Community Building Packages

Grants for Christian Churches in Montana

The Gianforte Family Foundation strongly believes the local church has a valuable, irreplaceable role to play in their community. To help increase the capacity of local Christian churches to reach out beyond the “pews” with the love of Christ, our foundation is offering grants (up to $3,300) to be used for new or expanding outreach and community-building programs that:

Strengthen Marriages & Families

Help Individuals Flourish Economically

Offer Addiction or Trauma Recovery Tools

To be eligible for this grant you must:

Be a Christian church operating in the state of Montana,
Select one of our pre-packaged grant options,
Make sure the selected option is a new or expanding (serving more people or a new demographic) program for your church,
Follow application instructions at the bottom of this page,
Actively promote this program to your community, not just your congregation, and
If you aren’t able to find a pre-packaged grant that fits your needs, check out our “Additional Ideas“ page.

Before applying for any of the packages below, we encourage you to fully research the program; to 1. determine if it aligns with your doctrine and ministry philosophy, 2. understand all potential costs, and 3. identify future lay leaders of the new program, etc.

Our funding may not cover all costs associated with running a program, in fact, a handful of grant packages are high-investment meaning your church will need to dedicate significant time, talent, and/or financial resources to successfully execute the program. These packages are designated by an asterisk (*).

Our desire is that your church will continue this program for years to come, that lives will be transformed within your community, and God will be glorified.

Download & Print Package Descriptions

Grant Package Options

INVESTING IN NEIGHBORING & EVANGELISM

#1: ALPHA COURSE - Share the Gospel with Your Community
The Alpha Course is an 11-week (with a weekend getaway) or a 15-week (without a weekend getaway) class that creates space for people to bring their friends for a conversation about faith, life, and God. This course is based on a Socratic method of evangelism and prioritizes sharing the gospel, offering hospitality, freely sharing ideas, and building friendships. Encourage your church members to invite and attend with their friends. Alpha is for everyone but is particularly attractive to those asking the question, “Is there more to life than this?”

Topics Covered: 1. Is there more to life than this? 2. Who is Jesus? 3. Why did Jesus die? 4. How can I have faith? 5. Why and how do I pray? 6. Why and how do I read the Bible? 7. How does God guide us? 8. Who is the Holy Spirit? 9. What does the Holy Spirit do? 10. How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit? 11. How can I make the most of the rest of my life? 12. How can I resist evil? 13. Why and how should I tell others? 14. Does God heal today? 15. What about the Church?

Once people from outside your church have attended Alpha, it is essential that there is an intentional process of ongoing spiritual formation in place. Many churches have found introducing small groups is an effective way of helping people to move from Alpha into the life of the Church and continue in the development of disciples.

If you are interested in Alpha, you can explore it further at no risk by:
- Visiting alphausa.org
- Watching the videos linked above
- Previewing the free online Alpha classes, including (additional) videos, discussion guides, and leader tips.
- Attending a free virtual Alpha leader training (Offered on a monthly basis)
- Reaching out to regional Alpha representative, Kirk Petersen at kirkpetersen@alphausa.org
Grant Amount: $1,100

Grant Funds May Be Used Toward:
- Shared Meals
- Childcare
- Weekend Getaway Retreat (encouraged but optional)
Costs Not Covered Are:
- Staff or Volunteer Time
- Promotional Materials
- Above and beyond Shared Meal, Childcare, or Weekend Getaway costs
Watch a Pastor Endorsement Video or Read Endorsements Online:

#2: PLACED FOR A PURPOSE - Live Missionally through Neighboring
Placed for a Purpose is a 6-week curriculum that provides a theologically rich framework for neighboring and helps people live missionally where God has placed them. Attendees will leave with a long-term, sustainable vision for the “low and slow” lifestyle of neighboring and practical tools that will help them invest in their communities and build meaningful, gospel-motivated relationships with their fellow image-bearers right next door.

