The Planning Grants are new - Why did CBA add these options? 

CBA heard that organizations are in different places. Some are ready to submit a full proposal now. Others need more time to secure matching funds, listen to clergy and key stakeholders, engage consultants or contractors, and design a strong, sustainable program. These options give organizations more flexibility while keeping a clear path toward full grant funding. 

Organizations may now apply for a planning grant before applying for a full grant. They may choose either a $20,000 planning grant or a $25,000 planning grant that includes a commitment to send 2–3 representatives to the February 2027 Grant Design Sprint. 

  1. How might an organization use a planning grant? Planning grant funds can support listening sessions or focus groups with clergy and stakeholders; consultations with researchers, subject matter experts, peer organizations, or consultants; assessments of staffing, capacity, and readiness; exploration of long-term sustainability and funding models; team retreats focused on program design; and identification of contractors, partners, or implementation resources. The goal is to help organizations move from an initial idea to a well-designed, evidence-informed, sustainable program model. 

  1. What is a Grant Design Sprint? A Grant Design Sprint is a structured, in-person, collaborative process that helps organizations turn an idea into an implementation plan. Participants clarify the clergy well-being challenges in their context, identify target populations and desired outcomes, explore promising approaches, and develop a grant strategy that is mission-aligned and operationally feasible. By the end of the sprint, participants will have a draft program model and implementation roadmap for further refinement. 
 

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