Below is a list of 50 grant-making foundations and funding sources that could support restoration of IFI’s fire-damaged building. Each entry includes why it’s a fit, a priority ranking, grant size, deadlines, application steps, and any key contacts/resources if available. (Religious organizations are eligible for all listed programs.)
<aside>
📌
Note: As discussed, the Seekifi engine isn’t specifically designed for situational analysis and performs better when aligning mission/vision/values in pursuit of maximizing funding along multiple considered timelines. However, I bent it a little bit and think this is (minimally) quite helpful for the specific situation. Some of them are more applicable than others. If you let me know which ones you’re interested in, we’ll go from there.
I’m currently iterating on the core mission alignment-driven funding opportunities loop for IFI as well 🤓 I will provide that set of foundations after the training is complete. The pool of foundations for IFI’s full mission scope is much larger - so we’ll see primarily sacred/Christian type funding options in the top set of options (with some secular opportunities, but only when very strong mission alignment exists between IFI and the potential donor in some form).
</aside>
Highest Potential Applicability to Lowest (Descending):
- The Columbus Foundation – Capital Improvement Grants
- Franklin County Community Partnership – Capital Grants
- Lowe’s Hometowns Community Renovation Grants
- National Fund for Sacred Places (Partners for Sacred Places & National Trust)
- Rationale: A national grant program specifically for historic houses of worship and sacred places. It offers capital grants for urgent repairs and restoration of facilities that have both cultural and community value (Grant Funding & Financial Incentives Available to Religious Organizations in Western New York. – Preservation Buffalo Niagara) (Grant Funding & Financial Incentives Available to Religious Organizations in Western New York. – Preservation Buffalo Niagara). IFI’s building, if it qualifies as a historic sacred place or a church that serves the broader community, could receive major funding and technical assistance.
- Priority: High – One of the few large-scale programs for restoring religious facilities; highly competitive but directly aligned with IFI’s needs (especially if the building is older or architecturally significant).
- Grant Size: Up to $250,000–$500,000 in capital matching grants (National Fund for Sacred Places awards $4 million for preservation of historic houses of worship). In addition, they provide consulting help (fundraising, architecture, etc.). Since 2016, 138 congregations have received over $26M (24 awards in 2024 averaging ~$167K) (National Fund for Sacred Places awards $4 million for preservation of historic houses of worship) (National Fund for Sacred Places awards $4 million for preservation of historic houses of worship).
- Deadlines: Annual cycle. Typically an initial Letter of Intent (LOI) in winter, with full applications by spring. (For example, the 2024 round had an LOI deadline in March.) Exact dates vary; check the fund’s site for the current year.
- Application: Complete the LOI via the Fund for Sacred Places website. You’ll need to demonstrate the building’s historic significance (usually 50+ years old and architecturally or culturally important), an active congregation or community use, and a plan for how restoration will enhance community services (Grant Funding & Financial Incentives Available to Religious Organizations in Western New York. – Preservation Buffalo Niagara) (Grant Funding & Financial Incentives Available to Religious Organizations in Western New York. – Preservation Buffalo Niagara). If invited, submit a full application with detailed scope, budget, and matching fund strategy.
- Contact/Resources: Partners for Sacred Places (sacredplaces.org) – program information and eligibility guidelines (Grant Funding & Financial Incentives Available to Religious Organizations in Western New York. – Preservation Buffalo Niagara). Email contacts are available on the Fund’s site for questions. The National Trust for Historic Preservation also provides info on this program.
- Maclellan Foundation
- Rationale: A large Christian philanthropic foundation dedicated to advancing the Christian faith through strategic giving. Maclellan has a history of funding capacity-building projects for ministries (including capital projects that help ministries expand their reach). Rebuilding IFI’s center aligns with Maclellan’s mission of “fulfilling the Great Commission…through strategic giving” (20 Most Generous Grant Making Foundations for Christian Organizations - Here-4-You Consulting), as it directly supports ministry to international students.
- Priority: High – Mission alignment is strong (faith-based project), and Maclellan often funds facilities for Christian organizations.
