Grantmaking

Relational, Not Transactional

At the Protein Foundation, we see grantmaking as the beginning of a relationship, not the end of a process. If your ministry is grounded in both Gospel-centered discipleship and meeting tangible human needs, we’d be honored to learn more. Our support is trust-based, relational, and focused on helping faithful leaders thrive in their calling.

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What to Expect

Our process begins with a conversation, not an application. We listen, we learn, and we discern together. We value clear communication, mutual respect, and an honest understanding of your ministry’s heart and impact.

We’re honored to support ministries that:

  • Are rooted in Christ-centered discipleship and guided by a clear faith commitment

  • Provide both spiritual and practical care—often including feeding or similar ministries

  • Build long-term trust through relational, locally-grounded ministry

  • Demonstrate steady faithfulness and humility in service, not just measurable outcomes

  • Approach generosity as shared stewardship, not just funding

If this sounds like your ministry, we’d welcome a conversation.


Eligibility

We primarily support ministries in the Northeast U.S., Michigan, and Bridgeport, CT. Ministries should demonstrate a commitment to both spiritual formation and practical care.

FAQs

  • While our grants are one year commitments, partnerships generally last years during which time familiarity and rapport grows. The Protein Foundation looks to be more than a funder - we seek to be colleagues and champions of our ministry partners.

  • Given the variety that exists among our ministry partners, we broadly define success as people growing in the awareness of Christ’s love and into the people God is calling them to be. That may include finding a home, finding work, finding safety or simply being found by God.

  • We prefer to grant to operating budgets thereby allowing significant latitude and discretion in the use of funds by recipients. Although we occasionally fund specific projects the majority of our funds are directed to general operating budgets.

  • The two go hand in hand. Our vision is that people would be served holistically in a way that leads them to thriving as complete people - spiritually, emotionally, physically and practically.

  • We aren’t particularly active on social media or other platforms yet we are happy to introduce ministry partners to potential collaborators.

Let’s Start a Conversation.

We believe trust is built through relationships. If you’re learning about the Protein Foundation for the first time, we hope this gives you a sense of who we are and how we walk alongside others. If you’re exploring a possible partnership, we’d be glad to connect.

Get Started