; ongoing operations (benefits, rent, insurance, utilities)
Licensing for health/food pantry; recreational/social activities
Travel for individual/church interests; vehicle purchase/payments/mileage
How to submit
Complete the application in full. Missing information affects scoring.
Attach required documents:
Statement of Financial Position (for the applying congregation/organization)
If applying as a congregation, include last year’s or current mission support amount to the Grand Canyon Synod
Submit by midnight, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 either:
Email attachment to office@gcsynod.org, or
Through the online grants system (see grants page)
File format & name: submit as Word or PDF named:
gcsgrant_organizationname_2026
Why this matters (our Lutheran lens)
As stewards of gifts entrusted to the Synod, we invest in ministries that proclaim Christ, accompany neighbors, and strengthen congregational vitality. Grants translate legacy generosity into local mission impact across Arizona, southern Nevada (including Las Vegas), St. George (UT), and the Navajo Nation—embodying the truth that we do ministry better together.
Ready to apply? Review the webinar recording (passcode above), align your project with the GCS Strategic Plan, and submit by Oct. 31.
For assistance, contact Theresa Thornburgh at office@gcsynod.org or 602-957-3223.