This course will cover the Big Picture of Neighboring, the Posture of Neighboring and the Practice of Neighboring. Topics Covered: 1. Neighboring in God’s Big Redemptive Story 2. Bringing the Great Commandment Home 3. Seeing Your Neighbor 4. Hospitality: Welcome and Be Welcomed 5. Sacred Ground: Tilling the Soil of Your Neighborhood 6. Gospel-Motivated Conversations. Each of the six lessons is followed by a discussion guide which includes: the purpose of the discussion, a chapter refresher, discussion questions, an occasional suggested assignment, and a neighboring prayer for the week.

If you are interested in Placed for a Purpose, you can explore it further at no risk by:
- Visiting placedforapurpose.com
- Previewing the free first chapter of Placed for a Purpose, e-books, and neighboring resources online.
- Contacting authors, speakers, and consultants Chris and Elizabeth McKinney for additional information at elizabeth.mckinney@cru.org
- Please Note: limited speaking/consulting slots are available. Please contact Elizabeth McKinney before applying for this grant.
Grant Amount: up to $3,300

Costs Covered by Grant:
- Virtual Training on Placed for a Purpose curriculum for Church Staff and Volunteer Facilitators
- 3-Hour in-person Mini-Conference led by authors Chris and Elizabeth McKinney
- Speaker Fee ($1000)
- Speaker Flights and Hotel Lodging ($800)
- Ongoing Virtual Monthly Neighbor Coaching for Leaders and/or Participants for follow-up and support (6 months)
- Placed for a Purpose Books for Small Groups (50 for $250 or 100 for $500)
- Advertising Stipend used for Promotional Materials ($250)
- Snack or shared Meals Stipend ($250)
- Childcare Stipend ($250)
- Gift cards for Class Participants (up to $250)
- Neighboring Accelerators- Popcorn, Snow Cone, Cotton Candy Machine (choose one) ($250)
Costs Not Covered by Grant:
- Staff and Volunteer Time
- Above and Beyond Leader and Participant Curriculum Costs
- Above and Beyond Childcare, Meal, and Advertising Costs

STRENGTHENING MARRIAGES & FAMILIES

#3: RELATIONSHIP ATTACHMENT MODEL* (RAM) - Offer a Healthy Relationship Series to All Ages
*high-investment

The Relationship Attachment Model (RAM) is a 6-week, Church-Wide, Biblically-based Healthy Relationship campaign. RAM provides a relationship GPS for understanding what is happening within a relationship, for evaluating its health, for determining its weaknesses or vulnerabilities, and for knowing how to strengthen, set boundaries, and intentionally run that relationship.

The RAM Series offers a perfect opportunity to pull in members of your community because healthy relationships are a goal of just about everyone. Additionally, this series uniquely uses a common language for all relationships (from elementary age to 100+), making it a valuable tool for everyone in a family group.

If you are interested in the RAM Series, you can explore further at no risk by:
- Visiting ramseries.com
- Reading this brochure
- Watching the promotional video below
- Requesting sample materials.
Grant Amount: $1,500

Costs Covered by Grant:
- Church-Wide RAM Series Kit. This includes: 6 topical sermon scripts, a large 5 ft by 7 ft RAM diagram, video sessions for small groups, samples of all small group materials ($499)
- Small-Group Materials for adults ($15 each – includes high school, singles, couples) and youth ($4 each – includes middle school and below). ($600)
- Advertising Stipend ($400)
Costs Not Covered by Grant:
- Staff and Volunteer Time
- Above and Beyond Advertising, Childcare, Snack Stipends, and Course Materials

#4: RELATIONAL WISDOM 360 - Create a Culture of Relational Wisdom at Home & Work
Our God is an intensely relational God who calls us to emulate his commitment to relationship. Therefore, it should not surprise us that the Bible contains thousands of passages that teach us how to deepen, protect and enjoy our relationships with God and the people he has placed in our lives. Many passages in the Bible go a “full 360.” They start with a focus on God, then teach how we are to manage ourselves and look out for our neighbors, and then close the circle by focusing back on God.

This package includes Peace Sower Team training for 2-6 staff or lay leaders and a six-week small group study curriculum for in-depth conversation, learning, and relationship strengthening.

