Introducing Mid-South District “Ministry Foundation Grants”
The Mid-South District’s Mission & Ministry Committee is pleased to introduce Ministry Foundation Grants. The new program provides funds for:
• Existing Mid-South District congregations to shore up their facility’s foundation, including the building, physical plant, and material needs for ministry.
• Existing Mid-South District mission starts to help lay a foundation.
The Ministry Foundation Grant program is inspired by Ephesians 2:20, which emphasizes ministry “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.”
What is a FOUNDATION grant?
A FOUNDATION Grant is a financial contribution from the Mid-South District to support member congregations and missions in sustaining their facilities for continued Word and Sacrament ministry. This is seed money for congregations and missions to develop strategic long-term plans in partnership with the District. A FOUNDATION Grant is a one-time financial outlay that addresses critical foundational needs for ministry to continue, with the goal of self-sustainability and growth according to God’s grace.
Rationale
Due to the overwhelming success of the GROW Grants program with awards of up to $15,000 for new ministries, the leadership of the Mid-South District has expanded the concept to include the foundational needs of Word and Sacrament ministry.
The year of our Lord 2026 is the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the Mid-South District. In June 1966, the Mid-South District was formed as a separate district of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod following the division of the Synod’s Western District (https://mid-southlcms.org/then-now-district/). For 60 years the Lord has blessed the District on the solid rock of Christ in partnership with congregations. That each congregation in the District may celebrate a 60th anniversary as well (or even a 100th anniversary!) we are committed to investing in congregational foundations.
Grant Amounts and Uses
For existing Mid-South District congregations and missions looking to do foundational improvements, the District will offer up to $15,000. If the improvements exceed $15,000 the balance will be provided by the congregation. This money may be used for: any need with the physical plant, including expansion of the facility, renovations, chancel furniture, communion vessels, paraments, purchase of property, architectural services, insurance deductibles, seed money for a capital campaign.
The District will allocate budgeted dollars of $150,000 annually towards this initiative. If donor funding is received for this effort, then additional grants may be funded.
Requirements to be Considered for a FOUNDATION Grant.
A congregation must have:
- A public Lutheran confession with the word “Lutheran” in its name, sign, and media as mandated by 1995 LCMS Convention Resolution 3-13A “To Use the Name Lutheran”. Justification by faith is the foundational article, the article by which the Church stands or falls! And the “Lutheran” Church teaches and proclaims it!
- A commitment to the Divine Service and Word and Sacrament ministry as the foundation of congregational life and what it desires to offer chiefly to the community.
- A completed application with a comprehensive plan for how the physical improvements will lead to sustainability of the ministry and not primarily an aesthetic improvement. Attach financial statements, consisting of an Income Statement and Balance Sheet. A statement of what funds the congregation has available to fund the improvements, including but not limited to, donations received for the project, estimated insurance proceeds, loans, etc. A statement of whether the congregation would be able to fund the improvements without the Foundation grant. Estimates (minimum of 3) of foundation improvements for review by the committee.
- A faithful partner of the Mid-South District, demonstrating consistent financial support of District ministry and ongoing engagement through attendance of District and Circuit events (conferences, conventions, winkels, etc.).
What is the application and review process for a Foundation Grant?
The FOUNDATION Grant application is available online at mid-southlcms.org. Completed applications received by the Mid-South District Office will be reviewed quarterly by the District Mission and Ministry Committee. In collaboration with the Finance Committee, Qualifying grant recipients will be selected and funds disbursed as available. Grants will be prioritized by:
• Urgency and Financial Need
• Criticality of Foundation Issues including documented health and safety risks, severity of project damage and readiness for remediation
• Willingness to Engage in Long-term Strategic Planning Process
Funding
The Mid-South Board of Directors will work to identify and dedicate available funds for the FOUNDATION Grants program.
The Mid-South District is committed to using every resource for congregational ministry. It is further committed to giving every member congregation the privilege of joining in the joy and celebration of building on the foundation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
60 Years of God’s Grace
The foundation of the Church remains (with us on it, thankfully!) “even when steeples are falling”! (LSB 645:1). But we pray that our buildings would stand, that our spires would not crumble, and that new bells would chime and call young and old to rest in Jesus (LSB 645:1).
Who knows what God will do among us and how fruitful he will make the Word which does not return empty (Is. 55:11). Will congregations in our District have anniversaries of 30, 60, or even 100 years, or more? (cf. Mt. 13:8, 23; Mk. 4:8, 20). Will God grant another 60 years to the Mid-South District before the return of our Lord? May we trust in the Master Builder and Lord of the harvest!
FOUNDATION Application
Purpose: Foundation grants are intended to strengthen long-term ministry sustainability—not primarily to fund aesthetic or cosmetic improvements. Applicants must demonstrate a clear connection between the proposed physical improvements, the congregation’s mission, financial stewardship, and future ministry viability.
Download the Application || Foundation Grant Proposal
Return it to Angela by email or send it to the District office:
The Mid-South District LCMS
1675 Wynne Rd.
Cordova, TN 38016
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