Crowell Trust – Evangelism & Missions

Fund Basics

• Cycle: Semi-annual LOIs due Feb 28 (spring) and Jul 31 (fall); invited full proposals follow on Jan 15 or Jun 15 with award decisions each June/November.
• Typical Awards: $50K–$100K with flexibility for larger, multi-year packages when impact warrants it.
• Cost Share: No formal match, though Crowell looks for additional partners demonstrating shared investment.
• Contact: Program Office — info@crowelltrust.org, 719-590-4700 (Colorado Springs).

Eligibility Snapshot

• U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities (or fiscally sponsored projects) that affirm the Lausanne Covenant.
• Projects may operate worldwide but must explicitly advance evangelical missions, discipleship, church planting, or holistic ministry.
• No funding for local church operating budgets, individuals, or entities tied to a single denomination.
• Applicants should show solid governance and capacity to steward six-figure grants responsibly.

Application Requirements

• Online LOI (roughly 2–3 pages of narrative inputs) covering alignment, request amount, and expected outcomes.
• If invited, submit a 5–10 page proposal with detailed budget, Form 990 or audit, board roster, 501(c)(3) letter, and Lausanne Covenant affirmation.
• Letters of support are optional but reinforce broad backing from partner churches or co-funders.
• Plan for ~25–40 total staff hours (≈10h LOI prep; 20–30h for the full proposal package if advanced).

Strategic Fit Analysis

Crowell’s charter to “teach and extend Evangelical Christianity” mirrors Ason’s purpose. Our blend of indigenous leadership, discipleship, and holistic aid matches the Trust’s published priorities and resembles recent grantees such as African community development ministries and cross-cultural church-planting networks. Because anyone who clears the self-screen can apply, competition is stiff; the LOI must lead with doctrinal alignment, spiritual intentionality, and evidence of community impact.

Frame requests around regional outcomes rather than single congregations, spotlight Ason’s financial controls, and cite proven results (schools built, wells installed, pastors trained). Those talking points address Crowell’s screening risks and show that a $75K request is both credible and scalable. The payoff justifies the effort: roughly 40 staff hours for a potential $50K–$75K award (≈$1,800+ value per hour).

Strategy Note

Crowell Trust (Evangelism & Discipleship) – 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.

External Links

• Crowell Trust Self-Screening Tool
• Crowell Trust — About & Priorities
• Crowell Trust Grant Portal
• Here-4-You Consulting: Top Christian Grantmakers