Grant Profiles

Every opportunity from the executive summary table links to a focused narrative with positioning guidance drawn from the October 2025 report.

Crowell Trust – Evangelism & Missions

High alignment: This is essentially funding for exactly what Ason does – empowering indigenous evangelists and holistic ministry. While competitive, a strong LOI that highlights Ason’s local leadership model could advance. The potential award is significant (perhaps $75k) with no match required, and would cover a big chunk of program costs. Success likelihood: Medium, but the payoff and fit are too good to ignore. We should pursue this diligently for the upcoming LOI deadline.

Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards

This is worth a shot especially if we can engage a local Chick-fil-A owner as a champion. It’s a competitive stretch since our work is overseas, but Chick-fil-A has funded at least one international program (Haiti) and our education focus can be framed in their “education/youth” category. The potential $50k+ grant and the national exposure make it worth trying. Caveat: invest significant time only with a committed operator nomination.

Ambassador’s Special Self-Help (Ghana)

Embassy-backed micro-grants ($5K–$12K) that fund wells, classrooms, and women’s enterprises when a Ghanaian community contributes labor or materials. Ason should coach a local partner to submit a polished proposal and secure quick-impact funding while deepening diplomatic ties.

State Dept. Intl. Religious Freedom (DRL)

Huge federal competitions ($500k+) for seasoned human-rights organizations. Requires consortium capacity, rigorous compliance, and monitoring frameworks. For a small team this is not an efficient investment in FY2026.

USAID American Schools & Hospitals Abroad

Conceptually a fit for campus expansion, but the application burden (architectural plans, environmental, cost-share) is enormous. Defer until staffing and capital partners are stronger; prep groundwork in the meantime.

Maclellan Foundation (Christian Projects)

As much as Maclellan’s support would be a dream (large, flexible funding for Christian ministry), it’s not open to us right now. They will not review unsolicited proposals. Without a pre-existing connection, any effort this year would likely be wasted. Focus on relationship building for the future.

Mustard Seed Foundation (MSF)

Immediate impact, minimal effort: MSF’s matching grants directly fuel new ministry projects. We can readily identify at least one or two qualifying projects (e.g. a youth outreach in the DR, a microenterprise in Ghana). The application is straightforward and relationship is established via email. Success likelihood: High for a well-prepared request, since we can ensure all criteria (local match, clear outreach) are met. Plus, even a $5k grant could launch a project with long-term spiritual returns. This is low-hanging fruit that aligns perfectly with our vision of indigenous initiatives.

Chatlos Foundation

Small grant, but flexible support: Chatlos offers ~$10k for a broad range of “religious causes” and social concerns. Ason’s work internationally is a fit, though note they prefer not to fund K-12 education specifically – so we’ll target a project like our livelihood development or church-based humanitarian aid for this ask. The effort is a standard proposal and they accept rolling submissions with monthly review. As a Florida-based foundation with a history of funding Christian ministries, it’s quite attainable. They funded ~150 grants last year, average ~$7.9k each. Getting on their list of grantees could open doors to repeat funding annually.

Stewardship Fdn. (Christian Dev.)

The only reason this isn’t in “Must Pursue” is because their LOI process is on hold until they complete strategic planning. They fund Christ-centered leadership, reconciliation, and poverty alleviation—perfect for Ason. Begin cultivation and be ready when the portal reopens in 2026.

First Fruit (Christian Holistic)

This family foundation is highly aligned (focus on Christian leaders in the “Majority World”) and gives significant grants. It’s invite-only now, so invest in networking through partner ministries and conferences to earn visibility and a potential invitation.

Stacy Foundation (Festus & Helen Stacy)

Strategic funder in our backyard: The Stacy Foundation explicitly supports “Christian organizations worldwide…extending the love and teachings of Jesus.” They fund evangelism/church-planting, leadership development, and holistic projects (exactly Ason’s program areas). Importantly, they are based in Florida (Fort Lauderdale) which could make relationship-building easier (geographic affinity). While they prefer to fund those they know, we can focus on connecting – perhaps via a board introduction or inviting them to see our work. The effort to apply is moderate and they have a rolling application that’s decided monthly. Why must pursue: Ason could secure maybe $25k-$50k here to expand the Ghana school or build a church training center in Asia. This foundation is a values match and likely more accessible than the ultra-large foundations if we invest in outreach.

Rotary Intl. Global Grants (WASH/Ed.)

Rotary’s global grants for water, sanitation, education, and economic development align with our wells, schools, and microenterprise projects. It’s a non-traditional route (requires partnering with Rotary clubs), but worth exploring because Rotary funds can be substantial. Caveat: it takes effort to secure both a U.S. club and a host-country club champion.