If you are interested in Relational Wisdom 360, you can explore further at no risk by:
- Visiting www.rw360.org
- Reading about and implementing Peace Sower Teams
- Reviewing sample discussion material
- Watching the video below
- Contacting Director of Training, Corlette Sande at corlette@rw360.org or 406-294-6806
Grant Amount: up to $2,600 (depending on need)

Costs Covered by Grant:
- Peace Sower Team training for 2-6 individuals from your church
- Peacemaking small group materials
- Advertising, childcare, food stipend for RW360 classes
Costs Not Covered by Grant:
- Full cost of training (depending on trainee numbers)
- Full cost of small group materials (depending on participant numbers)
- Full cost of Advertising or Childcare

#5: RAISING HIGHLY CAPABLE KIDS* - Help Parents Fully Engage with their Children
* high investment (for Community-Wide Option)

Raising Highly Capable Kids (started by Focus on the Family) is a 13-week evidence-based curriculum designed for at-risk parents and children. Parents are taught the 40 building blocks every child needs to grow, mature, and engage in healthy behaviors. During classes, parents share their experiences and desires for their families, which builds and strengthens community within the school, church, and city.

Because the program is values-based and not religious, public schools can host the classes. Your local church may choose to 1) offer the class at your church to local parents by networking and advertising OR 2) work with community schools, nonprofits, or other churches to bring the curriculum to a broader community base.

Providing meals and childcare will help make attending this class easier for the high-risk families you want to serve. Funding for childcare and meals is not provided in the community-wide option. However, many creative solutions can be implemented to make sure families are cared for in these ways.

If you are interested in Raising Highly Capable Kids, you can explore further at no risk by:
- Visiting rezilientkidz.com
- Reading their FAQs
- Understanding program impact results
- Watching the video below
- Contacting Raising Highly Capable Kids representative Kim Trobee at kim.trobee@rezilientkidz.com
Grant Amount: up to $3,250

Costs Covered by Grant: (Church Run Option) $1,800
- Vision Casting Event (virtual) for interested Church Staff and Potential Volunteers (1 hour)
- Leader Training (virtual) for Church volunteers (3 hours) ($250)
- 3 Leader’s Guides and USB Materials ($38 for Leader Guide and Digital PowerPoint, $53 for Leader Guide and USB Material)
- 25 Participant Guides, Taking 40 Assets Home Books, Conversation Wheels ($26 per parent group)
- Childcare Stipend ($250)
- Shared Meals Stipend ($250)
- Advertising Stipend ($250)
Costs Covered by Grant: (Community Run Option) $3,250
- Vision Casting Event (virtual) for potential Community Volunteers (1 hour)
- Leader Training (virtual) for Community Volunteers (3 hours) ($250)
- 10 Leader’s Guides and USB Materials ($38 for Leader Guide and Digital PowerPoint, $53 for Leader Guide and USB Material)
- 95 Participant Guides, Taking 40 Assets Home Books, Conversation Wheels ($26 per parent group)
Costs Not Covered by Grant:
- Staff and Volunteer time needed to run a Church Program
- Staff and Volunteer time needed to make community connections or recruit trainers for the Community-Wide option
- Above and Beyond Leader and Participant Curriculum Costs
- Above and Beyond Childcare, Meal, and Advertising Costs

#6: KIDS HOPE USA - Build Life-Changing Relationships One at a Time
Does your church want to build life-changing relationships one at a time? Research shows that one of the most valuable assets that a child can be given is a healthy relationship with an adult. The most abundant resource in every church is the capacity for its members to share love. Person to person. With no agenda and no expectations.

Kids Hope USA has developed a proven, life-changing program through church-school partnerships that train and equip mentors to reach kids in public schools who are in need of caring, reliable, one-on-one relationships. Kids Hope provides churches with training and ongoing support. Additionally, Kids Hope will help your church gain entrance into a public school.

