Wheat Ridge announces ‘new, improved’ grant programs

Wheat Ridge Ministries in Itasca, Ill., has made changes to two grant programs that will enable grant applications to be submitted — and funded — more often.

Light of Christ Lutheran Church in Federal Way, Wash., is using a Wheat Ridge Ministries grant for a community garden. Produce from the garden is shared with those in need in the community. (Light of Christ Lutheran Church)

The changes to the organization’s GrantsPlus and former Congregation Health Ministry — now Joshua Grant — programs “will allow Lutheran congregations and agencies greater flexibility in how and when they apply, and increases the number of times a year we award grants,” said Brian Becker, vice-president for Ministry Programs at Wheat Ridge. “It’s our hope that this will more effectively serve inspired Lutheran leaders seeking to launch new ministries to serve their communities.”

Wheat Ridge, an LCMS Recognized Service Organization, funds new health and human-care ministries sponsored by Lutheran congregations, agencies and organizations.

Initial proposals for the GrantsPlus program — which awards grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 over one to three years — will be accepted twice a year. In 2014, those deadlines are Feb. 3 and July 15. In addition to funding, GrantsPlus recipients also take part in capacity-building opportunities to help strengthen their programs.

The new Joshua Grant program provides one-year matching grants of $1,000 to $5,000. Applications may be submitted anytime, beginning this October, and the first awards will be made in January 2014.

For more information about these and other Wheat Ridge Ministries grant programs, including guidelines for applying, visit wheatridge.org/grants.