Grants
Through the generosity of its donors, SOAR! fulfills its mission by providing grants to religious orders of Sisters, Brothers and Priests to care for their aging members.
Apply for Funding
Religious congregations can learn about the grant application process here and get detailed information on how to submit a grant to SOAR!.
Religious orders of women and men in the United States may apply for funds to assist with an immediate retirement need.
You will need the following documents to complete the online application:
- The most recent Retirement Needs Analysis Report from the National Religious Retirement Office
- A project budget listing all expenses and sources of income for the proposed project
- Two bid estimates from different vendors
- A cover letter from your major superior
- Scale drawings, photos of areas to be renovated or photos items to be replaced when applicable
- Complete all outstanding final reports. Click here to submit a final report.
Frequent Questions
From questions of eligiblity to when final grant reports are due, these often asked questions will be helpful in completing the SOAR! grant application.
The following frequently asked questions may be helpful in completing the SOAR! grant application. If you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to contact the SOAR! office at (202) 529-7627 or email grants@soar-usa.org.
The spring grant cycle opened on January 17, 2025 and closes on March 7, 2025. Awards will be made in late May.
How does my congregation apply?
Visit our online application to set up an account and begin the process. You will need to include a cover letter, your most recent NRRO Retirement Needs Analysis Report, copies of 2 bids, and a detailed project budget. The account allows you to save and return to your application. If your congregation is awarded a grant you will use the same account to submit your final report. You will use the same account to apply every year.
Monthly Grantee Drop-In
Join us for the Grantee Drop-in the 3rd Wednesday of every month. This virtual opportunity is designed to be a one-stop-shop to share ideas and receive grant technical support all while making valuable connections with others.
Each month we focus on a topics such as the application process, final reports, project recommendations and ensure you have all the resources you need to benefit the most from our grant program.
Whether you are a seasoned pro with SOAR! grants or just beginning your role as a grantwriter, this is the perfect chance to get your questions answered and come away with some fresh ideas.
Register with the form to receive Zoom link.
Applying for an Emergency Grant
Emergency grants are awarded to congregations when there is a time-sensitive, urgent need that affects the safety and well-being of retired members of a religious community. Past emergency grants include a fire alarm system mandated by the state fire marshal in order for the retirement facility to remain open, and a new air conditioning system to protect the elderly members of a congregation from heat-related illnesses.
Step 1: Send an email to klunsmann@soar-usa.org (and CC grants@soar-usa.org) with the following:
- Brief description of the issue and why the request is an emergency for aging members in the congregation
- Include the anticipated cost of the emergency request
Step 2: The request will be considered and if it qualifies for an emergency grant, the applicant will receive an emergency grant application link.
Step 3: The application will be reviewed and if funding is granted the applicant will receive payment within a few days.
Past Grant Awards
Certifications
As an IRS-certified 501(c)3 organization, SOAR! is part of several grant organization listings. We are also identified as a secure website for the purposes of online donations. These listings and certifications verify that SOAR! is a trustworthy organization with appropriate audit and annual report documentation filed. Below is our current list of certifying organizations.