2025 Grant Funding: How Your Support Fuels Transformative Lutheran Initiatives

Each year, the Grand Canyon Synod has the privilege of supporting impactful ministries through our grant program—funding that is only possible because of the generosity and stewardship of our congregations and individual donors. This fall, we are excited to announce that over $100,000 in grant funding has been awarded to ministries throughout our synod, empowering congregations and organizations to expand their reach and deepen their service.

These grants are made possible through a combination of individual bequests, tithed gifts from congregations, the sale of closed congregations, grants from the West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop, and unrestricted gifts to the synod. This financial support allows us to uplift ministries that embody collaboration, align with the Grand Canyon Synod Strategic Plan, and faithfully serve their communities.

2025 Grand Canyon Synod Grant Recipients

This year’s grant recipients are doing transformative work in a variety of areas, including:

• Expanding bilingual worship and Latino outreach (Santa Trinidad Lutheran Church, Vida Nueva Lutheran Church)

• Supporting at-risk youth and intergenerational faith development (King of Glory Lutheran Church, Santa Cruz Lutheran Church)

• Strengthening faith-based education and leadership training (Diakonia Program, Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Arizona)

• Providing vital community services and advocacy (First Place Community Center, Inside Out Network’s reentry ministry, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona)

• Fostering spiritual growth through worship and faith discussions (Holy Trinity Lutheran’s outreach in Casa Grande)

Each of these ministries is an example of what happens when faith is put into action. Whether it’s equipping new leaders, feeding the hungry, or creating spaces for spiritual growth, these grants represent an investment in the future of the church and our shared commitment to making Christ known through service.

A Community of Generosity

We extend our deepest gratitude to all who applied for these grants, as well as to the congregations and individuals whose faithful giving makes this program possible. Every gift, no matter the size, strengthens our synod’s ability to support these vital ministries.

Thank you for being part of this mission. Together, we build up the church and serve the world.

Grant Recipients (Without Amounts):

1. Central Lutheran Church - Adult Community Education (ACE) Ministry

2. Christ Lutheran Church, Sedona - Day Camp

3. First Place Community Center, Mesa

4. Growing in Faith - Diakonia Program

5. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Chandler - Casa Grande Outreach

6. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - 1st Place Community Center Partnership

7. Inside Out Network - Reentry Ministry

8. King of Glory Lutheran Church - Community Youth Outreach

9. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) - Legislative Bill Tracking

10. LAMA - Engaging Networks CRM System

11. Lutheran Campus Ministry, University of Arizona - Service-Learning Trip

12. Native American Urban Ministry (NAUM) - Leadership Development

13. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church - Youth Music Program

14. Santa Cruz Lutheran Church - Youth & Family Ministry

15. Santa Trinidad Lutheran Church - Latino Worship Expansion

16. Shepherd of the Desert - Senior Ministry

17. Trinity Lutheran Church - Food Pantry

18. Vida Nueva Lutheran Church - Spanish-Language Worship