Grants for Catholic Parishes, Schools, and Ministries

Catholic parishes, schools, and cemeteries carry out extraordinary work every day: forming disciples, preserving sacred spaces, educating children, and serving those in need. But as every leader knows, mission requires resources. And in a moment when budgets feel tight and needs continue to grow, it’s more important than ever to think creatively about how we sustain the work God has entrusted to us.

That’s why I’m launching a series on “Building Long Term Stability.” Over the next several months, we’ll explore practical, mission‑aligned strategies that help Catholic institutions strengthen their financial footing without adding unnecessary burden to staff or volunteers.

This first installment focuses on one of the most underused tools available to Catholic organizations: grants. From historic preservation to Catholic‑specific formation programs, from school improvement to community outreach, there are far more opportunities available than most leaders realize. Below is a curated list to help you begin.

Historic Building Preservation Grants

National Fund for Sacred Places

https://www.fundforsacredplaces.org/apply/

Who can apply: Congregations that own historic houses of worship.
Purpose: This program supports major restoration projects for historic religious buildings. Grants typically range from $50,000 to $500,000 and may fund repairs such as roof replacement, structural stabilization, accessibility improvements, and restoration of historic architectural features.

Save America’s Treasures Grant Program

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservationfund/save-americas-treasures-grants.htm

Who can apply: Nonprofits and organizations responsible for nationally significant historic properties.
Purpose: Administered by the National Park Service, this federal program helps preserve historically significant structures and cultural resources. Funds are commonly used for restoration and conservation of historic buildings.

DAR Historic Preservation Grants

https://www.dar.org/outreach/historic-preservation/dar-historic-preservation-grants

Who can apply: Nonprofit organizations responsible for historic sites and structures.
Purpose: Offered by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, these grants support preservation projects that protect historic buildings, artifacts, and cultural heritage.

Minnesota Historical Society Legacy Grants

https://www.mnhs.org/preservation/legacy-grants/about

Who can apply: Nonprofits, educational institutions, and local governments in Minnesota.
Purpose: Legacy Grants support projects that preserve Minnesota’s history and cultural heritage. Eligible projects may include restoration of historic buildings, research, documentation, and preservation initiatives

Catholic-Specific Grants

Seeds of Faith – Tuition Assistance Grant

https://catholicfsmn.org/grant/Seeds-of-Faith-Grants

Who can apply: Families and students within the Diocese of Winona–Rochester.
Purpose: This grant helps make Catholic education more accessible by providing tuition assistance for students attending Catholic schools in the diocese.

Seeds of Faith – Faith Formation Grant

https://catholicfsmn.org/grant/Seeds-of-Faith-Grants

Who can apply: Parish leaders, ministry staff, and volunteers in the Diocese of Winona–Rochester.
Purpose: Supports formation and training opportunities such as conferences, leadership development, and educational programs that strengthen parish ministry.

Our Sunday Visitor Institute Grants

https://osv.com/grants/

Who can apply: Catholic organizations and ministries.
Purpose: These grants support evangelization, discipleship, and educational initiatives that help strengthen Catholic faith formation and parish life.

Catholic Extension Society Grants

https://www.catholicextension.org/grants

Who can apply: Catholic ministries serving under-resourced communities in the United States.
Purpose: Funding supports parish revitalization, pastoral ministries, and outreach efforts that serve communities with limited resources.

Schools & Education Grants

Lilly Endowment – Religion & Education Grants

https://lillyendowment.org/for-grantseekers/

Who can apply: Religious organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofit ministries.
Purpose: Lilly Endowment funds initiatives that strengthen Christian education, faith formation, and leadership development within religious organizations.

Fulcrum Foundation Grants

https://fulcrumfoundation.org/grants-programs/programs-overview/

Who can apply: Catholic schools and educational programs.
Purpose: Fulcrum Foundation supports programs that strengthen Catholic schools through tuition assistance, leadership development, and school improvement initiatives.

