Clergy Wellness Grant Programs (2027 & 2028)
The Church Benefits Association (CBA) is pleased to offer two clergy wellness grant programs for 2027 & 2028, funded through a Lilly Endowment Hub Grant. These programs support member organizations in strengthening and expanding care for clergy.
Together, these opportunities focus on enhancing clergy well-being across spiritual, mental, physical, and financial dimensions.
Learn More
For full details on program structure, eligibility, funding, and timelines, please review the one-page overview.
Clergy Wellness Grant Overview
Additional details, including application guidelines and requirements, will be released in Summer 2026.
CBA Hub Grant Frequently Asked Questions
There are two grant opportunities: Full Scale Denominational Grants and Be Still and Know Grants. Can my organization apply for both this year?
Yes. These are separate grant opportunities with distinct proposals. Applying for or receiving one grant does not affect your eligibility to apply for or receive the other.
Are the matching requirements the same for both programs?
Yes. The matching requirements are the same for both programs.
What are potential sources of matching funds?
Potential sources of matching funds may include denominational contributions, in-kind support, registration fees, fees for service, congregational contributions, and endowment income. Interest earned on grant fund holdings is not an eligible source of matching funds.
Does the amount we apply for affect our chances of being funded? Do the amount of matching funds we pledge affect our chances of being funded?
Funding decisions are based on multiple factors, not simply the dollar amount requested or the percentage of matching funds pledged. That said, proposals that demonstrate flexibility in scope or budget may be easier to fund, particularly when available resources do not allow all requests to be funded at their full amount.
What are the restrictions on how grant funds can be used?
CBA grant funds must be used for programs and/or sub-grants that serve clergy within the United States. For purposes of this grant, the definition of clergy is based on the wording in your plan document. Grant funds should be prioritized for clergy serving congregations.
Matching funds, however, may be used more broadly, including to support clergy outside the United States or in non-congregational settings.
How does the Be Still and Know grant work?
Be Still and Know grants provide $5,000 to support an additional month of leave for clergy, beyond their regular sick leave and vacation time, when a congregation agrees to provide that leave. To be eligible, the clergy person must be serving a church with average Sunday attendance of fewer than 125 and an annual budget under $200,000. Grant funds may be used in ways that support the month of leave, such as travel for the clergy person and/or family, spiritual direction, counseling, meal service, or pulpit supply.
For approved proposals, funds will be awarded in a lump sum to the CBA member organization. The member organization is responsible for distributing the grants in $5,000 increments according to its proposed process.
Can we allocate grant funds for personnel for programming and/or administrative support of grant programs?
Yes. Grant funds may be used for personnel costs that are directly related to planning, implementing, and evaluating grant-supported programming.
What is the timeline for spending grant funds?
Grant funds must be spent within 18 months of receipt.
Can my organization apply for funds in 2027 and 2028?
If my organization receives funding in 2027, will that affect our chances of receiving funding in 2028?
Each application cycle will be reviewed on its own merits. Prior funding may be considered as part of the overall review process, including factors such as program progress, use of prior funds, and the number of organizations seeking support. Receiving funding in one year does not automatically disqualify an organization from future funding.
Will everyone who applies in 2027 receive a grant?
No. The Grant Oversight Committee has a maximum amount of $15,000,000 in grant funds they may recommend for disbursement in 2027. We anticipate receiving more grant requests than there will be funds available this year.
If my organization applies for and does not receive funding in 2027, will that affect our chances of receiving funding in 2028?
Each proposal will be reviewed on its own merits. If you do not receive funding in 2027, your organization will have access to tools and resources to help you craft a stronger proposal for 2028.
What will reporting requirements look like?
Reporting requirements will include financial reporting, program updates, and participant assessment data.
What are the terms of receiving grant funds?
What information will we need to provide for the grant proposal?
When the proposal criteria are made available, a link to that information will be provided here.
Can CBA staff review proposals prior to submission?
No. To protect the integrity of the adjudication process, CBA staff can have conversations with CBA members about proposal ideas, but cannot review application documents.
What is the process after I submit my organization’s proposal?
Proposals will first be reviewed by CBA staff for completeness and then forwarded to the CBA Grant Oversight Committee for adjudication. The committee will recommend a slate of organizations for funding to the board in early November. All organizations will be notified of their application status in mid-November, and funds are expected to be available by the end of January 2027.
What criteria will the Grant Oversight Committee be using to make decisions?
A variety of criteria will be used to fund a cross-section of CBA organizations and kinds of clergy. Questions to consider as you shape a proposal:
Questions
Rev. Dr. Victoria White, Vice President of Grants and Programs — [email protected]
Rev. Billy Norden, Assistant Vice President of Grants and Programs — [email protected]
