The Moravian Ministries Foundation (MMFA) envisions thriving ministries that glorify God. Our grant program helps us achieve this vision by providing financial assistance to organizations who are seeking to make a difference in many areas of need.
History and purpose:
To expand our grant program, MMFA established our first field of interest (FOI) fund in March 2019. What’s a field of interest fund? Simply put, it’s a charitable fund that awards grants to a particular cause or purpose, such as alleviating hunger, providing clothing, caring for Creation, and more.
Our FOI funds align with our Lord’s familiar words in Matthew 25:
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
MMFA’s first field of interest fund, the Hunger and Thirst Fund, began making awards in January 2020. We now have eight FOI funds:
- Hunger and Thirst
- Clothing
- Racial Awareness, Equity and Repair
- Environmental Stewardship
- Healing and Health
- Prison Ministry
- Housing
- Prevention of Violence Against Women
Approach:
We accept applications from Moravian ministries in North American countries as well as 501(c)(3)s in the United States, with preference given to U.S. Moravian congregations, fellowships, agencies, missions, and emerging ministries.
MMFA’s Grant Advisory Committee evaluates grant applications and recommends which applications should receive funding to our Board of Trustees. The Committee is comprised of at least one MMFA trustee, one MMFA staff person, and no fewer than five additional members.
Making an Impact:
MMFA is excited to share that since 2020, we’ve awarded 179 grant awards totaling $1,374,644.24! Sixty-five of those awards have gone to ministries in the Northern Province and 76 to ministries in the Southern Province. We’ve also made awards to global ministries such as the Moravian Board of World Mission and Unity Women’s Desk, as well as a Moravian church in the Eastern West Indies and non-profits around the U.S. as well.
What kind of ministry has this money made possible?
- $50,000 helped establish Essentials Café, a pay-as-you-can café, in Bethlehem, Pa.
- $2,324.55 supported Clemmons Moravian Church’s work to plant a pollinator garden for the church preschool and community to enjoy in North Carolina
- $2,000 enabled Southern Province Friends of Moravian Prison Ministry to purchase Bibles and other resources for inmates
- $2,600 enhanced You Belong’s respite care program for people with disabilities and their families in Green Bay, Wis.
These are just four out of 179 grant awards! To read more about the impact MMFA’s grant program is having, visit our website using the QR code below.
MMFA’s next grant cycle will begin in May 2026. Please contact Laura Watson, Vice President/Director of Programs, for more information or if you might be interested in applying.
Supporing Fields of Interest
Our field of interest fund grantmaking is made possible by generous people who donate to the funds, as well as a portion of MMFA’s net income. We could not do this important work without you! If you’d like to learn more about the various funds and how to make a gift, visit our website at www.mmfa.com. As of September 2025, more $1,466,000 has been donated!
Hanna Jackson is director of marketing and communications for the Moravian Ministries Foundation in America. Use this QR Code for more information about the MMFA’s grant programs.
