Grant Program

Thank you for your interest in our grant program. Please review our Grant Eligibility Information carefully prior to submitting a request.

Grants will only be considered for those that meet our Eligibility Requirements.

General Information

The St. Marys Methodist Church Foundation, Inc. is a supporting organization to the St. Marys Methodist Church and was established in January 2001. We are a non-profit, Christian organization, which makes grants to non-profit, tax-exempt, charitable organizations and ministries, which are exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. Our mission is to be a lasting, effective and compassionate charitable resource for agencies in Southeast Georgia, the nation and the world that respond to people in need, for organizations related to Methodism, and for organizations that promote evangelical Christianity.

Grant Cycles

The Spring Grant Cycle for the St. Marys Methodist Church Foundation is open from November 1st to December 1^st. The Fall Grant Cycle is open from May 1^st to June 1^st. Proposals must be submitted through our grant portal which can be accessed through our website, www.stmarysmethodistfoundation.org.

Grants are made twice each year through a Spring Grant Cycle and a Fall Grant Cycle. The application process is a two-step process. Proposals submitted between November 1^st and December 1^st will be reviewed for further consideration for the Spring Cycle. Proposals selected must then complete grant applications. Completed grant applications submitted by February 1^st will be considered for the Spring Cycle and reviewed by the Board of Directors in April. Funds for the Spring Cycle will be disbursed in June. Proposals submitted between May 1^st and June 1^st will be reviewed for further consideration for the Fall Cycle. Proposals selected must then complete grant applications. Completed grant applications submitted by August 1^st will be considered for the Fall Grant Cycle and reviewed by the Board of Directors in October. Funds for the Fall Cycle will be disbursed in December.

Grant Making Priorities

Proposals must be submitted through our new online grant portal and will be accepted pertaining to the following guidelines:

Consideration is limited to organizations working in Southeast Georgia (Brantley, Camden, Charlton, and Glynn Counties) that provide for people in need and/or promote evangelical Christianity.
Additionally, the Foundation will also consider the following Methodist organizations working in South Georgia:

Magnolia Manor (All Campuses)
Methodist Home for Children & Youth (All Campuses)
Open Door Community House (Columbus)
Vashti Center (Thomasville)
Wesley Community Center (Savannah)
Wesley Foundation at Georgia Southern
Wesley Foundation at Mercer University
Wesley Foundation at Valdosta State
Wesley Glen Ministries (Macon)

Applicants must qualify as IRS recognized 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organizations.

The Foundation is most interested in proposals that provide:

A clear understanding of the “change” for which their organization exists to accomplish
A clear description of expected outcomes and tangible evidence that the expected outcomes are achievable
Evidence the program/project has the potential to improve the sustainability of individuals
Evidence of organizational sustainability
Opportunities for collaboration between organizations
Opportunities to leverage grant dollars via matching grants, etc.

The SMMC Foundation is not accepting any new requests for international projects and programs at this time.

The St. Marys Methodist Church Foundation will not typically consider the following for grants:

Organizations that do not meet the charitable status requirements of IRS Code 501(c)(3)
Individuals
Individual Scholarships
Debt reduction or previously incurred deficits for any reason.
Business Ventures
Loans
Endowments
Brick and mortar projects for individual churches including new buildings, renovations, repairs, and furnishings.
Arts / Culture
Environmental Projects
Animals
Social Clubs
Sports/Recreation/Leisure
Meetings and Conferences
The production of videos, films, and other recordings.
Historic Preservation Projects
Individual church projects where a collaborative effort with other churches may be more beneficial and effective.
Vehicles (i.e., automobiles, vans, buses, etc.)
General benevolence; food & clothing distribution, etc.

For further information, please see our website at www.stmarysmethodistfoundation.org or call the Foundation office at (912) 510-9350.

Grants will only be considered for those who submit a proposal through our online grant portal. For more information, please contact the Foundation office at (912) 510-9350.

Apply Here