If you’re a church or faith-based nonprofit in Atlanta, there are many grants that can help you launch or grow community programs—everything from renovating your kitchen to feeding families or mentoring youth. Here’s a detailed look at some of the best options for Atlanta and Georgia congregations in 2025, plus three key tips to help your application shine.

1. Saving Places Grants
The National Trust for Historic Preservation runs a wide variety of grant programs throughout the year, supporting everything from emergency repairs to major capital renovations for historic religious properties. This is an excellent resource if your church needs funding for building repairs, accessibility upgrades, preservation of stained glass, or structural work. Deadlines and amounts vary by program, so it’s worth checking their list regularly for new opportunities.
Learn more and view open grants

2. Foot Locker Foundation Community Empowerment Program (LISC)
This program awards $25,000–$100,000 to nonprofits in major metro areas (including Atlanta and other Georgia cities) that support youth in under-resourced communities. You can apply for grants to start or expand youth mentoring, education, sports, wellness, or leadership programs—or to make improvements to spaces where young people gather, like youth rooms or recreation centers. Especially good if your church runs youth sports leagues, after-school programs, or wants to upgrade facilities.
Application Deadline:September 30
Program details

3. ELCA World Hunger – Domestic Hunger Grants
These grants (usually $10,000–$15,000) are for congregations and partners running local anti-hunger projects—think food pantries, meal programs, or nutrition education. Funding can cover equipment (like refrigerators or shelving), food storage needs, outreach, or education initiatives that help people access healthy food. The application starts with a simple Letter of Inquiry (LOI).
LOI Deadline: July 2
More info

4. Global Food Initiative (GFI) Grants
Offered by the Church of the Brethren, GFI grants support hands-on projects addressing hunger and homelessness—such as community gardens, soup kitchens, food pantries, or shelter programs. Grants usually range from $2,000–$10,000 and can help you launch or expand practical solutions in your community. Applications are accepted year-round, making this a flexible option for urgent needs.
Deadline: Rolling
Grant info

5. Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta “Extra Wish” Program
This program helps nonprofits buy “unique and tangible” items not covered by regular budgets—like commercial refrigerators, computers, or vans. If your church needs a specific item (such as kitchen appliances for a food ministry), this could be a great fit. Requests can be up to $10,000, and the focus is on one-time, hard-to-fund purchases that directly improve your impact.
Deadline: July 9
Extra Wish details (PDF)

6. Presbytery of Greater Atlanta Grants

• Diaconal Ministry Grant: Up to $5,000 for ministries tackling hunger, shelter, or justice—perfect for buying food pantry equipment or supporting community outreach (like renovating a scout hut for youth programs).
  Deadline: October 27, 2025
• Beyond-the-Building Grant: $2,500–$10,000 for facility or program adaptations that benefit the broader community—ideal if you’re planning to turn church property into a shelter, classroom, or event space. Next cycle opens April 2026.
  Full details and application

7. Walmart Spark Good Local Grants
Local Walmart stores across Georgia award $250–$5,000 grants on a rolling basis for hunger relief, basic needs, and community improvement projects. Churches with 501(c)(3) status can apply, and you can even apply at several stores to bundle more funding. Funds can go to food programs, pantry upgrades, emergency aid, or youth services.
Deadline: Rolling
How to apply

8. Lilly Endowment – National Clergy Renewal
A unique grant for congregations wishing to provide their pastor with a renewal or sabbatical leave. Awards are up to $60,000 and cover both pastoral expenses (travel, study, rest) and costs to support the congregation during the leave. Especially helpful for long-term pastor well-being and leadership growth.
Application Opens: November
Program info

9. Wesley Theological Seminary – Ministry Innovator Internship
Your church can host a 23–29-year-old intern through this program, receiving a $4,000 stipend plus support for a ministry innovation project. This could help launch new outreach, youth work, or social ministries—while also helping a young leader gain practical experience.
Application Deadline: June 30
Learn more

10. Presbyterian Church (USA) Mission Program Grants
This national fund supports a wide range of projects: Bible classes, new ministry startups, community service, and capacity-building for churches. Different deadlines and amounts depending on the specific fund—visit the site for details and tips.
Deadlines: Various
More info

11. Renfro Trust Fund
Supports capital (“bricks-and-mortar”) projects for small, rural United Methodist congregations in the Southeast, including Georgia. Ideal for church building repairs, accessibility projects, or safety improvements in rural settings.
Deadline: August 1
Full details

12. Presbyterian Women – Thank Offering
Each year, up to 20 projects are funded with $5,000–$50,000 for programmatic work (like advocacy, training, or hunger relief) or small capital improvements.
Deadline: November 1
Grant info

13. Calvin Institute of Christian Worship – Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grants
Awards of $8,000–$25,000 support worship renewal in two categories: faculty-led research at colleges and congregation-driven worship projects (like creative arts, technology upgrades, or music initiatives). Open to churches anywhere in Georgia; perfect for growing your worship life in new ways.
Deadlines: April 25, 2025 and October 15, 2025
Program details

14. Lowe’s Hometowns Grant
Lowe’s funds 100 large-scale community renovation projects each year, awarding $50,000 to $100,000 to nonprofits working in areas like food security, youth services, housing, or neighborhood safety. Selected projects also get volunteer support from Lowe’s staff—making it a great option if you want to tackle a major renovation or community space upgrade.
Deadline: Application opens once a year (check Lowe’s site for 2025 dates)
Learn more

Tips for Successful Grant Writing

1. Be Clear and Specific:
   Don’t just say you need “help with the building.” Spell out exactly what you’ll do and how it helps—for example, “We need a commercial fridge to safely store donated produce for our food pantry, allowing us to serve 100 more families per month.” Details make your story real to funders.

2. Show Community Impact:
   Grant funders want to know who will benefit and how. Use numbers, stories, or short examples—like, “This program will serve 80 local youth with after-school mentoring and healthy meals”—to make your case concrete.

3. Follow Directions and Deadlines:
   Every funder has different rules. Carefully read their guidelines, answer every question, include all required attachments, and never miss the deadline!