Status: Application opens March 3, 2025
An Overview of Our Loaves & Fishes Funding Opportunity
We are excited to announce the Loaves & Fishes funding opportunity, which supports liberal, reformed Protestant churches in Hampshire and Franklin counties that are putting faith into action. The funds will benefit churches that are implementing or planning to implement projects that use creative and novel new modes of religious activities to meet human needs in the region.
Program Details
The Loaves & Fishes Fund supports project requests of liberal, reformed Protestant churches that are putting faith in action. The churches must be in Hampshire or Franklin counties in Massachusetts.
Projects must include specific religious activities.
Award amounts will range between $5,000 and $15,000. This funding can support projects for up to 24-months with funding becoming available in May 2025.
Eligible churches must have their own IRS designated 501(c)(3) ruling, be covered by a group ruling exemption, or meet the IRS attributes common for churches.
Given the resources required to apply for funding and the limited amount of funding available, we are implementing a two-stage online application process. Stage 1 is open to all. Applicants selected by the review committee in Stage 1, based on their alignment with the funding criteria, will be invited to complete Stage 2.
Only one application per church will be considered.
Funds may support the following:
- Direct and indirect costs associated with the project. These costs may include, and are not limited to, staffing, materials and supplies, equipment, renting of space, utilities, and subcontracts.
Funds may NOT support the following:
- Requests from churches with are “fundamentalist” or which believe in a strict literal interpretation of the Christian scripture.
- Projects that influence legislation or election campaigns.
- Endowments
- Facility campaigns, building repairs or maintenance needs.
- Church operating needs beyond those costs associated with the implementation of the project.
- Social action efforts that do not include concrete religious activity.
Program Timeline
March 3, 2025 – Stage 1 grant application opens
March 17, 2025 – Stage 1 grant application closes at noon (12:00 pm) EST
March 18, 2025 – Decision on Stage 1 applications provided
March 18, 2025 – Stage 2 application link sent to invited applicants
April 7, 2025 – Stage 2 application closes at noon (12:00 pm) EST
April 28, 2025 – Decisions on Stage 2 applications provided
May 6, 2025 – Funds for awarded projects will be available
Apply
The link to online application will be made available on March 3, 2025.
Connect with Community Foundation Staff
We would like to connect with churches seeking guidance and support throughout the application process. Please contact Jeffery Markham, Jr. at jmarkham@communityfoundation.org for questions about the grant program or Margaret Everett at meverett@communityfoundation.org for technical assistance.
Questions? Comments?
If you have any questions about Loaves & Fishes, please contact Jeffery Markham, Jr., Senior Program Officer.