You’re considering grants from the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis, which supports community initiatives in Missouri and Illinois. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) organizations, focusing on health, human care, and Lutheran education. The foundation prioritizes projects enhancing community engagement and supporting justice-involved individuals. As you investigate these opportunities, you’ll discover how strategic funding can impact local communities.

Key Takeaways
- Eligibility requires a 501(c)(3) designation and service in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
- Strategic priorities include Christian faith initiatives and community engagement.
- Grants support Lutheran schools, foreign-born populations, and justice-involved individuals.
- Application deadlines are June 1 and December 1 for online submissions.
- Grants range from $3,000 to $75,000, tailored to project needs.
Eligibility Criteria for Grants
While applying for grants from the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis, you must meet specific eligibility criteria.
Your organization must have a 501(c)(3) designation and be in good standing. Individual applicants aren’t eligible.
You must serve clients within designated areas like St. Louis City and St. Clair County. Proposals must align with the Foundation’s strategic funding priorities, focusing on community engagement and support for vulnerable populations.
Understanding these funding requirements is essential for successful grant eligibility.
Strategic Funding Priorities
Because the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis focuses on strategic funding priorities, you’ll find initiatives that support Christian Faith in Action, congregation community engagement, and more.
The foundation emphasizes funding for Lutheran schools and organizations, as well as programs aiding foreign-born populations and justice-involved individuals.
By fostering strategic partnerships, the foundation guarantees funding sustainability and community impact.
Grants typically range from $3,000 to $75,000, targeting specific Missouri and Illinois counties to improve local welfare.
Application Process Overview
To apply for a grant from the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis, you’ll use their online portal. Here are key steps:
- Create an Account: Start by setting up your account to access the application.
- Consultations: Consider scheduling a one-on-one consultation for proposal guidance.
- Submit Proposal: Make certain your proposal includes detailed project goals and a budget.
Follow the application timeline, with deadlines on June 1 and December 1.
Proposal tips include demonstrating community impact and collaboration.
Geographic Service Area
Grant funding from the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis targets specific counties in Missouri and Illinois, enhancing service accessibility within these areas.
In Missouri, eligible counties include Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Charles, St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and Warren.
In Illinois, the focus is on Clinton, Jersey, Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair counties.
This geographic diversity guarantees that funding supports local community needs, promoting equitable access to resources across the St. Louis metropolitan area.
You must demonstrate service to clients within these counties to qualify for grants.
Grant Focus Areas
As you investigate the grant focus areas of the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis, you’ll find opportunities to support faith-based initiatives through programs like Christian Faith in Action and Congregation Community Engagement.
These areas empower Christian-affiliated agencies and congregations to improve their volunteer capacity and community engagement efforts.
Faith-Based Initiatives
Faith-based initiatives are at the heart of the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis, strengthening congregations and their outreach efforts.
When you engage with these grants, you can expect:
- Support for community outreach and volunteer training to boost your congregation’s service impact.
- Funding access specifically for Lutheran schools and organizations, enhancing educational resources.
- Assistance programs for foreign-born populations and justice-involved individuals, promoting self-sufficiency and reintegration through essential services.
These initiatives empower you to build stronger, faith-driven community programs that address immediate needs while fostering long-term growth and stability.
Community Support Programs
When you’re looking to improve community support through the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis, you’ll find initiatives that elevate community outreach and volunteer involvement.
The Foundation supports programs that aid justice-involved individuals and their families, providing essential services like housing and employment assistance.
Additionally, it fosters community engagement by equipping congregations and organizations to manage volunteer efforts effectively.
This focus on community support helps build stronger, more resilient communities through comprehensive services and active volunteer participation.
Types of Grants Awarded
- Christian faith initiatives and Lutheran schools
- Support for foreign-born populations and justice-involved individuals
- Congregation community engagement and older adults’ independence
This structured variety guarantees meaningful alignment with the foundation’s mission.
Grant Amounts and Funding
The Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis offers grant amounts typically ranging from $3,000 to $75,000.
You’ll find that funding is directed towards strategic areas like Christian Faith in Action and community engagement.
As you investigate funding sources, note that grant distribution is focused on the St. Louis metropolitan area, supporting organizations with 501(c)(3) status.
The foundation’s approach to grant distribution emphasizes meaningful transformation in the community, making it a valuable resource for eligible organizations seeking to improve their impact.
