2026 Grant Process

Due to the amazing response and generosity of Emmanuel members and friends, the Endowment Team is pleased to announce the 2026 application process for grants from the Emmanuel Lutheran Church (ELC) Endowment was very successful in receiving many applications.  The application window for 2026 is now closed.

The ELC Endowment provides grants to 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) charitable organizations, including Emmanuel, to support projects or ministries that align with Emmanuel’s mission and help us carry forward God’s work in our congregation, our community, and our world in a way that extends beyond our annual operating budget.

Available Grants

The Endowment invests the donations it receives and uses the income and earnings to provide grant funding for two purposes: Community Impact and ELC Facility Care.

Community Impact

Community Impact grants may be used to transform or enhance one of Emmanuel’s existing ministries or to launch a new ministry. A Community Impact grant also may be directed to 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) charitable organizations other than Emmanuel.

ELC Facility Care

ELC Facility Care grants are used to care for Emmanuel’s church facility, including maintaining, managing, and improving the physical campus or financing future technological needs.

Review Process

Emmanuel’s Endowment Team will review all Endowment Grant Applications to determine which, if any, will receive funding.  The Endowment Team will notify all grant seekers about the disposition of their requests, whether positive or negative, on or before March 8, 2026.  Notifications will be made in writing via email and will be sent to the person who submitted the grant application.

Once all grants are awarded in each annual funding cycle, applications for grants that were declined become void.  To be considered for a grant in the next annual funding cycle, an applicant or ELC sponsor must submit a new Endowment Grant Application Form.

 

In 2025, Emmanuel awarded grants to the following entities:

  • Caroline Furnace Camp and Retreat Center
  • Committee For Helping Others
  • Emmanuel’s Preschool
  • Emmanuel’s Property Team
  • Emmanuel’s Youth Team
  • FACETS
  • Girl Scout Nation's Capitol Troop #54019
  • Gracing Spaces
  • Mar-Lu-Ridge Camp and Retreat Center
  • Reset 180
  • Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia
  • The Lamb Center