Strategic Recommendations

Top Must Pursue

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.

Mustard Seed Foundation (Church Project Seed Grants) – 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.

Stacy Family Foundation (Christian Holistic Ministry) – 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.

Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Grant (Ghana) – Tangible project funding with diplomatic benefits: This small grant will help us meet immediate needs like wells or classroom construction, which directly improves our beneficiaries’ lives. It not only brings in $5-10k for a project, but also strengthens our credibility with the U.S. Embassy (useful for future partnerships or larger U.S. grants) and empowers our Ghanaian communities to take ownership. The application is short and success would give us a quick win (by late 2026) we can celebrate.

Chatlos Foundation (Global Christian Work) – 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.

Worth Exploring

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.

Rotary International Global Grants – 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.

Stewardship Foundation – 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 – 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.

U.S. Embassy Public Affairs (Dominican Republic) – Unlike Ghana’s Self-Help, the DR doesn’t have that program, but the Embassy has a Public Affairs Small Grants program for community initiatives (like English teaching, youth entrepreneurship). It’s not a perfect fit, but Ason could tailor a project. Caveat: awards average ~$10k and must emphasize U.S.-DR relations or mutual understanding.

Not Worth It (FY2026)

Maclellan Foundation (Unsolicited) – 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.

State Dept. DRL Religious Freedom Grants – 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 ASHA – 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.

Segal Family Foundation – Funds African-led NGOs directed locally. Since Segal prefers in-country leadership (and Ghana is not a current focus), support our partners to apply directly while Ason provides backstopping, but don’t lead the bid.

Lilly Endowment (Religion Programs) – High-impact but aimed at large U.S. institutions, seminaries, and denominational initiatives. Ason’s grassroots international work is outside their present scope, so skip for now.

Immediate Actions

• Identify Chick-fil-A Sponsor – Owner: Ellen (President) – By Nov 30, personally reach out to at least two local Chick-fil-A franchise owners in Melbourne/Orlando. Request a meeting to introduce Ason’s work and gauge interest in the True Inspiration Awards nomination. Action: leverage volunteer connections to Chick-fil-A employees for introductions.
• Mustard Seed Project Selection – Owner: Samuel (Programs Director) – Within two weeks, consult with Dominican leadership to choose a specific church project for MSF funding. Ensure the local pastor and church can commit funds. Action: draft a one-paragraph concept (who, what, cost) to email MSF by mid-November.
• Crowell Trust Self-Screen – Owner: Grace (Development) – Immediately complete Crowell’s online self-screening tool to verify eligibility. Action: assemble 501(c)(3) letter, statement of faith, and Lausanne Covenant affirmation in one folder by Nov 15 and outline the LOI.
• Community Contribution Letters (Ghana) – Owner: Michael (Field Coordinator) – Have Ghana partners draft letters pledging labor, materials, or cash for upcoming well/classroom projects. Action: use these to strengthen the Self-Help application and other proposals (due first week of Dec).
• Update Website & Materials – Owner: Priya (Communications) – By Dec 1, refresh the website and brochure with quantifiable impacts (e.g., students served, wells drilled). Action: add a testimonial from an indigenous leader to support leadership-focused funders.
• Grant Writing Capacity Boost – Owner: Ellen/Board – Within 30 days, engage a volunteer or freelance grant writer for 5–10 hours per month to review compliance-heavy submissions. Action: ensure formatting and technical details are airtight for Self-Help and grants.gov applications.
• Internal Calendar Review – Owner: Grace (Development) – Set a recurring monthly meeting (starting Dec 2025) to review grant progress, upcoming deadlines, and new opportunities 60 days out.

Capacity Building Focus

Relationships to Develop

• Chick-fil-A operators who can champion nominations and host local fundraisers.
• Rotary Club leaders in Melbourne and Accra—invite them to visit project sites and co-develop a Global Grant.
• Program officers at Crowell, Chatlos, and Stacy—precede cold submissions with thoughtful introductions where possible.

Documentation to Prepare

• FY2024 financial statements, Form 990, and a modular project budget template ready to tailor for each grant.
• Monitoring and evaluation summary covering school pass rates, discipleship metrics, and income gains in microenterprise cohorts.
• Safeguarding, anti-terror compliance, and whistleblower policies compiled for diligence.

Partnerships to Formalize

• MOUs with Ghana and Dominican implementing partners to clarify roles for Self-Help and Rotary projects.
• Consortium agreements or LOIs with larger faith-based NGOs, positioning Ason as a trusted sub-recipient.
• U.S. church ambassador commitments to provide match funding, letters of support, and storytelling assets.