You want to secure funding from the LDS Foundation, but where do you start? Crafting a strong application means aligning your project with their mission and showcasing its impact. The right approach can set your proposal apart, but there’s more to contemplate before you submit.
Key Takeaways
- Prepare a clear, well-defined project description aligned with the LDS Church History Department’s mission and values, emphasizing the research’s significance and contribution.
- Submit required documents by August 15, including project description, budget, CV, and letters of recommendation (two for emerging/established scholars, three for Scholar-in-Residence).
- Target research on underrepresented topics in Latter-day Saint history, art history, or related fields, with funds used mainly for travel and archival research expenses.
- Utilize awarded funds within one year, maintain detailed expense records, and submit a comprehensive final report demonstrating research accomplishments and impact.
- Contact Matthew Godfrey or Church History Department consultants early for guidance on application development, archival resources, budgeting, and maximizing grant competitiveness.
Understanding LDS Foundation Grant Opportunities
While seeking funding for your research on Latter-day Saint history, you’ll find that the LDS Church History Department offers several grant opportunities designed to support a variety of scholars, including emerging domestic and international researchers, independent researchers, and established scholars through programs such as the Scholar-in-Residence.
These grant types range from $5,000 to $15,000, designed to offset travel and research expenses at the Church History Library. Funding sources prioritize underrepresented topics and ensure projects benefit from archival research, an approach that mirrors the broader need for support systems like SNAP and community food services, which help individuals access essential resources while pursuing academic or professional goals.
Applying requires a project description, budget, and recommendations, with awarded funds used within one year and reported afterward.
Eligibility Criteria for LDS Foundation Grants
To qualify for LDS Foundation grants, you must demonstrate a clear, well-defined project that aligns with the values and mission of the Church History Department, focusing on Latter-day Saint history, art history, or related fields.
You need to show the significance of your research and its contribution to these areas. Both emerging and established scholars are eligible.
Your application should include a detailed project description, budget outline, and letters of recommendation.
Funding must be used within one year, and you’ll submit a report on your accomplishments.
Key Steps to Apply for LDS Foundation Grants
Start your LDS Foundation grant application by carefully preparing a clear and detailed project description that highlights its alignment with the Church History Department’s mission and its significance in Latter-day Saint history or related studies.
Include a precise budget outlining how you’ll use funds, and provide a curriculum vitae showcasing your educational and professional achievements.
Investigate funding sources strategically by considering grant options like Domestic Emerging Scholars or the Scholar-in-Residence program. As you plan your research, be mindful of how broader access to essential resources, whether support for ex-felons, or community programs offering health aid and dental services, can shape the lives and histories connected to your work.
Connect early with a collections consultant for targeted guidance.
Submit your complete application by August 15, 2025, and prepare to report on your progress within one year to optimize your grant success.
Required Documentation for Grant Applications
Getting your grant application considered seriously means submitting all required documents precisely as specified. For LDS Foundation grants, documentation types and application formats are essential. Below is a quick reference for what to prepare:
| Grant Type | Documentation Types | Application Formats |
|---|---|---|
| Emerging Scholar | Project description, budget, CV, 2 letters | PDF, Word, online form |
| Established Scholar | Project description, budget, CV, 2 letters | PDF, Word, online form |
| Scholar-in-Residence | Detailed project, material list, CV, 3 letters | PDF, Word, online form |
Submit everything on time for the best chance.
Application Deadlines and Timelines
While timing can make or break your grant application, you’ll want to mark your calendar for the August 15, 2025 deadline for research grants from the Church History Department.
Award announcements follow by October 15, 2025, so plan your application preparation accordingly.
Whether you’re an emerging scholar or an established professional, submission strategies matter—submitting early gives you an edge.
Grants up to $8,000 are available for three weeks of research, while Scholar-in-Residence grants offer $15,000 for eight weeks.
Stay organized, meet the deadline, and maximize your chances for funding.
Tips for a Successful Grant Application
Anyone seeking a grant from the LDS Foundation should focus on crafting a concise yet compelling project description that highlights the significance of their research in Latter-day Saint history or related fields, as this is central to the application’s impact.
Clearly articulate how archival research at the Church History Library distinctively advances your work—detail specific materials and their relevance in about 150 words to strengthen grant writing credibility.
Present a thorough, itemized budget covering all anticipated expenses to demonstrate planning and responsibility.
Secure strong letters of recommendation tailored to your project’s academic merit and your qualifications.
Adhere strictly to the August 15 deadline to guarantee your proposal receives full consideration.
Review Process and Notification Timeline
Because you submit your application by August 15, the LDS Foundation begins a detailed review process that evaluates both the significance of your project and your qualifications.
