Building or Renovating a church can feel like a monumental task. But what if we told you there are grants for church building available that can help you bring your faith-based vision to life?

Imagine walking into your dream sanctuary—pews filled, walls solid, a sound system that elevates worship, and classrooms for youth ministry. The only thing standing between you and this vision? Funding.

Whether you’re planting a new church, restoring a historical chapel, or expanding your current facility to better serve your community, this guide will walk you step-by-step through the top grants, eligibility tips, writing strategies, and real-life success stories.

Let’s explore how your church can tap into the financial resources designed to build, uplift, and expand God’s kingdom—brick by brick.

 Why Churches Seek Building Grants

Churches are more than worship centers—they are community anchors, often providing food, shelter, education, counseling, and outreach. But physical buildings deteriorate. And growing ministries need more space.

You might need a grant for:

• New church construction
• Major renovation or expansion
• Accessibility improvements (ramps, elevators, widened doors)
• Energy-efficient upgrades (HVAC, roofing, insulation)
• Historic preservation of older sanctuaries

The challenge? Most traditional grants don’t fund religious worship facilities directly.

But don’t be discouraged—there are creative, strategic paths to secure funding for church building projects, especially when they include community-focused purposes.

 Top Grants for Church Building Projects

Below are some of the most accessible and impactful grant sources churches have successfully used for building projects:

1. Lilly Endowment Religion Grants

The Lilly Endowment funds religious organizations, with a focus on strengthening congregations, supporting leadership, and enhancing community impact.

While they don’t fund worship-only construction, they do support projects that combine spiritual growth with community service—like education centers, counseling spaces, and community rooms.

Example Project: A midwest church received $500,000 to renovate an old gym into a multipurpose youth outreach and worship center.

2. The National Fund for Sacred Places

If your church is historically significant, the National Fund for Sacred Places is one of the only dedicated grant programs for church buildings in the U.S.

Grants range from $50,000 to $250,000 and support:

• Capital improvements
• Accessibility upgrades
• Structural stabilization
• Community-use expansions

You must be a 501(c)(3) and the building must be at least 50 years old.

3. Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)

Administered by HUD and distributed through city and county governments, CDBG funding can support church facilities—when they serve public purposes.

This includes:

• Food pantries
• After-school programs
• Homeless shelters
• Daycare centers

Tip: Frame your project as a community service hub.

4. State and Local Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO)

Many states offer historic preservation grants to protect culturally significant buildings. If your church is over 50 years old, it may qualify.

These grants fund:

• Roof and window replacement
• Masonry repair
• ADA improvements

5. Denominational Grants and Loans

Many denominations offer internal funding for construction and renovation, including:

• United Methodist Church Building Fund
• Catholic Extension Society Grants
• Church of the Nazarene Development Fund
• Baptist State Convention Facility Loans

Check with your regional district or national office for denominational resources.

 Real-Life Example: From Dream to Sanctuary

Zion Tab in Georgia had a leaking roof, no space for children’s church, and a sanctuary too small for its growing congregation.

After enrolling in grant training, they:

• Framed their expansion as a community wellness center with counseling rooms and job training classrooms.
• Secured $100,000 in CDBG funds
• Won a $75,000 matching grant from a regional faith-based foundation
• Raised $40,000 through a church-led capital campaign

Today, they serve over 1,000 people a week through both spiritual and social services.

 How to Write a Compelling Church Building Grant Proposal

Writing a winning proposal starts with telling the right story—one that connects your church’s mission with the funder’s values.

1.  Start With the Problem

What need does your church face? Is it leaking? Inaccessible? Too small for your outreach programs?

2.  Share the Vision

Describe how a new or renovated building will impact:

• Worship services
• Community outreach
• Youth and elderly programs
• Emergency response

Make the vision feel urgent and achievable.

3.  Show the Budget

Include a clear breakdown:

• Construction estimates
• Materials
• Permits
• Accessibility features

Bonus: Mention in-kind contributions and local fundraising to show buy-in.

4. Connect With the Funder

Tailor your request to the funder’s priorities. If they value community health, highlight how your church serves as a health screening location or counseling site.

5.  Attach the Right Documents

• IRS nonprofit letter (or fiscal sponsor if needed)
• Photos of the current building
• Letters of support
• Budget & timeline

 Tips to Maximize Your Church’s Grant Eligibility

Become a 501(c)(3): While churches are tax-exempt, having a 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsor increases funding access.
Partner with nonprofits: Collaborate with local orgs to apply jointly.
Document your community impact: Track who you serve weekly (kids, elderly, food programs).
Use data + testimony: Pair statistics with personal stories of transformation.

Use a Grant Calendar to Stay Organized

Timing matters. Many church-focused grants are seasonal or have specific deadlines.

Use a Grant Calendar Template to track:

• Deadlines
• Submission status
• Contact persons
• Reporting dates

 Join the Faith Based Grants Founding Membership

Are you tired of trying to write grants on your own, getting stuck, or hearing crickets after you submit?

It’s time to change that.

When you join our Founding Membership, you get:

•  Editable templates for church proposals, LOIs, and budgets
•  Monthly live trainings on faith-based funding
•  One-on-one feedback on your proposals
• A vault of winning examples and real funder lists
•  Bonus: Our Church Capital Campaign Toolkit

Click here to become a Founding Member

 Stay in the Loop with the Faith Based Grants Newsletter

Subscribe to the Faith Based Grants Newsletter to get:

•  Weekly grant alerts for churches
•  Proposal writing tips
•  Templates and checklists
• Inspiration from funded ministries
• Access to our private Facebook community

Subscribe now and stay grant-ready all year round!