Grant Programs

NBA Mission & Ministry Grants are ‘purpose-restricted funds’ for two types of programs:

• Educational Purposes for At-Risk Children and Youth between the ages of 10-25 years.
• Older Adult Ministries serving those who are 50 years or older.
• Intergenerational Projects serving BOTH educational purposes for at-risk children and youth AND Older Adult Ministries. (Note: Project must meet the eligibility for both purpose restriction categories and show a clear intergenerational focus that brings Older Adults and Youth/Young Adults together under clear goals and values.)

Due to the purpose-restriction of these funds, grant applications must clearly demonstrate their funding needs as being related to older adults or at-risk youth in order to be approved.

The NBA defines “Educational Purposes” as any formal or informal opportunity for learning that is presented as an intentional goal or outcome of the project. Examples of previously funded educational purposes include: tutoring programs; leadership development workshops; focused learning and discussion groups; mentorship programs. “Educational Purposes” do not include prerequisites to education, such as school supplies or hunger management initiatives unless clearly connected to a projected learning component as explained above.

The term purpose-restricted funds means that the donors who gave funds to the National Benevolent Association asked us to use their money in a specific way. Under U.S. law, If a donor restricts the use of their funds to a certain purpose, the nonprofit must honor that request. Because of these donor requests, NBA is obligated to provide Mission & Ministry grants to only projects that serve adults ages 50+ or youth and young adults aged 10-25.

Mission & Ministry Grants are available for congregations, programs, and ministries affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada.

• Projects must demonstrate clear goals and outcomes affiliated with health and social service and/or justice work. Priority will be given to projects with creative and clearly defined goals and outcomes related to the projected focus population of the project.
• Only one application per entity (congregation or organization) will be accepted for review.
• Priority may be given to projects with less than 3+ years of prior NBA grant funding.
  • Repeat applicants should demonstrate project growth along with clearly defined goals related to additional funding needs.
  • Repeat applicants are encouraged to think creatively about their projects and demonstrate sustainability plans focused beyond granting opportunities through NBA.
• American projects must have a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status through the church and/or the state in which the ministry operates.
• Canadian projects must be registered charities through the CRA.
• Applications not affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will be rejected.
• Applications outside the United States and Canada will be rejected.

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the amount of funding they feel is needed between $1,000 – $20,000. Please be advised that the committee may not award the full amount requested. The amount of funding a successful application will receive is based on the project’s sustainability, lifecycle, and impact.

A Grant Committee consisting of NBA staff, partners, and trustees will review all applications and make funding decisions. The application review process consists of three stages:

1. Eligibility review by the NBA Grants Coordinator.
2. Awards are determined by the Grants Committee. The Committee consists of one NBA staff person, one NBA Board of Trustees member, 1 NBA Program partner representative, and the NBA Grants Coordinator (non-voting role)
3. NBA Board of Trustees affirms all final grants at the November board meeting.

We are not currently accepting applications. Applications for the Spring 2026 cycle will open on February 11, 2026. 

Spring Applications

Application Opens: February 11, 2026

Application Closes: March 25, 2026

Fall Applications

Application Opens: August 19, 2026

Application Closes: September 30, 2026

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

All applicants will be notified of their funding decision approximately four weeks after the closing date via email and mailed letters. Funding will be allocated approximately six weeks after the closing date, sent via ACH direct deposit once all proper funding forms have been received by the NBA Grants Coordinator. Accepted grantees will be required to complete a Mission & Ministry Grant Evaluation form roughly nine months following receipt of grant funds. Grantees may be asked to provide written or video stories for use by our Marketing & Development Team.

All applicants will be notified of their funding decision approximately four weeks after the closing date via email and mailed letters. Funding will be allocated approximately six weeks after the closing date. Accepted grantees will be required to complete a Mission & Ministry Grants Evaluation roughly 9-12 months following receipt of grant funds. Grantees may be asked to provide written or video stories for use by our Marketing & Development Team

All organizations and ministries that meet the funding and eligibility requirements may be funded once per calendar year. Eligibility resumes January 1st of the next calendar year. *All funding decisions are at the discretion of the Grants Committee.

Yes, all denied applicants who meet eligibility and funding criteria may re-apply for funding in the next application period. Please review all available resources and requirements for the NBA Mission & Ministry Grants Program to ensure that your project/ministry is eligible for funding.

Organizations who receive a Mission & Ministry Grant will be required to provide a Mission & Ministry Grant Evaluation form, which will be sent roughly 9 months following receipt of funds. More information will be included in grantee award letters. All forms must be completed online using the same software as the application process.

Additionally, each grantee is asked to provide a communication piece (such as a story/article, video, or photo album) about your project. These stories will be featured on NBA’s website and social channels and will help foster learning for the entire church about effective health and social service ministries. This communication piece will also help your organization amplify the success and impact of the work you are doing. The NBA Development & Marketing team may reach out to you for more information.