Any and all 501c3 Christian ministries with a valid IRS 990 form are eligible to apply. All applicants must reflect an annual budget of $4 million or less (total expense budget, not revenue). Churches are not eligible. Simply click here to get started.
In 2012, we are presenting even more ways to encourage and financially support ministries that are giving life.
It’s an easy, breezy, beautiful process. Browse through the applicants first, pick which one you want to support with your votes, then click vote.
Create an account and provide us with your Facebook and/or your Twitter handle. You can vote up to five times in this way:
The first season will run from Feb. 22 to May 22, and recipients will be announced on June 4.
Actually, no. The donor(s) for each ministry category—in conjunction with the Giving of Life founders—will choose one of the five ministries with the most votes (in each category) to be the grant recipient. It’s one of the many reasons we are creating ways throughout the year for ministries to gain value and encouragement from Giving of Life, even if it’s not always financial.
We’ve engaged with a several ministry leaders who say there’s an incredible amount of pressure and anxiety (sometimes self-imposed) that comes with living up to donor expectations. So much so, that trying to meet specific metrics and ROI goals distracts from their original vision, day-to-day execution, and ministry purpose.
The approach to these grants is as simple as they come, which makes us feel a bit different (in a refreshing way). We don’t require you to provide metrics, give excessive strategies, hire a grant writer, or fill out stacks of forms. This is your chance to skip all the expected hubbub and just shoot straight with us. What makes your ministry tick? What’s your passion? Why do you do what you do? How are you giving life to others?
We want you to feel uplifted and encouraged in this application process. It should not be a heavy burden and we believe it will be worth your time. If you have suggested improvements, we’re all ears. We welcome your input. Just e-mail us at connect@givingoflife.com or fill out the feedback box, below.
So many ways!
1. Vote. Take this opportunity to cast your votes for ministries you care about. And then invite everyone you know to vote. And then invite them to invite everyone they know to vote. And then . . . okay, you get the point. That’s what you can do to get started.
2. Encourage. This year, we have created a way for you to encourage ministries that are serving others with more than just your vote. If you visit a ministry’s profile page, you will notice an area at the bottom left that says “Encourage this ministry.” Within that section, you can send them an email, Tweet, or post a message to Facebook that will give them props. So, please reach out to a few today!
3. Pray. God is the reason each of these ministries exists and He can do far more to bless and encourage them than we can! Pray that this process will be rewarding and valuable to every ministry and individual involved and that God will receive all of the glory.
4. Donate. You can donate to Giving of Life itself by using the donate button at the bottom of the site or give to a specific ministry category on their campaign pages. We still have entire ministry categories that need to be funded! If you want to be that source of encouragement for a ministry category, please e-mail connect@givingoflife.com.
5. Share. In our Get Involved section, we have created numerous ways you can share Giving of Life with others. From banners to badges, social media to blog posts, we want you to be well-equipped to spread the word about the amazing ministries participating in Giving of Life.
The SoulCare Project helps leaders step out of the chaos of life, temporarily disengage from the busyness of their work, focus on Jesus and what He’s trying to do and say—and find rest and refreshment for the heart. The Giving of Life Grant is an opportunity to take that message further by eliminating some of the red tape ministries are subjected to during a traditional grant application and award process. We want to make it simple for them to apply for the support they need.
ResonateSM helps ministries develop innovative brands that resonate through strategic and creative thinking, branding, and communications. Our desire has always been serve ministries for free and provide them with the clarity, tools, and support they need to grow and expand their footprint. Giving of Life is one way we are attempting to pour value into ministries for the sake of the gospel.
To request an interview with the Giving of Life founders or for more information, please contact Sarah Gallagher at 508-591-5433 or e-mail sarah.gallagher@givingoflife.com.