- Grant Size: Medium to large. Grants can range from around $50,000 to a few hundred thousand dollars, depending on project scope and impact. (For instance, Maclellan and affiliated family foundations have made grants of $300K+ to various Christian initiatives (Maclellan Foundation Inc. - Chattanooga, TN - Grantmakers.io) (Maclellan Foundation Inc. - Chattanooga, TN - Grantmakers.io).) A request in the low six-figures for a critical facility need is plausible.
- Deadlines: Rolling – Maclellan accepts grant inquiries throughout the year via their online portal (no fixed annual deadline). The review process is periodic.
- Application: Submit a Grant Inquiry on the Maclellan Foundation website (maclellan.net). You’ll outline your project’s purpose, the ministry impact of the restored building, and funding required. If the project fits, you’ll be invited to submit a full proposal. Emphasize how rebuilding enables discipleship, outreach, and community service to underscore the strategic kingdom impact.
- Contact/Resources: Online grant portal on Maclellan’s website. They do not list direct contact emails for initial inquiries, but you can review their FAQ and possibly reach out to their Chattanooga office for general questions.
- Ohio Safety and Security Grants for Religious Institutions
- Rationale: The State of Ohio has offered grant funding specifically to improve safety at religious institutions, spurred by concerns about violence and vandalism. Gov. Mike DeWine announced nearly $8 million in such funds for security enhancements at churches, synagogues, mosques, etc. (Governor DeWine Announces Availability of Safety and Security ...). While this program focuses on security (cameras, alarms, reinforced doors), IFI can incorporate these upgrades into the rebuild (especially if the fire was due to arson or if improved safety systems are needed).
- Priority: High – Dedicated funding for religious organizations in Ohio; a natural fit to cover elements of the project (security = fire alarms, access control, etc.). Can supplement other capital funds.
- Grant Size: In past rounds, awards were often in the $10,000–$100,000 range per institution (exact cap varies by year’s funding and demand). The total pool was $8M statewide (Governor DeWine Announces Availability of Safety and Security ...). Applicants propose a budget for specific security items.
- Deadlines: Periodic rounds when funding is available. For example, an RFP was announced in October 2022 (Governor DeWine Announces Availability of Safety and Security ...). Future rounds depend on state budget appropriations – typically announced via the Ohio Emergency Management Agency or Department of Public Safety.
- Application: Apply through the Ohio Grants Portal or Public Safety Grants website when the grant is open. You’ll need to complete a risk assessment (identifying security vulnerabilities) and propose projects (e.g. fire alarm systems, security cameras, lighting, sprinkler systems). Since this is a state-level companion to the federal NSGP, coordinate with Ohio Homeland Security for guidance.
- Contact/Resources: Ohio Homeland Security’s grants division or the Governor’s announcements page (Ohio Dept. of Public Safety). The official announcement and guidelines are typically posted on governor.ohio.gov (news releases) and on the Public Safety Grants page (Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) (Ohio)).
- FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)
- Rationale: A federal grant program through DHS that funds target-hardening and security enhancements for nonprofits, with a focus on those at risk of terrorist attacks or hate crimes (including faith-based organizations). If IFI’s fire could have been arson or if the organization is seen as a possible target, NSGP can provide funds to rebuild with better security. Even if the fire was accidental, IFI can apply for improvements (security cameras, perimeter fencing, reinforced doors, etc.) to protect the facility long-term.
- Priority: High – Significant federal funding specifically for nonprofit facilities’ security; widely used by churches and religious centers. This can cover critical systems (alarms, surveillance, access control) as part of the restoration.
- Grant Size: Up to $150,000 per site (and up to $450,000 for organizations with multiple sites) (A Guide to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program - Worship Facility). Many churches and synagogues have received six-figure NSGP grants.
- Deadlines: Annual. The grant is released by FEMA in late winter; Ohio’s applications are usually due around March–April to Ohio EMA, which submits to FEMA by late spring. (Exact dates vary each year; the FY2024 NSGP, for example, opened in February with state deadlines in April).