The review criteria focus on the project’s relevance and your professional accomplishments. You can expect award notifications by October 15, providing a clear timeline expectation.
Once selected, you’ll be assigned a consultant from the Church History Department to guide your research.
Remember, funding must be used within one year, and you need to submit a report on outcomes.
Receiving a grant doesn’t imply endorsement, underscoring the project’s independence.
Utilizing Grant Funds Effectively
To utilize your LDS Foundation grant funds effectively, focus on maximizing the impact of every dollar by carefully planning and tracking your project activities.
Maintain detailed records of progress and expenses to stay on course and be ready for timely reporting.
Clear, accurate reports on outcomes and fund usage not only fulfill requirements but also demonstrate your project’s success and accountability.
Maximize Impact
- Highlight the significance of your research to improve your funding case.
- Create a clear, itemized budget to optimize resource use.
- Collaborate closely with your consultant to boost project outcomes.
Track Progress
Effective use of LDS Foundation grant funds requires you to actively track your progress from the moment the award is received. You must utilize the funding within one year and submit a detailed report showing your accomplishments, guaranteeing accountability measures are met. The Church History Department assigns a consultant to support your progress tracking, making transparent documentation essential. Particularly, you need to record how archival research benefits your project, as this is a grant application requirement.
| Action Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Utilize funds within 1 year | Guarantee timely project progress |
| Submit progress report | Measure accomplishments |
| Consultant support | Aid in effective fund use |
| Document archival research | Fulfill application conditions |
Report Results
You must submit a comprehensive report within one year of receiving your LDS Foundation grant, detailing how you used the funds and the progress you made. In this report writing phase, outcome assessment is critical—be specific about how the archival research advanced your project and what measurable results you achieved.
Support your narrative with clear, accurate records of expenditures, ensuring your story is both transparent and persuasive. Timely reporting not only fulfills your grant agreement but also builds trust for future opportunities.
If you face challenges, reach out to your assigned consultant for guidance—they’re here to help you maximize impact.
- Detail every dollar: Document all costs with receipts and a narrative that connects expenses to project goals.
- Highlight achievements: Show how your research expanded understanding and added value to your field.
- Plan for questions: Be ready to explain decisions in progress reviews—clarity now prevents confusion later.
Reporting Requirements After Grant Award
Once you receive a grant from the LDS Foundation, you must use the funds within one year and submit a comprehensive report detailing how the money was spent along with the accomplishments achieved during your project.
Use the provided reporting templates to guarantee clarity and funding accountability. Your report is essential for maintaining eligibility for future grants.
Each awardee gets a consultant from the Church History Department’s Consultation Team for guidance.
Support and Resources for Applicants
Although grant applications can seem complex, the LDS Foundation supports you through every step by providing dedicated consultants from the Church History Department’s Consultation Team to direct your research process and answer questions.
You’ll get direct access to expert advice, making grant writing easier and more effective.
- Connect with collections consultants for personalized applicant resources
- Receive tailored guidance on exploring archival, art, and artifactual holdings
- Get support in refining your project description and budget for stronger applications
These resources help you succeed from application to award.
Contact Information for LDS Foundation Grants
For questions about LDS Foundation grants, contact Matthew Godfrey, who can provide answers or connect you with a collections consultant to assist your application.
Use the grant inquiry email to reach him directly for support. The preferred contact methods are email and the Church History Department’s website, where you’ll find detailed instructions and requirements.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need clarification or guidance. Connecting with Matthew guarantees you get the help you need to strengthen your grant application and maximize your research potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Foundations Give Grants to Individuals?
Yes, foundations can give grants to individuals—direct support for research or education depends on individual grant eligibility rules, which foundations like the Church History Department use to fund both emerging and established scholars, confirming that foundation grants aren’t limited to organizations.
What Is the First Step in Applying for a Grant?
The first step in the grant application process is to rigorously check your grant eligibility by reviewing the specific types available, then start crafting a concise project description showing its significance and how archival research advances your goals.
Can the LDS Church Help Me Financially?
Yes, the LDS Church offers financial assistance options through grants and church community resources that support research and humanitarian efforts aligned with their mission, providing funding between $5,000 and $15,000 for eligible projects.
How Much Grant Money Can I Get for a Nonprofit?
You can get up to $15,000 in grant funding for your nonprofit if you meet the nonprofit requirements and submit a strong, well-documented application.
Conclusion
You hold the compass to a path where your research can illuminate overlooked corners of Latter-day Saint history. By carefully crafting your application—detailing your project’s mission, budget, and credentials—and meeting the August 15, 2025 deadline, you don’t just seek funds; you plant seeds in the fertile soil of legacy and discovery. Guidance from consultants is your steady north star, ensuring your work rises with clarity and purpose.