FAQ

What is a matching grant?
A matching grant is a grant that is based on the amount of funding a project receives from local churches. Typically the Foundation will match church support on a 1:1 ratio. For example, if a church gives $5,000 the Foundation will match that amount 1:1 up to $5,000. The Mustard Seed Foundation will only grant up to 50 percent of the total cost of a project. For example, if the total project costs $10,000, the maximum award will be $5,000.

Am I located in an urban center?
There are lists of target cities in each region of the world. Please read the guidelines in the region in which your project is located.

What if I am not a local church?
If you are not a church, you may qualify for funding if you are a Christian organization that is receiving funding from local churches for the project for which you are applying. In some regions of the world we only grant to local churches. Please see the guidelines for the region in which your project is located.

How do I know if I qualify for funding?
You may qualify for funding if you can answer “yes” to the following questions:
Am I located in a MSF target city? (see regions for target cities)
Am I a local church or Christian organization?
Do I have a new project in the area of outreach, discipleship, or empowerment?
Are local churches contributing financially to this new project?

Does construction, purchase of land or other capital equipment qualify for funding?
No. We typically do not to fund individuals who are serving in administrative roles, or projects for debt relief, land or building purchases. We desire to support dynamic projects that show the love of Jesus in word and action.

Does the Foundation offer training courses or materials for different ministry models?
No. Partnership with Mustard Seed is limited to receiving funding for a specific project that the local church is also funding.

What is the average grant size?
The Foundation awards grants from as small as $500 up to $30,000, depending on the region of the world, size of the project, and the church contribution. The overall average grant size in 2014 was nearly $5,000.

How is a grant selected and made?
A Mustard Seed staff member will work with potential applicants to complete the application form. When the grant application is complete it will be submitted to the MSF Board of Directors. The decision is based on the stated Granting Priorities of the Foundation. The review process may take up to 3 months.

What are the deadlines for applying for a grant?
There are no deadlines for applying for a grant. You may inquire and submit and application at any time during the year.

Back to Church-Based Grants