Application Submission Guidelines
Before submitting your grant application, you’ll need to register and complete the process via the Lutheran Foundation‘s online portal.
To improve your grant writing, consider these proposal tips:
- Align with Focus Areas: Confirm your proposal aligns with the Foundation’s priorities, such as Christian Faith in Action.
- Consultations: Schedule one-on-one consultations for guidance.
- Geographic Eligibility: Verify that your organization serves the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Consultation Opportunities
As you prepare to submit a grant application to the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis, consider the benefits of a one-on-one consultation.
These sessions help align your proposal with the foundation’s Strategic Funding Priorities, such as community engagement and support for specific populations.
While not mandatory, consultations are strongly encouraged to improve your chances of a successful application.
You can contact the foundation directly at (314) 231-2244 for inquiries about consultations and the application process.
This guidance assures your proposal is well-tailored to the foundation’s goals.
Contact Information and Resources
You can reach the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis by phone at 314.231.2244 or visit their office at 8860 Ladue Road, Suite 200, St. Louis, Missouri 63124.
The foundation offers an online portal where you can create an account to apply for grants and submit proposals.
For more detailed information or specific questions, email [email protected] or investigate their website for resources and application guidelines.
Foundation Phone Numbers
Where can you reach the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis for phone inquiries? You can contact them at 314-231-2244 for support related to grants.
Here are some key ways to connect with the foundation:
- Phone: 314-231-2244 for inquiries and support.
- Fax: 314-727-7688 for document submissions.
- Website: Visit lutheranfoundation.org for resources and information on grant applications.
This foundation contact information helps you navigate their services efficiently.
Office Location Details
The Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis is located at 8860 Ladue Road, Suite 200, St. Louis, Missouri 63124. For office accessibility, visitors can use the elevator inside the Scott Credit Union building entrance. Here are some key details:
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Phone | (314) 231-2244 |
| Fax | (314) 727-7688 |
| Website | lutheranfoundation.org |
| Address | 8860 Ladue Rd, Suite 200 |
| Visitor Info | Follow hallway to Suite 200 after entering the building. |
Online Application Access
- Prepare detailed project descriptions and supporting documents as required for a complete submission.
- Schedule one-on-one consultations if you want personalized guidance—these aren’t mandatory but highly recommended.
- Use the portal year-round for submitting unsolicited applications at your convenience.
For further assistance or questions, contact the Foundation at 314.231.2244 or email [email protected] to guarantee smooth online portal navigation.
Past Grantees and Success Stories
While exploring past grantees and success stories, you’ll find that the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis has fostered significant grant success through community partnerships. Here are some notable examples:
| Organization | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| Grace Hill Settlement House | $100,000 |
| Lutheran Elementary School Association | $100,000 |
| Bethlehem Lutheran Church | $92,500 |
| Nurses for Newborns Foundation | $60,000 |
| Faith Based Health Care Initiative | $50,000 |
Financial Overview and Assets
You can see that the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis manages total assets of approximately $70.7 million, providing a strong financial base for its grantmaking activities.
In the most recent year, the foundation granted nearly $2.9 million, focusing its support exclusively on nonprofit initiatives within the St. Louis Metropolitan area.
These financial resources enable targeted investments in health, human care, Lutheran services, and education, amplifying the foundation’s impact across both Missouri and Illinois.
Total Assets Overview
- Their sizeable assets empower grants ranging from $3,000 to $75,000, tailored to project needs and mission alignment.
- The foundation prioritizes support within the St. Louis metropolitan area, including counties in Missouri and Illinois.
- As a public charity, it collaborates closely with local congregations and community services to maximize impact.
This financial strength underpins its sustained community engagement and philanthropic efforts.
Annual Giving Summary
The Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis demonstrates significant annual giving, with a total of $2,892,079 in grants awarded recently. This financial commitment highlights the foundation’s grant impact, supporting various community projects across the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Funding trends focus on health, human care, and education, aligning with Lutheran values. Grant amounts typically range from $3,000 to $75,000, reflecting a strategic approach to community development.
Financial Impact Areas
Because a foundation’s ability to make a lasting difference depends on its financial health, the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis maintains total assets of $70,717,298, ensuring grant sustainability and funding effectiveness.
In the last year, it distributed $2,892,079 in grants within targeted counties.
You can understand its financial impact areas by noting:
- Grants typically range from $3,000 to $75,000, tailored to mission alignment and project needs.
