We do not have formal worksheets. Applicants are required to use the Minnesota Common Grant Application. It is available online from the Minnesota Council on Foundations at www.mcf.org or by contacting 612-338-1989 to request a copy. Applications will be accepted at any time and reviewed at least three times each calendar year. Reviews will be completed within 12 weeks of application submission.

Here is a checklist for elements required in the application:

• Contact person, address, phone and email.
• Date of application.
• A brief description of the organization, its mission and population served, submitted using organizational letterhead. 
• A list of the Board of Directors and/or management of the applicant organization and evidence that the request is endorsed by the Board.
• Proposal narrative that includes information on the need for the project, ways in which the goal will be met, and the expected outcome of the project or program.
• A current financial statement for the organizations and a budget for the project.
• Projected budget for project and amount requested. 
• A list of other funding sources for the project. 
• Up to two Letters of Support may be included.
• Copy of the organization’s Internal Revenue Code 501(c) (3) letter or other documentation substantiating tax exempt status.

Send Requests or Inquiries to:

St Andrew’s Lutheran Church
Benevolence Giving Program
900 Stillwater Road
Mahtomedi, MN 55115
Email: saintandrews.org/benevolence


Review Process
Initial review will take place within one month of receipt. Applications will be screened for proposals that are ineligible or poorly planned or not within our focus areas. The Benevolence Committee will review proposals within 12 weeks of receipt. The Benevolence Committee is comprised of at least one Church Council member, one Pastor and at least five congregation members with knowledge of missions. Our funding cycle is based on the calendar year. Funds available may vary from year to year.

Planning and Budgeting
Annually, St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church will have a preset, designated percentage of the church budget allocated for God’s work outside the existing outreach programs of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church.

Goal
The St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church Council has enthusiastically embraced the idea of benevolence and is considering the goal of designating 10% of the Church’s annual budget to benevolent giving in the near future. In addition to financial support, St. Andrew’s recognizes that the strengths, gifts and passions of its members can make a difference in the lives of others.

Special Approval
The Church Council must approve additional giving not otherwise provided for in this policy.

Review of Policy
The Benevolence Committee shall review and submit to the Church Council (for approval) this policy at least annually, making such revisions and amendments, as it deems appropriate.