Grant Opportunity Spotlight: Esther and Harold Mertz Foundation Grant

Why This Grant Opportunity Matters for Churches and Nonprofits

If your church or faith-based nonprofit is seeking a grant opportunity to expand its community outreach, improve facilities, or launch new programs, the Esther and Harold Mertz Foundation Grant opportunity offers funding ranging from $10,000 to $1,000,000 on a rolling basis.

The Mertz Foundation specifically funds faith-based, educational, medical, and recreational initiatives that align with its mission of improving living standards, fostering independence, and empowering individuals through tangible community support.

What This Grant Opportunity Can Fund for Churches

Here’s how your church could use this grant opportunity:

✅ Feeding Programs: Establish or expand your food pantry, community meals, weekend backpack programs, or soup kitchens to address hunger in your community.

✅ Transitional Housing: Launch or improve shelter programs for single mothers, foster youth aging out of care, or families in crisis, especially if your church desires to establish tiny homes or temporary housing on your property.

✅ After-School and Youth Programs: Develop STEM clubs, arts programs, tutoring services, or faith-based mentorship programs that help children and teens discover skills and purpose while providing a safe environment after school.

✅ Health Outreach: Host free health clinics, dental screenings, or mental health counseling services on your campus for underinsured or uninsured community members.

✅ Music and Recreation Ministries: Fund the purchase of musical instruments for a youth worship band, launch a dance ministry, or start a sports outreach league as a bridge for discipleship and community connection.

✅ Facility Improvements: Upgrade your church kitchen for food programs, improve your sanctuary for accessibility, or convert underused rooms into classrooms for community education.

✅ Emergency Response Ministries: Establish disaster response teams that can provide temporary shelter, food distribution, and emotional support during local crises.

The Esther and Harold Mertz Foundation Grant opportunity is ideal for churches wanting to combine faith with practical outreach, demonstrating the Gospel in action while meeting tangible needs.

How Exousia Can Help You Win This Grant Opportunity

Pursuing large grants can be overwhelming, but Exousia is here to guide your church step-by-step:

✨ Strategic Grant Readiness Assessment: We’ll help you identify which programs are strongest for submission.

✨ Compelling Narrative Development: We craft stories that showcase your church’s impact in ways funders appreciate.

✨ Budget Structuring: We’ll align your program needs with realistic, funder-friendly budgets.

✨ Pre-Application & Full Application Support: Exousia will manage deadlines, required documentation, and submission strategy so your team can stay focused on ministry.

Many churches miss out on opportunities like the Mertz Foundation simply due to lack of preparation. Let Exousia position your church to move confidently, without feeling lost in grant requirements.

How to Apply

✅ Step 1: Confirm your 501(c)(3) status and review the foundation’s guidelines.

✅ Step 2: Complete the pre-application online here.

✅ Step 3: Await response within 30 days; be prepared for a possible site visit.

✅ Step 4: If invited, submit a full application for board review.

📧 Contact: mtanjeloff@mertzfoundation.org | ☎️ (605) 271-5175

Ready to Pursue This Grant Opportunity?

The Esther and Harold Mertz Foundation Grant opportunity is a powerful resource for churches seeking to expand programs that demonstrate Christ’s love through practical community service.

Ready to take the next step?

✨ Book a free grant consultation with Exousia today. 

We will walk alongside you to develop a competitive grant package that aligns your mission with funder priorities, helping you grow your impact and sustainability for the Kingdom.