If you are interested in Kids Hope USA, you can explore further at no risk by:
- Visiting kidshopeusa.org
- Watching the video below (bring your tissues)
- Watching a Church video or Reading through a brochure
- Start a conversation about your church or school potentially partnering with Kids Hope USA. Connect with Gary Kern at gkern@kidshopeusa.org or by phone at 616-536-1026.
Grant Amount: $1,350

Costs Covered by Grant:
- Year 1 Affiliate Costs: $500
- Implementation Fee (first year only): $500
- Year-End Student, Parent, Mentor, School Party: $200
- Mentor T-Shirts: $150
Costs Not Covered by Grant:
- - Staff and Volunteer Time (may include a Hope Kids Director from your church)
  - Above and Beyond Expenses
  - Year 2 and Beyond Affiliate Fee of $450

HELPING INDIVIDUALS FLOURISH ECONOMICALLY

#7: CROWN FINANCIAL - Help Folks Flourish Economically with MoneyLife
MoneyLife is a 10-week course designed to help individuals move toward financial freedom by letting God’s truth transform their financial thinking and behavior.

The MoneyLife finance study is designed to help participants overcome financial challenges and gain a life of meaning and purpose. This highly relational biblical financial study is intended to create interaction among group members that will foster mutual support and accountability for the entire group. The relational focus of this course makes it an ideal program to offer your non-churched community! The study provides solutions for both the symptoms and the root cause of financial problems. The curriculum combines solid Biblical teaching, powerful online tools, and hands-on practical experiences.

If you are interested in MoneyLife, you can explore further at no risk by:
- Finding out more about Crown Financial (formerly Larry Burkett’s Financial Ministries)
- Watching the video below
- Listening to an episode of Crown’s radio broadcast
- Reviewing a few of the online tools
Grant Amount: $1,200

Costs Covered by Grant:
- Facilitator Training by Chuck Bentley
- Online Curriculum for 16 OR Printed Workbooks for 11 students
- Advertising Stipend ($250)
- Childcare Stipend ($250)
- Snack or Shared Meal Stipend ($250)
Costs Not Covered by Grant:
- - Staff and Volunteer Time
  - Additional Student Curriculum
  - Above and Beyond Advertising, Childcare, or Shared Meal costs

OFFERING ADDICTION OR TRAUMA RECOVERY TOOLS

#8: CELEBRATE RECOVERY* - Provide a Safe Community for Recovery
*high investment program

Celebrate Recovery (CR) is a Christ-Centered, 12-step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain, or addiction of any kind. Celebrate Recovery is a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that are controlling a person’s life. CR can be started in a small group environment and move toward a large group format with worship nights over time.

CR can be taken by anyone struggling with: alcohol/drug addiction, sexual addiction, gambling addiction, physical-sexual-emotional abuse, codependency, eating disorders, and anger.

If you are interested in Celebrate Recovery, you can explore further at no risk by:
- Visiting celebraterecovery.com
- Watching the video below
- Reaching out to the state representative and CR leader Adam Hieb at ahieb@vrl.church
- Attending leadership training (not required)
Grant Amount: $2,500

Costs Covered by Grant:
- Start-up Leader Kit ($103)
- Participant’s Guide Set Volumes 1-4 for 19 ($342)
- Advertising Stipend ($250)
- Childcare Stipend for 25 weeks ($900)
- Meal Sharing Stipend for 25 weeks ($905)
Costs Not Covered by Grant:
- Staff and Volunteer Time
- Material Shipping
- Above and Beyond Expenses

#9: THE GENESIS PROCESS - Offer a Biblical & Neurochemically Informed Recovery Curriculum
The Genesis Process is a Biblical and neurochemical curriculum and set of tools that helps participants identify areas of brokenness, gain new understanding of their self-destructive behavior, and then move toward healing. It is the goal of The Genesis Process and programs to be intimately involved in furthering the Great Commission through the successful restoration of broken lives. Genesis Change Groups can help those who are willing to address anxiety, anger, alcohol, drug or food abuse, a negative, critical attitude, or spiritual stagnation.

