Foundations Programs: Religion

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, New Brighton, MN

The Foundations' principal commitment in the field of religion is to graduate theological education. We believe that theological education makes an important contribution to our nation's moral integrity and future.

Grants are made to U.S. institutions that are fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. All denominations are eligible. As in our private higher education program, evaluations of competing requests focus on the overall quality of the applying institutions. The Trustees' goal is to make good institutions even better.

Support goes generally to seminaries or divinity schools known for academic excellence and whose primary mission is to prepare students for ordination to pastoral or pulpit ministry. These institutions should have a solid record of financial stability, including strong trustee and alumni/ae support, and a faculty of high quality. They should also be preparing students to lead deliberations
on the complex social and moral issues facing the church such as interfaith dialogue and understanding poverty, sexual orientation, gender, and end of life. 

No preference exists for any particular category or type of project for which grants are requested. Proposals should be signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the institution and represent a high priority for reinforcing institutional excellence. Requests are not considered from institutions in leadership transition. The head of a seminary or divinity school should be in office for at least one year prior to submitting a grant request. Because of intense competition in this program and our limited resources, those who receive grants need to wait at least four years from the time of an award before reapplying for a grant. Proposals from recognized consortia representing several seminaries are welcome. Similarly, joint proposals from two or more seminaries sharing programs and/or facilities are of interest. Grants in religion range from $100,000 to an upper limit of $200,000.

For Frequently Asked Questions in Religion, please click here.