Four grant programs support religious and theological scholarship among three strategic constituencies: pastors, academics, and researchers for the broader church. You may apply to only one program during a given grant year, so carefully consider the program which is best for you.
The Pastoral Study Project (PSP) awards pastoral leaders up to $15,000 to pursue a pressing question related to Christian life, faith, and ministry. Grants are available for study projects involving full or partial leave from job responsibilities.
The Project Grant for Researchers (PGR) supports research, reflection, and writing by academics and pastors concerning Christian faith and life, the practice of ministry, and/or religious institutions. Grants of up to $30,000 support a diverse range of projects that may involve independent study, consultations, or collaboration between pastors and academics. Preference given to projects that show potential to generate reliable new data through empirical methods of inquiry and discovery.
The Sabbatical Grant for Researchers (SGR) offers grants up to $40,000 to assist research and writing projects that will advance religious and theological scholarship in ways that also address practical issues concerning Christian faith and life, pastoral leadership, and/or religious institutions. Typically, applicants are fully employed in accredited academic institutions and eligible for up to a full academic year leave from teaching and administrative responsibilities.
The First Book Grant for Scholars of Color (FBG) offers grants up to $40,000 to assist early career, non-tenured religion scholars of color to complete a major research project on an issue in North American Christianity related to the priorities of the Louisville Institute. Grant periods are typically one academic year in length.