Ambassador’s Fund for Catholic Education

https://ambassadorsfund.org/guidelines/

Who can apply: Catholic educational institutions and organizations.
Purpose: This grant supports innovative initiatives that strengthen Catholic education, including new curriculum programs, leadership development, and student formation efforts.

Security & Emergency Grants

FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program

https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/nonprofit-security

Who can apply: Nonprofit organizations and houses of worship facing potential security risks.
Purpose: Provides funding for security improvements such as surveillance systems, reinforced doors, access control, lighting, and security training.

Minnesota Nonprofit Security Grant Program

https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/homeland-security/Pages/nonprofit-security-grant-program.aspx

Who can apply: Nonprofits and houses of worship in Minnesota.
Purpose: Supports projects that strengthen security infrastructure and preparedness, including alarm systems, security cameras, and facility hardening.

Catholic Charities Disaster Relief

https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/what-we-do/disaster-relief/

Who can apply: Organizations and ministries responding to disasters, often through partnerships with local Catholic Charities agencies.
Purpose: Provides funding and support for disaster response and recovery efforts.

DHS Homeland Security Grant Programs

https://www.dhs.gov/homeland-security-grant-program

Who can apply: State and local agencies, with some funds supporting nonprofit security initiatives.
Purpose: Supports preparedness and security programs that protect communities and critical infrastructure.

Community Outreach & Ministry Grants

Versacare Foundation Grants

https://www.versacare.org/our-grants/

Who can apply: Faith-based nonprofits and ministries serving vulnerable populations.
Purpose: Supports community outreach programs, service initiatives, and ministry efforts focused on improving lives in local communities.

Trinity Church Wall Street Grants

https://trinitywallstreet.org/grants

Who can apply: Nonprofit organizations advancing community impact initiatives.
Purpose: Funds programs focused on community development, housing, and faith-driven social impact.

Walmart Spark Good Local Grants

https://walmart.org/how-we-give/local-community-grants

Who can apply: Local nonprofits and community organizations.
Purpose: Provides funding for community service projects such as food programs, youth initiatives, and outreach activities.

Facilities, Infrastructure & Operations Grants

Home Depot Foundation Community Impact Grants

https://corporate.homedepot.com/page/community-impact-grants

Who can apply: Nonprofits improving community facilities.
Purpose: Supports renovation and repair projects that improve spaces used by community organizations.

Lowe’s Hometowns Grants

https://corporate.lowes.com/newsroom/press-releases/lowes-hometowns-accepting-2024-nominations-02-05-24

Who can apply: Nonprofits with projects that improve community spaces.
Purpose: Funds renovations and revitalization projects that benefit local communities.

Bank of America Charitable Foundation Grants

https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/grants

Who can apply: Nonprofits working in community development and economic mobility.
Purpose: Supports programs that strengthen communities, including workforce development and community initiatives.

AARP Community Challenge Grants

https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/community-challenge/

Who can apply: Nonprofits and community organizations.
Purpose: Supports projects that improve accessibility and community spaces, particularly benefiting older adults.

USDA Community Facilities Grants

https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program

Who can apply: Nonprofits and organizations in rural communities.
Purpose: Supports construction, renovation, and equipment purchases for facilities that serve rural communities, including churches and schools.

Final Thoughts

Grants are just one piece of a much larger picture. When used well, they can help parishes, schools, and cemeteries take meaningful steps forward — restoring buildings, expanding ministries, strengthening safety, or supporting families. But they are only one of several creative strategies available to Catholic leaders today.

In the next parts of this series, we’ll look at additional ways to build long‑term stability, including planned giving, endowment building, investment stewardship, and parish partnerships. Each approach offers its own strengths, and together they form a sustainable, mission‑driven path forward.

If you’re unsure where to begin or need help discerning which opportunities fit your organization, the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota is here to support you. Let’s continue building a future where our Catholic institutions are not only surviving -- but thriving. If you can’t find a resource for your funding need, reach out to us today. We may be able to point you in the right direction.