A Complete Guide with Ken McQuillerShow Notes

Are you leaving money on the table? Many churches and ministries could be accessing grant funding but don’t know where to start. In this comprehensive episode, Ken McQuiller—CEO of Nonprofit Missionary and grant writing expert—reveals how faith-based organizations can unlock funding opportunities that complement traditional tithes and offerings.

Ken shares his journey from a “lazy urban missionary” who learned grant writing through trial and error to helping organizations secure over $1 million in funding. Discover the three primary sources of grants, practical tools for finding opportunities, and why being faith-based doesn’t disqualify you from funding.

From afterschool programs and food pantries to workforce development and senior ministry, learn which church initiatives qualify for grants and how to navigate the application process successfully. Ken addresses common misconceptions, ethical considerations, and shares real success stories of churches transforming their community impact through strategic grant funding.

Whether you’re a pastor curious about grants or ready to dive into applications, this episode provides the roadmap you need to explore this underutilized funding source.

• 00:00:00 – Introduction to Ken McQuiller
• 00:01:08 – Ken\’s Journey into Grant Writing
• 00:04:39 – Understanding Grants for Churches
• 00:08:55 – Finding and Applying for Grants
• 00:16:25 – Common Misconceptions and Mistakes
• 00:23:09 – Ethical Considerations and Success Stories
• 00:32:50 – Final Advice and Contact Information

Click here for the Episode 37 Transcript for Funding Your Faith: Grant Writing 101 for Pastors and Churches

What You’ll Learn

• The three primary sources of grant funding (foundations, corporate, and government)
• Practical tools and strategies for finding grant opportunities
• Why faith-based organizations CAN receive grants despite common misconceptions
• Which church programs and initiatives are most likely to qualify for funding
• Step-by-step process for researching and applying for grants
• How to build relationships with funders before applying
• Common mistakes churches make in grant applications
• Ethical considerations when evaluating potential funders
• Why grants typically fund 10-20% of program budgets (not 100%)
• Financial tracking and reporting requirements for grant recipients

Key Quotes

“For me, I think that grants is probably one of the most underutilized resources by the church. Every church is doing something in the community… and whatever that might be, there are probably a grant or two available for that.” – Ken McQuiller

“We are unapologetically faith-based. And so when foundations are looking us up and they’re looking at our website, that is the first thing that they see and yet they still give to us. So it is possible.” – Ken McQuiller

“Don’t give up. What you’re doing is so important to our community, and not just for the community, but for the kingdom of God. And I know it’s hard to find funding, but I know what it looks like on the other side, so keep going.” – Ken McQuiller

About Our Guest

Ken McQuiller is the CEO and founder of Nonprofit Missionary, a grant writing business that helps faith-based and community-centered organizations secure funding. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Ken holds a master’s degree in nonprofit administration and serves as an associate pastor at the Meeting Place Church. Over the past seven years, he has helped six nonprofits secure over $1 million in funding, transforming volunteer-run programs into organizations with paid staff. Ken is a devoted husband to Shelby and proud father of four, with a passion for helping mission-driven leaders turn vision into strategy and strategy into impact.

Resources MentionedGrant Research Tools:

• Instrumental – Paid grant search service with faith-based filter
• Foundation Center Online (Candid) – “The Google of Grants”
• Available free at many local libraries
• Free access with Candid Gold Seal profile
• Candid Profile – Nonprofit database for building credibility
• Local libraries – Often provide free Foundation Center access

Research Strategies:

• Follow similar organizations on social media for funding announcements
• Connect with community development corporations
• Engage city council and mayors for local funding insights
• Use Mission Insight or similar tools to identify community needs

Grant Categories Mentioned:

• Afterschool programs
• Food pantries/food security
• Senior adult ministry
• Daycare and childcare
• Workforce development
• Arts programs
• Disability services

Practical Tips

1. Start with rejection mindset – Expect initial nos and learn from feedback
2. Read applications carefully – Small details can make or break applications
3. Build relationships first – Contact funders before applying when possible
4. Focus on community impact – Make applications about outcomes, not your organization
5. Use funder language – Research and incorporate foundation buzzwords
6. Track everything – Maintain detailed financial records for reporting
7. Apply persistently – Reapply unless specifically told not to
8. Seek feedback – Ask funders why applications were rejected
9. Consider separate 501(c)(3) – May help avoid automatic religious exclusions
10. Diversify funding – Grants should supplement, not replace, traditional giving

Next Steps for Churches

1. Assess your community outreach – Identify programs that serve beyond your congregation
2. Research local needs – Use community data to align programs with funder priorities
3. Start small – Begin with local foundations and smaller grant amounts
4. Build organizational capacity – Ensure financial tracking and reporting systems
5. Consider training – Attend grant writing workshops or hire experienced help
6. Network locally – Connect with other nonprofits and community leaders
7. Establish online presence – Create clear websites showing community impact

Connect with Ken

• Email: [email protected]
• Social Media: @nonprofitmissionary (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube)
• Organization: Nonprofit Missionary

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The Pastors & Money Podcast helps pastors, ministry leaders, and churches start thriving financially using money as a tool to fuel God's mission in our churches and families.

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