Can religious or faith-based organizations apply for foundation grants?
The simple answer is yes. Foundations prefer to give to applicants with 501(c)(3) exempt status, and places of worship, including churches, mosques and synagogues, and faith-based organizations generally qualify for 501(c)(3) status.
However, foundations vary in their giving interests. Even those that give to faith-based organizations vary in the types of projects they will or will not support. Some will require projects to benefit the larger community beyond the church's membership while others will not.
Thus, read each foundation's eligibility guidelines carefully to determine if it is a good match for your project and overall mission. Learn more about how to find grants for charitable projects.
Does your church need 501(c)(3) status?
According to the IRS, churches (used by the IRS in a generic sense to mean a place of worship, including mosques and synagogues, for example) and religious organizations that meet the requirements of IRC section 501(c)(3) are automatically considered tax exempt and are not required to apply for and obtain recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS.
However, getting "official" 501(c)(3) status -- that is, being listed in IRS Publication 78 and having a 501(c)(3) determination letter on file -- can assure church leaders, members, and prospective and current donors that the church is recognized as exempt. This can help a church qualify for more foundation grant opportunities, as well as other related tax benefits, like exemption from certain state and local taxes, and ability to guarantee that all contributions, including tithes and offerings, are tax-deductible to donors.
A church with a parent organization may wish to contact the parent to see if it has a group ruling. If it does, and the church is on its group list, then the IRS may already recognize the church as tax exempt. An organization that is not covered under a group ruling should contact its parent organization to see if it is eligible to be included in the parent's application for the group ruling.
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Staff-recommended websites
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Department of Health and Human Services
Funding Opportunities
This resource aims to connect faith-based and community organizations to grant opportunities within HHS.
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IRS
Tax guide for churches and religious organizations
Explains 501(c)(3) status as it applies to faith-based organizations. The document clarifies the recordkeeping and filing requirements to the IRS for faith-based organizations. In addition, IRC section 7611 regarding tax inquiries and examinations of chur
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National Minority AIDS Council [PDF]
Faith-Based Leadership
This manual is designed for leaders in the faith community, both lay and clergy.
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Faith-based & Community Initiatives
USDOJ
Website for a Task Force providing assistance to faith- and community-based organizations. Helps identify funding opportunities within the Federal government.
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The Catholic Funding Guide
A subscription-based directory of resources and funders of Catholic activities. Updated quarterly.
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Nonprofit and Church Law
According to the website: "Nonprofit Church Law Ministry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run by attorneys who specialize in nonprofit and church law. This website is designed to provide helpful information on current legal issues to leaders and board members of churches and nonprofits."