- Funding is concentrated in the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area, covering Missouri and Illinois counties.
- Only 501(c)(3) nonprofits qualify for grant support, ensuring accountability and effective use of funds.
Grantmaking Philosophy
As you investigate the grantmaking philosophy of the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis, you’ll find a focus on strategic priorities like Christian Faith in Action and community outreach.
The Foundation aims to improve the well-being of vulnerable populations through grant impact, fostering hope and transformation across the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Community Engagement Initiatives
Building on its grantmaking philosophy, the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis deeply invests in community engagement through grants that amplify community outreach and volunteer engagement.
It helps you by providing:
- Planning and implementation grants plus coaching to empower congregations in effective local service.
- Support to volunteer programs within Christian-affiliated agencies emphasizing faith-driven community service.
- Focused initiatives assisting vulnerable groups like foreign-born residents and justice-involved families to promote self-sufficiency and reintegration.
These efforts collectively improve well-being and address social challenges throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Future Directions and Leadership
As you investigate the future directions of the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis, you’ll focus on leadership development initiatives that guarantee a smooth transition with Matt Miller’s appointment as CEO.
You’ll also engage in strategic growth planning, aligning the Foundation’s grants with evolving community needs and enhancing its impact through innovative funding approaches.
Leadership Development Initiatives
The Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis prioritizes leadership development initiatives, focusing on community empowerment and leadership training.
You can benefit from their grants by enhancing your organization’s leadership capacity. Here are key areas they support:
- Congregation Community Engagement: Developing effective leadership within congregations.
- Lutheran Schools and Organizations: Fostering leadership skills among students and staff.
- Innovative Approaches: Encouraging inclusivity and empowerment for diverse populations.
Strategic Growth Planning
While entering its fifth decade of service, the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis is poised for strategic growth.
You’ll see a focus on innovative service delivery, particularly for foreign-born populations and justice-involved individuals.
The foundation emphasizes strategic partnerships and community involvement to address local needs effectively.
By fostering ongoing dialogue with local organizations, it aligns its initiatives with the evolving needs of the St. Louis community.
This approach guarantees that its grants support meaningful community engagement and transformative programs.
Community Impact Assessment
Because effective community impact assessment relies on continuous feedback and rigorous evaluation, the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis guarantees you’re heard—using community feedback and impact measurement to shape its future.
Every grant and initiative is scrutinized for real-world results, not just intentions, so funding stays aligned with what St. Louis actually needs.
- You help set priorities—by sharing experiences and insights, you directly influence which health, education, and human care initiatives receive support next year.
- You see transparency—regular impact reports show exactly where grants made a difference and where adjustments are needed.
- You witness evolution—leadership changes, like Matt Miller becoming CEO, bring fresh strategies to community engagement, ensuring the foundation remains responsive and innovative as needs change.
Your ongoing participation guarantees grants don’t just exist—they transform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Typical Grant Award Timeline From Application to Decision?
You’ll typically submit your application during the grant cycle, with decisions made a few months later. For example, if you apply in June, decisions are usually made by the start of the next project cycle.
Can Grant Funds Be Used for Capital Campaigns or Only Program Expenses?
You can’t typically use grant funds for capital campaigns. Funding restrictions often limit grants to program expenses, not capital projects. Check with the foundation for specific grant eligibility and funding restrictions.
Are There Opportunities for Multi-Year or Renewable Grants?
You’ll find multi-year funding and renewable opportunities available, as the Lutheran Foundation supports phased projects like the Keyway Center’s three-year $500,000 grant, showing commitment beyond single-year awards. This flexibility helps sustain long-term ministry impact.
How Does the Foundation Measure the Impact of Funded Projects?
You measure the impact of funded projects through rigorous impact assessment and ongoing project evaluation that focus on clearly defined objectives and measurable outcomes. This process integrates continuous reflection to innovate and improve results effectively.
Is There Support for Capacity Building or Organizational Development?
You can find support for capacity building and organizational development through the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis, which offers funding and partnerships to strengthen organizations’ operational and programmatic maturity.
Conclusion
As you investigate grants from the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis, keep in mind that eligibility requires a 501(c)(3) status and service within specific Missouri and Illinois counties. Strategic priorities include Christian faith and community engagement. For example, a local church might receive funding for a refugee support program, demonstrating how these grants can empower faith-rooted initiatives that strengthen vulnerable communities.