The Texas Methodist Foundation (TMF) offers grant funding to support nonprofit organizations that are committed to driving community and church-centered impact in Texas and New Mexico. Before applying, applicants are encouraged to review TMF’s eligibility guidelines and ensure alignment with the Foundation’s mission. TMF’s funding process begins with the submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI), where potential applicants can outline their project’s goals and needs. If the LOI aligns with TMF’s focus areas, organizations may be invited to submit a full application, though an invitation to apply does not guarantee funding. For questions, applicants can contact Wendy Abel, TMF's Vice President of Grants Ministry, to discuss projects in more detail.

Eligible applicants must be established 501(c)(3) organizations serving Texas or New Mexico. TMF prioritizes projects that meet its strategic objectives and foster community and church-centered improvements. Applicants should demonstrate strong local support, efficient use of funds, and a collaborative approach that leverages partnerships and community resources. Additionally, TMF places emphasis on organizations with sound governance, stable leadership, effective financial management, and a deep commitment to their communities. Proposals should reflect a clear understanding of the challenges facing the communities they serve and exhibit strong potential for measurable impact.

Successful applications are characterized by well-thought-out budgets, achievable goals, and plans for sustainability beyond the grant period. TMF also values applications that illustrate the organization’s ability to share insights and results with others in the field, fostering a broader impact on similar initiatives. TMF does not provide funding for individuals, endowments, debt retirement, capital expenses, research, or any programs outside of Texas and New Mexico. Activities like lobbying are also excluded from funding per IRS regulations.

TMF supports only one application per organization per funding cycle, encouraging applicants to consolidate requests for all related project needs into a single submission. Award sizes vary depending on the nature and scope of each project, as well as available funding in a given year. Due to limited funds and a competitive selection process, even well-aligned applications are not guaranteed support.

Organizations invited to submit a full application will undergo a comprehensive review by TMF’s grants team and committee, with final funding recommendations made to the TMF Board of Directors. Full applications are expected to provide additional details, including in-depth financial data, administrative decision-making authority, and staffing information. Primary contacts for the application process should be leaders with access to strategic project and budget information, such as CEOs, executive directors, or senior pastors.

Previously funded organizations and additional resources can be viewed on TMF’s “Partners in Ministry” page. TMF’s commitment to collaboration and adaptive learning emphasizes its focus on projects that not only serve immediate community needs but also contribute to larger-scale transformations within Texas and New Mexico’s church and community landscapes.