If you are interested in Genesis Process, you can explore further at no risk by:
- Visiting genesisprocess.org
- Watching the videos below
- Reviewing a description of all the materials
Grant Amount: $1,600

Costs Covered by Grant:
- Online “Counselor” Training for 1 Leader ($300)
- 8-Month Change Group Video Subscription ($59)
- 1 Facilitator Guidebook ($21)
- 22 Student Workbooks ($396)
- Advertising Stipend ($250)
- Childcare Stipend ($250)
- Meal Sharing or Snack Stipend ($250)
Costs Not Covered by Grant:
- Staff and Volunteer Time
- Training or Materials for more than 1 Leader
- Above and Beyond Advertising, Childcare, or Snacks
- Ongoing Subscription to Videos

#10: REBOOT RECOVERY - Serve Veterans, First-Responders, or the General Public Dealing with Trauma
REBOOT Recovery helps people overcome trauma so they can embrace a brighter future. They do this through their faith-based, outcomes-driven trauma healing courses. The courses provide a unique blend of clinical insight and Christian Faith-based support. REBOOT courses are safe, private, and peer-led. Churches offer participants childcare and a pre-discussion meal weekly basis to remove barriers to entry for families seeking help. Churches can choose to offer one of three classes. REBOOT Combat Recovery (military), REBOOT First Responders, and Trauma REBOOT (for the general public).

If trauma is our personal intersection with the brokenness of the world, recovery is our personal intersection with the redemptive heart of God. REBOOT teaches participants to engage in a balanced, three-dimensional approach to trauma healing addressing the physical, psychological, and spiritual. Participants learn to apply Biblical principles that address the causes and symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress and other mental health conditions resulting from trauma.

If you are interested in REBOOT Recovery, you can explore further at no risk by:
- Visiting rebootrecovery.com
- Reading about the Leader Pass
- Requesting a Sample Lesson
- Watching the video below
Grant Amount: $1,500

Costs Covered by Grant:
- Overcome Academy for Church Staff and Volunteers ($99)
- Leader Pass ($199)
- Curriculum for 15 Participants w/ Leader Pass ($300)
- Advertising Stipend ($250)
- Childcare Stipend ($300)
- Meal Sharing Stipend ($350)
Costs Not Covered by Grant:
- Staff and Volunteer Time
- Above and Beyond Costs
Rob and Zay’s Trauma REBOOT Story from REBOOT Recovery on Vimeo.

#11: THE REFUGE MINISTRIES* - Create a Safe Space for Domestic Abuse Survivors
*high investment program (long-term support group model)

The Refuge Ministries The Refuge is a weekly support group that extends God’s grace to survivors of domestic abuse. God calls his people to protect the oppressed. The Refuge combines mentoring and group support to help women understand abuse biblically, achieve safety, find healing in Christ, and learn how to establish new patterns. The Refuge Ministries also offers Turning Point, an intervention program for abusive men, and Refuge Kids, a place where children can find healing from the abuse they witness and experience within their parents’ relationship.

If you are interested in The Refuge Ministries, you can explore further at no risk by:
- Visiting refugeministries.com
- Listening to Refuge teachings on domestic abuse
- Reading Statement of Faith and Core Values
- Reviewing Mentor and Refuge Director Volunteer Job Descriptions
- Contacting Kelly Dehnert kcdehnert@gmail.com
Grant Amount: $2,500

Costs Covered by Grant:
- Leader Training ($1,500)
- Leader Training Manual ($100)
- Leader Manual ($50)
- 6 Student Workbooks ($150)
- Advertising Stipend ($400)
- Childcare Stipend ($300)
Costs Not Covered by Grant:
- Staff and Volunteer Time
- Dedicated Cell Phone for Emergency Calls
- Travel, Lodging, and Food for 3-Day Training
- Above and Beyond Student Workbooks

If you would like to explore substitutions for the grants listed above, please fill out a contact us form.

Application Instructions

1. 1. Go to https://gianfortefoundation.org/
  2. Click on the “Apply” link in the navigation bar
  3. Click “Grant Application Log-in“
  4. Click the “Create a New Account” button
  5. Fill out all of your account information
  6. From the dashboard, click the “Apply” link at the top of the page
  7. In the Access Code box at the top of the page, enter CHURCH then click “Enter Code”
  8. Click the blue “Apply” button by “2nd Round_Montana Christian Church Outreach Grant”
  9. Complete the application
Fill out our “Contact Us” form if you have any questions.