- Application: Through Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA). First, register in FEMA’s Grants Portal and with Ohio EMA. Complete the Investment Justification form detailing your security risks and proposed equipment/training. Get a vulnerability assessment (law enforcement can assist) to justify needs. IFI should highlight any history of threats or the critical role the building plays (and the impact if it were attacked). The state will review and forward applications to FEMA for final selection (Portman Announces $2.4 Million in Federal Security Resources for ...).
- Contact/Resources: Ohio EMA’s Grants Branch – Nonprofit Security Grant Program coordinator. FEMA’s NSGP Fact Sheet (Portman Announces $2.4 Million in Federal Security Resources for ...) and the Worship Facility security grant guide (A Guide to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program - Worship Facility) are useful references.
- Nationwide Foundation
- Rationale: The Nationwide Insurance Foundation (based in Columbus) focuses on community impact and crisis stabilization. One of their giving priorities is “help pick up the pieces after [a crisis] occurs” (Foundation Funding Guidelines and Restrictions – Nationwide). They explicitly fund capital needs on a case-by-case basis (Foundation Funding Guidelines and Restrictions – Nationwide), especially if it aligns with emergency/basic needs or community enrichment. IFI’s fire recovery could appeal to Nationwide as a community stabilization effort after a disaster.
- Priority: Medium – They have capacity for large grants and local commitment, but funding is competitive and often focused on human services (IFI must frame its services as meeting critical community needs).
- Grant Size: Varies; often in the $25,000 to $100,000 range for local projects, potentially more for exceptional cases. (Nationwide has given major gifts to Red Cross and others; a capital request would likely be in the mid-five figures.)
- Deadlines: Annual cycle. Sept 1 is the typical deadline for grant requests each year (Foundation Funding Guidelines and Restrictions – Nationwide) (if that date falls on a weekend, it remains Sept 1). Decisions are usually made by year-end.
- Application: Through Nationwide’s online grant application portal (via CyberGrants). Begin with their eligibility quiz (Foundation Funding Guidelines and Restrictions – Nationwide). Emphasize how IFI provides essential services to the community at large (since they generally avoid purely religious or fraternal activities, unless serving the broader community (Foundation Funding Guidelines and Restrictions – Nationwide)). Prepare a proposal focusing on how rebuilding will help students/families with basic needs (safety, community, support), fitting their Tier 1 (emergency needs) or Tier 2 (crisis recovery) categories (Foundation Funding Guidelines and Restrictions – Nationwide).
- Contact/Resources: Nationwide Foundation’s website (nationwide.com/about-us/giving) – Funding guidelines and FAQ are provided (Foundation Funding Guidelines and Restrictions – Nationwide) (Foundation Funding Guidelines and Restrictions – Nationwide). All applications are through the online system, but you can email the foundation staff via the contact info on their site for questions.
- American Electric Power (AEP) Foundation
- Rationale: AEP (headquartered in Columbus) supports education, basic needs, and community projects in its service areas (Giving Back) (Giving Back). The AEP Foundation will consider grants to faith-based organizations if the funded activities are non-sectarian and benefit the broad community (Giving Back). IFI’s building, used for community outreach to international students (an underserved group), can qualify as a non-sectarian community service hub even though run by a religious nonprofit. AEP has given large capital grants in Columbus (e.g. $1M to the YWCA) (AEP Foundation Awards $1 Million Grant to YWCA Columbus), demonstrating capacity to support significant projects.
- Priority: Medium – High potential funding amount, but will require framing in terms of community outcomes (education, shelter, etc. rather than explicitly religious use).
- Grant Size: Generally $50,000 and up for capital projects. AEP Foundation grants have ranged from tens of thousands for smaller initiatives to $1M+ for major facilities (AEP Foundation Awards $1 Million Grant to YWCA Columbus) (AEP Foundation Awards $1 Million Grant to YWCA Columbus). A request around $100K is realistic for a community-centered rebuild.
