From Church Solutions Podcast – Episode 475
Most churches are already making a big difference in their communities—through food pantries, afterschool programs, tutoring, or support groups. But what if those efforts could be expanded, sustained, and even funded with outside help?
In our latest Church Solutions Podcast, Phil Thompson and Steve Lacy sat down with Ken McQuiller, CEO, associate pastor, and self-proclaimed “lazy missionary,” to explore how churches and faith-based nonprofits can leverage grant funding to grow their ministry outreach—without sacrificing their spiritual mission.
Why Churches Should Explore Grant Funding
Ken explained that many churches assume they’re not eligible for grants, especially if they’re not looking to fund Sunday morning worship. But the truth is, foundations and local governments are eager to support community-based programs, especially those that address needs like:
- Food insecurity
- Homelessness
- Education and tutoring
- Workforce development
If your church is doing community work—even informally—there’s a good chance you could qualify for funding.
“They may not fund your church service,” Ken said, “but they absolutely want to fund the good work your church is doing in the community.”
Does Grant Funding Mean Compromising on Faith?
One common concern is whether taking government or foundation funding means churches can’t talk about Jesus. Ken’s answer was clear: you can still be bold in your faith, as long as your programs are welcoming and non-discriminatory.
“They want to know you’re helping people—whether they’re Christian, Muslim, atheist, or anything else. You can still share your faith authentically through action.”
Getting Started with Grants: What Churches Need
Ken recommends starting with a program that’s already running and showing measurable community impact.
If you’re just beginning, it’s best to:
- Launch your community initiative first (even small-scale)
- Track impact (how many people served, what kind of results)
- Build a budget and structure
- Then start looking at grant opportunities
Churches have a leg up, too. “You already have community trust, space, volunteers, and financial backing through tithes. That makes funders more comfortable,” Ken shared.
Who Offers These Grants?
While Ken focuses mostly on local and family foundations, here are some great starting points:
- Foundation Center Directory (often free at local libraries)
- Instrumentl (paid, with robust search filters)
- Your local mayor’s office or city council can help you identify top community needs
- Stalk other nonprofits (yes, really!) and see who gave them funding
Pro Tip: Review nonprofit 990 forms online to see exactly which foundations have funded similar work.
What Are the Chances?
So how likely are you to win a grant? According to Ken, success rates vary, but he sees about a 20%–40% win rate depending on the relationship, fit, and preparation.
It’s not just about writing—it’s about aligning your mission with a funder’s goals and showing that your church has the stability and track record to make it happen.
How Ken Helps Churches Nationwide
Ken isn’t limited to Cleveland. He works with churches across the U.S. by:
- Researching relevant grants in your area
- Helping you build a grant strategy and compelling case
- Writing the grant application
- Guiding your church through the entire process
He charges per package or, in some cases, builds his fee into the grant application itself.
Interested in working with Ken?
Reach out to him via [email protected] or follow him on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @nonprofitmissionary.
Final Thoughts
Grants are an untapped opportunity for many churches—not to build bigger sanctuaries, but to build stronger communities. Whether you’re serving meals, tutoring kids, or offering life skills programs, there may be funding waiting to support your efforts.
If you’re ready to expand your outreach and want help navigating the grant world, connect with Ken or visit us at StreamingChurch.tv. We’ll help you take the next steps.