Women of the ELCA (WELCA) Grants
Women of the ELCA grants embody our purpose in Jesus Christ to grow our faith, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing in the church, society and the world.
Support for Ministry
We prioritize funding that fosters the growth of discipleship among the participants of Women of the ELCA so that they might more fully live out the mission and purpose of our organization.
Grants are available to support programs, resources and opportunities for participants in Women of the ELCA; congregational, inter-congregational and special units of Women of the ELCA; synodical organizations of Women of the ELCA; and the churchwide organization of Women of the ELCA.
WELCA Grants
Katie's Fund
The Katharina von Bora Luther Endowment Fund (known as “Katie’s Fund”) was created by the churchwide executive board on the tenth anniversary of this organization. The fund is invested with the ELCA Foundation. The decision to use Katie’s Fund for the three purposes outlined in the creation document was lodged with the executive director. No further instruction was given other than the fund is to support programs, resources, and opportunities in these areas: leadership development, global sharing, and living theology.
The fund opened with an initial gift of $3000. Over the years, thousands of gifts from thousands of donors have come in all sizes, from $1 to $25,000. Gifts have been made by individuals, congregational units, synodical organizations, and other groups. Gifts have come from one-time donations, recurring donations, and through wills and other estate plans. Interest from this fund has helped sustain the operating budget of Women of the ELCA and allowed new initiatives and activities such as learning events, advocacy trainings, and attendance at international Lutheran events.
In 2022 a capital campaign was begun to add a million dollars to this endowed fund in order to create additional resources for Women of the ELCA including a new grant application process for individuals and units to apply for grants from the interest earnings on the endowment. While in the past the executive director had the ability to award a grant from Katie’s Fund, this is the first time the grant application process will be accessible to units and individuals in the Women of the ELCA.
The fund is open to support programs, resources, and opportunities for participants in Women of the ELCA; congregational, inter-congregational, and special units of Women of the ELCA; synodical organizations of Women of the ELCA, and the churchwide organization of Women of the ELCA. An applicant, whether individual or group, may apply more than once, but priority will be given to new initiatives. (Fostering the growth of discipleship among the participants of Women of the ELCA, so that they might more fully live out the mission and purpose of our organization should be a priority.)
Katie’s Fund will have two annual grants cycles. The first cycle will open on June 30th each year, with all completed applications due by September 1st. Determinations will be made by October 1st, with the distribution of funds completed by November 1st. A final report from the grantee is due by November 1st. The second cycle will open on November 1st each year, with all completed applications due by February 1st. Determinations will be made by March 1st, with the distribution of funds completed by April 1st. A final report from the grantee is due by April 1st.
Raising Up Healthy Women & Girls Seed Grant
Raising up Healthy Women and Girls Grants are for Congregational units or Synodical Women's Organizations who need seed money for a health initiative—a project aimed at improving healthy living for girls and women. You can find out more about such initiatives and past projects here.
Any Women of the ELCA congregational unit, special unit, or Synodical Women's Organization. Grants are for $500-$2500.
Opens on February 15th. Closes on April 6th each year.
WELCA Scholarships
Chilstrom Seminary Scholarship
The purpose of this scholarship is to provide assistance to Lutheran women who are second-career students entering their final year at an ELCA seminary. This scholarship was established in 1996 to honor the first bishop of the ELCA, Bishop Herbert W. Chilstrom, and his wife, the Rev. Corinne Chilstrom. It was intentionally begun during the 25th anniversary year of the ordination of women in the predecessor ELCA bodies.
The average award is $5,000. Additional Documents: Transcript, Letter of recommendation from synodical candidacy committee, Letter of recommendation from a faculty member at the seminary.
- A citizen of the United States of America.
- With membership in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
- Who has experienced an interruption in education of at least five years since college graduation.
- Who has been endorsed by her synodical candidacy committee.
- And is preparing for ordained ministry in the ELCA.
- And has had Involvement in Women of the ELCA
Opens on February 15th. Applications due: May 1.
Lutheran Woman Scholarship
This scholarship is to aid a Lutheran woman who is pursuing education at the undergraduate or graduate level. The average award is$5000-$7,500 for the academic year. Paid in two installments.
Additional Documents: A letter of acceptance to the institution that the student will be attending OR the most recent transcript from this institution.
And 2 of the 4 below:
Pastor’s Reference
Letter of Recommendation from a member of the Women of the ELCA unit.
Academic Reference Form (A letter of recommendation from a faculty member who has taught the applicant within the last three years; disregard if out of school more than three years.)
Personal Reference Form (A letter from someone who has knowledge of the applicant’s potential.)
- Any student who is now pursuing an undergraduate or a graduate degree at an accredited college or university.
- Who is a member of an ELCA congregation
- Who has an interest in involvement with Women of the ELCA.
Opens on February 15th. Applications due: May 1.
Laywoman Scholarship for Mature Women
This scholarship is to aid a Lutheran woman who is pursuing education at the undergraduate or graduate level.
The average award is $5000-$7,500 for the academic year. Paid in two installments.
Additional Documents: A letter of acceptance to the institution that the student will be attending OR the most recent transcript from this institution.
And 2 of the 4 below:
Pastor’s Reference Letter of Recommendation for a member of the Women of the ELCA unit.
Academic Reference Form (A letter of recommendation from a faculty member who has taught the applicant within the last three years; disregard if out of school more than three years.)
Personal Reference Form (A letter from someone who has knowledge of the applicant’s potential.)
- Any student who is now at least 21 years old.
- And has had a gap of at least 2 years in her education at some point since high school
- Who is now pursuing an undergraduate or a graduate degree at an accredited college or university.
- Who is a member of an ELCA congregation
- Who has an interest in involvement with Women of the ELCA.
Opens on February 15th. Applications due: May 1.