Open Call: Emerging Leader Grants (US)

The Emerging Leader Grants provide $15,000 over two years to support rising nonprofit professionals working at Christian organizations in the United States. The program funds innovative community initiatives serving under-resourced populations while investing in the leadership development of emerging nonprofit leaders.

Program Overview

The Emerging Leader Grants are designed to strengthen the next generation of nonprofit leaders by supporting professionals in the early stages of their careers who are leading meaningful community programs. The program invests in both leadership development and innovative nonprofit initiatives that improve the lives of people living in under-resourced communities across the United States.

Each grant combines funding for program implementation with dedicated resources for professional leadership development, enabling emerging leaders to expand their impact while building long-term leadership capacity.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Develop emerging nonprofit leaders.
• Strengthen Christian nonprofit organizations.
• Support innovative community programs.
• Improve outcomes for under-resourced communities.
• Invest in leadership growth and professional development.
• Encourage new and creative approaches to community challenges.
• Expand the impact of nonprofit programs.

Priority Funding Areas

The program supports:

• Leadership development
• Christian nonprofit initiatives
• Community development
• Programs serving under-resourced communities
• Innovative nonprofit solutions
• Expanded or redesigned community programs
• New program implementation
• Sustainable community impact

Funding Information

• Total Grant Amount: $15,000
• Grant Duration: Two years

Funding is divided as follows:

• $10,000 for implementing the nonprofit program.
• $5,000 for leadership development opportunities for the emerging leader.

Eligible Activities

Funding may support:

• Launching a new community program
• Expanding an existing initiative
• Redesigning a current program
• Implementing innovative service models
• Leadership training and professional development
• Capacity building for nonprofit leaders
• Community-focused programming benefiting underserved populations

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must meet the following requirements:

Eligible Organizations

• Christian 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
• Organizations with a valid EIN
• Organizations recognized by the IRS
• Organizations located in the United States
• Organizations serving communities within the United States

Eligible Programs

Programs must:

• Serve under-resourced communities.
• Be new, significantly expanded, substantially revised, or innovative.
• Be led by an emerging nonprofit professional.

Ineligible Activities

The program does not fund:

• Organizations located outside the United States
• Programs serving communities outside the United States
• Fundraising campaigns
• Event sponsorships
• Scholarships or direct funding to individuals
• Planning grants
• Advocacy or public policy initiatives
• Multiple Emerging Leader Grants awarded to the same individual

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Organizational Eligibility

Ensure your organization:

• Holds Christian 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
• Has a valid EIN.
• Is recognized by the IRS.
• Operates within the United States.

Step 2: Develop a Qualifying Program

Prepare a program that:

• Serves under-resourced communities.
• Represents a new, expanded, redesigned, or innovative initiative.
• Demonstrates measurable community impact.

Step 3: Identify the Emerging Leader

Select the nonprofit professional who will:

• Lead the proposed program.
• Participate in leadership development activities.
• Oversee project implementation during the grant period.

Step 4: Prepare the Application

Develop a proposal describing:

• Organizational mission
• Community needs
• Program objectives
• Activities and timeline
• Expected outcomes
• Leadership development plan
• Budget allocation

Step 5: Submit the Application

Complete and submit all required application materials according to the program guidelines before the deadline.

Why This Grant Matters

Strong nonprofit leadership is essential for creating lasting community impact. The Emerging Leader Grants help organizations invest in talented professionals while supporting innovative programs that address the needs of underserved communities.

The program contributes to:

• Leadership succession within nonprofits
• Stronger community organizations
• Improved services for vulnerable populations
• Innovation in nonprofit programming
• Long-term organizational sustainability
• Professional growth for future nonprofit leaders

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying with programs outside the United States.
• Proposing projects that do not serve under-resourced communities.
• Requesting funding for fundraising events or sponsorships.
• Submitting planning-only proposals.
• Failing to explain the innovative nature of the program.
• Not including a leadership development component.
• Applying for multiple grants for the same emerging leader.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain the community need your program addresses.
• Demonstrate why the proposed program is new or innovative.
• Present measurable outcomes and realistic goals.
• Show how leadership development will strengthen both the individual and the organization.
• Provide a detailed implementation timeline.
• Explain the long-term sustainability of the program.
• Highlight organizational capacity to deliver successful results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Emerging Leader Grants program?

It is a leadership and program funding initiative that supports emerging nonprofit professionals working at Christian organizations serving under-resourced communities in the United States.

How much funding is available?

Each grant provides $15,000 over two years, including $10,000 for program implementation and $5,000 for leadership development.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants are Christian 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a valid EIN and IRS recognition that operate and serve communities within the United States.

What types of programs are eligible?

Programs must serve under-resourced communities and be new, significantly expanded, substantially revised, or demonstrate an innovative approach.

Can funding be used for fundraising events?

No. The program does not support fundraising campaigns or event sponsorships.

Are advocacy or policy projects eligible?

No. Advocacy and public policy-focused initiatives are not eligible for funding.

Why is leadership development included in the grant?

The program aims to strengthen nonprofit organizations by investing in the professional growth of emerging leaders, helping them build the skills needed to create lasting community impact.

Conclusion

The Emerging Leader Grants provide an important opportunity for Christian nonprofit organizations to strengthen both their programs and their future leaders. By combining funding for innovative community initiatives with dedicated leadership development, the program helps emerging professionals expand their impact while improving services for under-resourced communities across the United States.