Grand Canyon Synod Grants Open Sept. 8 — Apply by Oct. 31

The Grand Canyon Synod grant application window opens Sunday, September 8, 2025 and closes no later than midnight on Friday, October 31, 2025. Funds support specific new or continuing projects that advance one to three goals in the GCS Strategic Plan. Awards are up to $15,000 per project, with a total of approximately $175,000 available this fall. Priority is given to innovative, strategic-plan-aligned, and collaborative proposals—especially those partnering with another ELCA ministry. Apply and find details: gcsynod.org/grants

Key dates

  • Grant info posted: August 18, 2025

  • Application window: Sept. 8 – Oct. 31, 2025 (midnight)

  • Grants Webinar/Q&A: September 2025 (registration link and time posted soon)

  • Committee review due: Dec. 8, 2025 (meets Dec. 1–8)

  • Final review (Bishop, VP, Treasurer): by Jan. 24, 2026

  • Council approvals: Jan. 24, 2026

  • Applicant notifications: week of Jan. 26, 2026

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

Eligibility

Applicants must be an organized congregation, SAWC, Strategic Ministry of the Grand Canyon Synod, or an ELCA/GCS-affiliated organization in good standing. Maximum request is $15,000.

Allowable uses (examples)

Educational and marketing materials; essential capital equipment (e.g., laptops); scholarships for ELCA youth camps/gatherings; essential furnishings; worship materials/musician support; short-term consultant stipends; ELCA-sponsored travel (youth gatherings, Global Mission partnerships, Churchwide Assembly); food-pantry-related building repair.

Not allowable

Salaries; ongoing operating costs (benefits, rent, insurance, utilities); unrelated capital equipment; licensing for health/food pantry services; recreational/social activities; travel for individual member interests; vehicle purchase/payments/mileage.

What to prepare

  • Complete the 2026 GCS Grant Application (Word or PDF; name file: gcsgrant_organizationname_2026). 

  • Attach a Statement of Financial Position (balance sheet).

  • If applying as a congregation, include last year’s or current Mission Support amount to the GCS.

  • Plan for project evaluation, sustainability after 2026, and (if continuing) a brief summary of outcomes to date.

  • Applicants are expected to attend the online Grants Webinar in September 2025 or view the recording before submitting (registration link to be posted on the grants page).

How to submit

Submit electronically no later than midnight on Oct. 31, 2025:

  • Email attachment to office@gcsynod.org, or

  • Through the online grants system at gcsynod.org/grants.

    No late submissions can be accepted.

Why this matters (our Lutheran lens)

These grants are one way our synod stewards shared gifts—bequests, congregational tithes from bequests, proceeds from closed congregations, West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop grants, and other unrestricted gifts—so congregations and ministries can Communicate Jesus, Connect People, and Create Possibilities in their communities. Together we accompany one another in innovative, faithful witness across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, and the Navajo Nation.

Questions?

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

Apply & details: gcsynod.org/grants

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