- Deadlines: No fixed deadline; the foundation board meets periodically. Applications are by invitation – you must be invited by a local AEP operating company or contact to apply (Giving Back). They accept inquiries year-round through local AEP corporate outreach staff.
- Application: Initial step is to reach out to AEP Ohio’s External Affairs/Community Affairs personnel with a short summary of the project to seek an invitation. If invited, you’ll apply online (via AEP’s grant application portal). Make sure to highlight how the facility provides services like cultural integration, education (maybe language classes or job help for internationals), or emergency shelter in crises – aligning with AEP’s focus on education and basic needs (Giving Back) (Giving Back). Also note AEP’s stipulation that funds won’t support worship activities – reassure that grant funds would be used for the community-serving aspects of the building (like common spaces, classrooms, etc.) (Giving Back).
- Contact/Resources: AEP Ohio Community Affairs (email: [email protected] (Giving Back)). The AEP Foundation’s Giving Back webpage details focus areas and the need for an invitation (Giving Back) (Giving Back). Connect with AEP representatives who often attend local nonprofit forums or through the United Way agency network in Columbus.
- Trinity Church Wall Street Philanthropies – Mission Real Estate Development
- Rationale: Trinity Church (NYC) is a well-endowed Episcopal church that gives grants globally, including to non-Episcopal organizations, in areas like community development and leadership. One initiative, Mission Real Estate Development, supports projects where property is leveraged to advance ministry and community good (Grants | Trinity Church) (Grants | Trinity Church). Trinity has funded construction/renovation of churches and community centers that align with their goals (e.g., affordable housing, community hubs, training centers) – even large grants like $387K for a church construction in Tanzania (Grantees | Trinity Church). IFI’s project could attract Trinity’s interest if framed in terms of social justice (e.g., serving international students = promoting cross-cultural understanding and supporting immigrants) or leadership development (preparing young leaders in faith).
- Priority: Medium – Potentially large grant and expertise, but requires alignment with Trinity’s strategic priorities (racial justice, leadership, homelessness, etc.) (Grants | Trinity Church). Need to find a strong angle beyond just rebuilding.
- Grant Size: $80,000–$350,000 typical (Grants | Trinity Church). Trinity’s grants often fall in this range, though they have given both smaller and larger amounts. (They note most grants are in the five- to low six-figures, and they have awarded some up to $500K or more in exceptional cases (Grantees | Trinity Church) (Grantees | Trinity Church).)
- Deadlines: Rolling LOIs. Trinity accepts Letters of Inquiry year-round for Mission Real Estate Development, reviewed twice annually (Grants | Trinity Church). If an LOI is of interest, they will invite a full application. Other initiative areas (housing, racial justice, leadership) also accept inquiries on a rolling basis.
- Application: Complete the eligibility quiz on Trinity’s grant portal (Fluxx) (Grants | Trinity Church) to determine alignment. If eligible, register and submit a Letter of Inquiry outlining the project. In the LOI, emphasize how rebuilding IFI’s facility will address Trinity’s focus areas: for example, Racial Justice (perhaps highlighting service to diverse international students including underserved populations), Leadership Development (if IFI trains volunteers or young leaders for ministry), or Community engagement (how the space will serve as a hub for community activities). If Trinity sees a fit, they will invite a full proposal and work closely through due diligence.
- Contact/Resources: Trinity Church Philanthropies portal (tws.fluxx.io) – for submitting inquiries (Grants | Trinity Church). They do not list a direct contact for unsolicited inquiries, but if you need assistance, emailing [email protected] is advised (as noted for technical help on their site). Refer to their online FAQ for guidance on LOIs and see “Mission Real Estate Development” on Trinity’s website for examples and criteria.
- Lilly Endowment Inc.
- Rationale: Lilly Endowment is a major private foundation (based in Indiana) with a long-standing focus on religion, community development, and education (Lilly Endowment Inc.). They often fund large initiatives for Christian organizations – including capital projects – especially if they advance Lilly’s goal of strengthening Christian congregations or supporting youth and young adult ministries. While Lilly typically funds through initiatives (rather than unsolicited grants), IFI’s situation – a fire-damaged ministry center serving young adults – overlaps areas Lilly has invested in (campus ministry, youth faith formation, etc.). A well-crafted proposal might attract their interest or be folded into an existing Lilly initiative (for example, programs that help organizations recover to continue youth outreach).
