With more than a decade of impact and upwards of $1 million awarded, the NOW District’s Catalyst Grant program continues to fund bold, Gospel-driven projects across the Pacific Northwest.
In 2025, three new recipients will receive Catalyst Grant funding to support creative outreach efforts that meet real community needs and share Christ’s love in tangible ways. This year’s grants will support ministry expansions in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho —including a much-needed playground project, an early childhood center launch, and a toddler classroom addition. Each of these projects reflects a deep commitment to serving children and families.
“We’re thrilled to support initiatives like these across our Northwest District — congregations challenging themselves to do more than simply serve their own needs,” said Jim Scriven, NOW District Executive Director of EC-12 Education Services. “In each of these ministries, leaders and congregation members have rallied around a mission to identify and meet community needs in ways that draws them into greater connection and engagement with those outside their worship fellowship. From providing a much-needed childcare program in Caldwell, to expanding to serve more toddlers in Vancouver, to providing a welcoming and safe playground space for the community to gather in Monmouth, these ministries have done the work and expended the time, effort, and resources to meet identified community needs. The NOW District Catalyst Grant is a great way to help ministries go a little further than they could on their own.”
Since its launch in 2014, the Catalyst Grant program has supported the efforts of congregations and ministries across the NOW District. These funds, made possible through legacy gifts from previous generations, are helping today’s ministries engage new people, build sustainable programs, and grow deeper community connections.
District President Mike Von Behren noted: “Catalyst Grants are a starter, an initiator, to spark a great reaction. Jeremiah said the word of the Lord was like a fire ‘in my heart’ and ‘I am weary holding it in’ (Jeremiah 20:9). The connections forged into the community at Grace, Caldwell, Idaho; Grace, Vancouver, Washington; and Faith, Monmouth, Oregon are just the start. The fire of faith comes to fruition when the people of God use these avenues to ‘fan into flame the gift of God’ (2 Timothy 1:6) within and share the word of life in Jesus through these new ministries.”
Every Catalyst Grant application is reviewed with careful attention to sustainability, feasibility, and building bridges into the community. Each recipient must also include a plan to “pay it forward” by sharing their experience, resources, or financial blessings with others.
Read on to meet this year’s recipients. And don’t forget: Applications for the next round of Catalyst Grants are due Feb. 1, 2026. Click here to learn more and download the guidelines.
2025 CATALYST GRANT RECIPIENTS
Faith Lutheran Church, Monmouth, Oregon – Community Playground Project
Faith Lutheran Church received a 2025 Catalyst Grant to help fund a new playground, replacing an aging and unsafe structure that has limited the church’s ability to welcome children and families from the community. The new playground will benefit not only the church’s active youth group—many of whom are homeschooled and meet regularly at the church—but also families from Monmouth Montessori School, which shares the facility. This effort supports the church’s mission to be a beacon of hope and service in the Monmouth-Independence area. The Catalyst Grant funds will go toward the purchase and installation of the playground structure. Additional funds were raised through community events such as a joint yard sale, craft fair, and Christian comedy night. With a team of committed volunteers in place for ongoing maintenance and strong local partnerships, Faith Lutheran’s new playground will serve as a vibrant expression of Christ’s hospitality and love.
Grace Lutheran Church, Caldwell, Idaho – Childcare Center Launch
Grace Lutheran Church in Caldwell, Idaho has been awarded a 2025 Catalyst Grant to help launch the Grace Lutheran Childcare Center, a long-anticipated expansion of their thriving early childhood ministry. Building on years of successful part-time preschool outreach, the church is stepping into a new season of service—offering full-time, Christ-centered childcare to meet the growing needs of the rapidly expanding Treasure Valley community. Grant funds will support essential startup costs such as educational materials, furnishings, marketing, and operational expenses (excluding salaries). With a permanent facility now in place, a strong leadership team, and a supportive congregation, Grace Lutheran is positioned to become a consistent and stabilizing Gospel presence for local families. The church also plans to “pay it forward” by sharing resources and guidance with other ministries looking to launch childcare centers. Read more about this project here.
Grace Lutheran Church and Childcare, Vancouver, Washington – Toddler Classroom Expansion
Grace Lutheran Church and Childcare in Vancouver, Washington has been awarded a 2025 Catalyst Grant to help expand its Christian early childhood ministry by adding a new toddler classroom. This addition will allow Grace to serve 12–14 more children in a region classified as a “childcare desert.” With demand for toddler care far exceeding available openings, the new classroom (and a custom-designed restroom for toilet training) will meet a critical need in the community. The Catalyst Grant will help fund developmentally appropriate classroom furnishings, including tables, chairs, cubbies, and shelving designed for durability and full-day use. Grace’s long-standing mission is “Connecting Children and Families to Christ in All We Do,” and this expansion is a direct extension of that Gospel outreach. With financial support from LCEF, Washington’s Early Achievers program, and the congregation itself, the project is sustainable and already underway. Grace also plans to “pay it forward” by mentoring other congregations interested in launching or expanding their own childcare ministries.
