Planting seeds of hope: expressions of interest now open for LCANZ Local Mission Fund

Is your congregation, school, or agency dreaming of a new local mission initiative but unsure how to fund it? The LCANZ’s Local Mission Fund is once again open for expressions of interest for the 2026 allocation, and it might be just the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Launched last year, the Local Mission Fund supports Lutheran church entities across Australia and New Zealand in finding fresh ways to reach out to their local communities with the gospel. In 2026, $400,000 will be distributed through the fund, with seed funding grants of up to $10,000 and major project grants of up to $100,000 available.

“Through the Local Mission Fund, we want to support the mission needs of our church in an ever-changing environment,” says Local Mission Coordinator Jodi Brook. “We’re all working together to share the unchanging gospel of Jesus Christ through meaningful local engagement.”

Grants are intended to resource and equip people for mission, supporting projects that can create lasting, ripple effects across the church. The fund is administered by the Churchwide Office, in collaboration with the districts, to help identify and respond to the unique needs of each community.

Projects must meet a set of selection criteria, including:

• Enhancing the missional culture of the LCANZ
• Equipping and encouraging people for local mission
• Fostering a missional community within the church
• Reflecting core Lutheran theological principles
• Demonstrating long-term sustainability beyond the funding period

All approved projects will receive application support, coaching, and project monitoring from Jodi Brook.

So what does this look like in action?

• Immanuel Congregation, Kadina used a Seed Fund grant to run several outreach events with guest speaker Ian McCormack. Project coordinator John Meier said:
  “There is no doubt that this mission outreach has been a very positive venture. But this has only been part 1. Part 2 includes Alpha meetings, and part 3 and beyond will continue as we keep learning and witnessing in our community.”
• St Petri, Nuriootpa received a major project grant to launch their Regional Learning Hub. Pastor Adrian Kitson shared that the first six months were all about building solid foundations and community buy-in, with learning opportunities now being offered in biblical studies, worship, and child, youth and family ministry.
• Trinity Lutheran College, Ashmore also received major project funding for a church plant. Despite early setbacks and slower growth than expected, they remain grounded in prayer and grateful for the ongoing support of their college and congregation leadership.

Grants are not available for ministries that fall under normal budget allocations or for general infrastructure and office expenses.

To explore whether your idea might be eligible and to view the full guidelines, visit: www.staging.lca.org.au/local-mission-fund

You can also contact Jodi Brook directly for guidance.

Expressions of Interest for the 2026 allocation close Monday, 29 August 2025.

Shortlisted EOIs will be invited to submit a full application.

Let’s keep stepping out in faith together equipping, inspiring, and witnessing in our local communities.