The Mid-South District - LCMS

Grow Grants

For innovative ministry programs that emphasize the Gospel Reaching Our World so that knowledge of God’s love, grace and mercy may grow.

The Mid-South District encourages innovative and creative new ministry initiatives of its existing congregations and schools through the GROW Grants program.

What is a GROW Grant?

A GROW Grant is a financial contribution from the Mid-South District to support an innovative ministry program or initiative to reach new hearts with the Gospel. Examples of such programs/initiatives include new ethnic ministries, outreach to college students, a community food pantry or clothing closet, a ministry for the homeless, or any ongoing program that provides opportunities for Gospel-sharing with the community at large. A GROW Grant is a one-time financial outlay of up to $15,000 for a ministry or program that will be on-going and self-sustaining after its initial launch phase.

What are the criteria to be considered for a GROW Grant?

To be considered for a GROW Grant, an applicant must be:

  • An existing congregation or school of the Mid-South District.
  • Ready to launch an innovative new ministry or program that seeks to share the Gospel in creative ways.
  • A faithful partner of the Mid-South District, demonstrating regular financial support of District ministry and ongoing engagement through attendance of District and Circuit events (conferences, conventions, winkels, etc.).
  • Applying no less than 3 years after receiving a previous GROW Grant.

What is the application and review process for a GROW Grant?

The GROW Grant application is available online at mid-southlcms.org. Completed applications received by the Mid-South District Office will be reviewed quarterly by a GROW Grant committee comprised of both lay and ordained members. Qualifying grant recipients will be selected and requested funds dispersed each quarter. Once a ministry receives a GROW Grant, the ministry will be ineligible to apply again for a period of 3 years.

GROW Grants APPLICATION

For innovative ministry programs that emphasize the Gospel Reaching Our World so that knowledge of God’s love, grace and mercy may grow.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Your ORGANIZATION

Address of Congregation/School Applying for Grant*
Name of Primary Contact for Grant Application*

Your MINISTRY/PROGRAM to be considered for a GROW Grant

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Accepted file types: txt, rtf, otf, doc, docx, pdf, Max. file size: 128 MB.
In a separate attachment, please include a detailed overview of the new ministry or program.
Accepted file types: xlsx, csv, txt, rtf, doc, docx, pdf, Max. file size: 128 MB.
In a separate attachment, please include a detailed one-year budget for the ministry or program.
Accepted file types: xlsx, csv, txt, rtf, doc, docx, pdf, Max. file size: 128 MB.
In a separate attachment, please include your congregation’s BALANCE SHEET and INCOME STATEMENT for the previous and current year. This information will illustrate your congregation’s ability to fund the proposed “new” ministry beyond the launch phase and GROW Grant.
NAME of New Ministry or Program Contact (If different from Grant Application Contact)
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