- Priority: Medium – Tremendous grant size potential, but low probability without a tie-in to Lilly’s current programs. Use if a big visionary proposal can be made (e.g., turning the rebuild into a model interfaith hospitality center or training hub, which might interest Lilly’s religion program).
- Grant Size: Very large if granted. Lilly is known for multimillion-dollar grants; for a single-organization project, grants in the $100,000s are feasible. (For instance, Lilly recently gave nearly $8M to a seminary for a project (Nearly $8 Million Lilly Endowment grant renews work of Louisville ...), and funds like the National Fund for Sacred Places are backed by Lilly.) A smaller ask (say $200K–$500K) to restore a critical ministry facility could be in scope.
- Deadlines: No fixed deadlines – Lilly does not have an open submission cycle for general grants. Instead, they issue RFPs for initiatives. However, they do accept inquiries and proposals at any time, which are considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Application: Prepare a formal letter/proposal to Lilly Endowment’s Religion Division. The proposal should connect the building restoration to broader outcomes: how will this enable IFI to deepen faith among young people, foster community, or innovate in ministry? Highlight any unique aspects (serving international students – global and ecumenical significance). Send the proposal to Lilly Endowment (they provide a physical address for submissions; some initiatives have online portals when announced). Patience is key – unsolicited proposals undergo lengthy review. It may help to have a connection or an intermediary introduce the project to Lilly program officers, if possible.
- Contact/Resources: Lilly Endowment website’s Religion section lists recent grant topics (Lilly Endowment Inc.). Direct inquiries can be sent to the Endowment’s main office in Indianapolis. While they don’t publicize staff emails, a phone call to the Endowment’s office (317-924-5471) to ask about proposal submission guidelines for a special project might provide guidance.
- State of Ohio Capital Budget (Community Project Funding)
- Rationale: The Ohio General Assembly passes a capital budget every two years that often includes earmarks for community projects – from arts centers to youth clubs and sometimes facilities for social service or faith-based organizations (typically justified by community benefit). IFI’s rebuilding could potentially be included as a “community project” in an upcoming capital bill, especially with support from local state legislators. This route has been used by libraries, YMCAs, and others in Central Ohio to get one-time funding.
- Priority: Medium – Can yield a large grant, but requires political advocacy and isn’t guaranteed. Good to pursue in parallel with other grants, especially if IFI has relationships with any legislators or strong community backing.
- Grant Size: $50,000 to $250,000 commonly, but could be more or less depending on the project scope and legislative support. (Many community projects get an appropriation around $100K.) Funds come as a line-item in the state capital bill.
- Deadlines: The capital budget is usually crafted in the first half of even-numbered years (2024, 2026, etc.). Legislators typically solicit community project requests in the fall of the prior year or very early in the budget year. For example, outreach for the 2025–26 capital budget may happen in late 2024.
- Application: This is a legislative request rather than a typical grant application. Steps: Identify your Ohio House and Senate representatives for the district where the building is located. Prepare a concise project brief (scope, cost, community impact, matching funds ready). Request meetings with those legislators and pitch the restoration project as deserving of state capital support (emphasize economic and social benefits: e.g., neighborhood revitalization, educational programs for international students, etc.). If they agree, they will submit it for consideration in the capital budget. Engaging a coalition of community supporters (other nonprofits, local officials, campus leaders) to endorse the request can strengthen your case.
- Contact/Resources: Local state legislators’ offices (find via Ohio House/Senate websites). The Ohio Office of Budget and Management (OBM) typically releases guidelines for community project submissions – check OBM or ask your legislators if a formal request form is needed. Keep an eye on news from the Ohio Senate Finance Committee in early 2025 for any calls for project submissions.
- USA Today Network’s “A Community Thrives” Grants
- Huntington Foundation (Huntington Bank)