Grant Opportunities
Living well is a personal journey that presents each of us with unique opportunities to steward our gifts in all dimensions of our lives. The following grants are to assist you in your journey.
Gifts of Grace Grants
The Gifts of Grace program offers grants to rostered ministers actively serving in the SW MN Synod to ease their financial burdens and help prepare them for their future in retirement. If you are a rostered minister in the SW MN Synod, check out these grants today!
Rostered Ministers-
Applications for Education Loan Reduction and Retirement Readiness Grants administered by the Gifts of Grace program will open on July 9th and close October 31, 2026. This is a shorter application period than in previous years, so plan accordingly. Click on the links below to apply.
Before Applying:
- Click on the title/link to apply and read grant eligibility, guidelines, and requirements in each grant application.
These grants are made available through generous gifts to our Gifts of Grace: Toward Financial Wellbeing program, Lilly Endowment Inc., the SW MN Synod Endowment Fund for Pension Equity, and the SW MN Synod Endowment Fund for Debt Relief. If you have questions, please contact Pr. Andrew Hermodson-Olsen, 507-375-3472, [email protected]
Congregational Mission Grants
Now Accepting Applications for Congregational Mission Grants!
The Southwestern Minnesota Synod Endowment Fund Committee will once again award grants to support the mission and ministries of congregations in their local communities in 2026-2027. The Fund Committee is looking for projects proposals in the following areas:
- Community Outreach
- Youth Activities
- Special Mission Projects
- Addressing Community Food Insecurity
These grants are intended for new initiatives or for significant expansion of existing programs to serve new people. The Endowment Fund is particularly interested in proposals that involve partnerships with other faith communities and/or organizations in the community. We hope applicants will think creatively and strategically about other groups in their community who can be invited to support their proposal through funds, hands-on collaboration, and/or implementation. We are all better together. In evaluating applications, the Endowment Committee also will consider sustainability following the initial grant period where applicable.
The Endowment Committee will decline to fund building improvements, maintenance, or renovation; congregational mission trips or retreats; VBS; or curriculum. The Endowment Fund does not provide funding to pass through to other non-profit organizations. In addition, while welcoming applications which involve minimal short-term project administration, ongoing staff positions and internships will not be considered.
Congregations of the SWMN Synod, as well as Conferences and Campus Ministries, are invited to apply.
Application Deadline: Closed
This is the eigthth year for Congregational Mission Grants. In the last seven years, a total of $150,127 has been awarded throughout the SWMN Synod. This year, there is $26,900 available. Funded projects must be completed, with a final report received by November 30, 2027. Click here for more information.
For more information, please contact:
Rev. Dee Pederson, D. Min
Bishop, Southwestern Minnesota Synod
Synod Office Phone: 507-637-3904
Direct Office Phone: 507-627-9048
Email: [email protected]