FAQ
Getting your church grant-ready
What to have in place before you apply, and how to handle the paperwork questions unique to congregations.
- Do we need an EIN or a determination letter to apply?
- You'll need an EIN. A 501(c)(3) determination letter is often optional for churches, because churches are automatically tax-exempt — but you'll sometimes need it anyway, when a funder uses third-party verification (like Walmart's) or requires proof of status (like the Calvin Institute). For FEMA's NSGP specifically, the notice says you don't need it.
- What does the FEMA security grant require us to submit?
- Through your State Administrative Agency: an Investment Justification, a vulnerability assessment for each physical address (missing one can get your application rejected), and a mission statement. You'll also need a free SAM.gov / UEI registration. Build in time — the vulnerability assessment and SAM registration both take a while.
- Should our food pantry or community program be its own nonprofit?
- It's one of several options, and often the cleanest. A separate 501(c)(3) for the community program keeps grant eligibility and budgets clearly separate, at the cost of running a second organization. The alternatives: rely on the church's automatic exempt status with an explanation, get a voluntary determination letter, or check whether your denomination's group exemption covers you. This is a pattern to weigh, not legal advice.
- Where do we find the programs available in our state?
- Several of the best programs run through state offices, so the specifics vary by where you are: FEMA NSGP goes through your State Administrative Agency, USDA Community Facilities through your state Rural Development office, and food ministry through your regional food bank. That state-by-state variation is exactly why you search rather than rely on a national list.
Most of getting ready is paperwork you can do once and reuse. Work through the grant-prep checklist, and keep the funded program’s budget separate from your religious activities from day one.
Next step
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