K-12, STEM and STEAM applications are accepted year-round from Seventh-day Adventist Conference- or congregation-sponsored K-12, primary, middle or high schools. APPLY NOW
Catalyst applications are now accepted year-round from Seventh-day Adventist denomination entities or Seventh-day Adventist affiliated ministries and charities, with funds awarded quarterly. Only one grant may be awarded to an organization each year except by invitation. APPLY NOW
Please carefully read through these guidelines before submitting a grant application. A request for needs not within these guidelines may be found ineligible without further explanation. If you are inexperienced at applying for grants you are encouraged to review Resources for Grant Writers before applying.
Overview
Versacare Foundation is an independent, private foundation which supports requests for programs and projects that are consistent with Versacare’s Mission and the Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. At the discretion of the Versacare Board, a select few projects outside Versacare’s core mission focus may also be funded.
Grants
Versacare Foundation grants are competitive.
The Versafund Grant Program offers four different grants, each with different levels of potential funding.
- K-12: up to $10,000 depending on school size
- Catalyst Grant: $2,500 to $10,000
- Venture Grant: $10,001 to $40,000
- Impact Grant: Over $40,000
The Impact Grant is offered by invitation to applicants implementing proven successful practices as well as organizations demonstrating creativity and innovation in the delivery of services that meet the needs of individuals or groups. An invitation to apply is based on information provided by the applicant and is not a commitment of funds; Impact Grant applications are subjected to vetting and board approval as are all grant requests.
Which grant is appropriate for your organization?
K-12 Grant
- You are applying on behalf of a K-12, elementary, middle or high school
- Your school is sponsored by a Seventh-day Adventist congregation or conference
Catalyst Grant
- Your program needs a financial boost
- If this is your first time ever applying for a grant, you are encouraged to apply for a Catalyst Grant
Venture Grant
- Your program has clearly stated goals and objectives
- You are able to provide objective assessments of your project or program
- Your finances demonstrate financial stability
Impact Grant
- Invited to apply after a successful Concept Note
- Your program implements proven successful practices
- Your program demonstrates creative and innovate delivery of services that meet the needs of individuals or groups
- Your organization has outside partners
Please review the description and the required information for each grant before starting the application.
Timeline
K-12 program
| YEAR ROUND | Online application open |
| July, January | Grants awarded, decision notices sent |
Catalyst program
| YEAR ROUND | Online application open |
| April, July, October, January | Grants awarded, decision notices sent |
Venture/Impact programs
| July 1 | Online application portal opens |
| October 31 | Submission deadline for Impact Grant Concept Note; not applicable to Venture Grant programs |
| December 31 | Midnight application submission deadline for all grant programs; application portal closes |
| April | Grants awarded, decision notices sent |
Eligibility
The following are eligible to apply:
- Seventh-day Adventist denomination owned or operated entities
- Faith-based organizations and other non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church (e.g. Founder, CEO, President, or majority of the board are Seventh-day Adventist, or the primary beneficiaries are members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church)
The following are not eligible to apply:
- Individuals
- Individuals or organizations applying through a third party, fiscal sponsor, or agent
- Organizations that have not been in existence and continuous operation for the two years immediately preceding the application deadline. This two-year requirement refers to operational status and not when the organization was incorporated or received nonprofit, tax-exempt status
- Organizations not affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church
Applicants must agree to provide a full financial accounting of how Versafund monies were used and agree to be audited if requested. Late, ineligible, and incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Guidelines
Geographic Priorities: Versacare Foundation places priority on funding projects located or doing work in territories within the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists and the Inter-American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, which include:
- North America
- Central America
- Caribbean Islands
- Colombia
- Venezuela
- Micronesia
Project Priorities: Versacare Foundation funds projects that address the following needs:
- Church community engagement
- Disadvantaged or underserved communities
- General education and science education
- Health and wellness
- Humanitarian efforts
- Social justice
- Women and children’s efforts
- Youth and young adults
Click here for a complete list of recently-funded projects.
Project Exclusions: Unless prior approval is obtained from Versacare Foundation or the need is deemed essential to allow the project to become fully developed, Versacare does not fund:
- Capital improvements, including new construction and renovations.
- Church- and school-sponsored mission trips
- Debt reduction
- Payroll and salaries
- Purchase of perishables and consumables
- Scholarships
- Start-ups
- Sub-granting or regranting of Versacare Foundation funds
- Traditional overnight summer camps
- Day Camps except for STEM or STEAM camps, tutoring and mentoring programs
Adventist-affiliated primary, secondary or K-12 schools are eligible for grants up to $5,000 for schools fewer than four classrooms, and up to $10,000 for schools with four or more classrooms. Please use the K-12 Grant application for your request.
For Further Assistance
If more information relating to the above criteria is needed, please contact us.