Our primary aim in religion is to deepen and enrich the religious lives of American Christians, principally by supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations. We seek to ensure that congregations have a steady stream of wise, faithful and well-prepared leaders. We also support efforts that help Christians draw on the wisdom of their theological traditions as they strive to understand and respond to contemporary challenges and live their faith more fully. In addition, we work to foster public understanding about religion and help lift up in fair and accurate ways the contributions that people of diverse religious faiths make to our greater civic well-being.
In recent years, many church leaders and scholars of American religion have noted significant social and cultural trends affecting congregational life and that patterns of participation in worship and congregational activities are changing.
The Thriving Congregations Initiative aims to help congregations strengthen their ministries so they can better help people deepen their relationships with God, enhance their connections with each other and contribute to the flourishing of their communities and world. The Endowment expects to announce Thriving Congregation grants by early October 2020.
Learn More