As we look ahead to 2026, the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation wants to make sure every congregation and ministry knows this: if you have an idea for ministry, there may be an ODF grant to help bring it to life.
In 2025, ODF grants supported a wide range of ministries across Oklahoma and beyond — from caring for older adults and feeding neighbors, to faith formation for children and youth, to strengthening congregations and leaders for long-term ministry. These grants reflected the creativity, compassion, and faithfulness already present in our churches.
Some 2025 grants helped churches:
- Provide meals, food pantries, and emergency assistance for neighbors facing food insecurity
- Support older adults through education, connection, safety, and dignity-focused programs
- Offer Vacation Bible School, camp experiences, mission trips, and faith formation for children and youth
- Care for vulnerable families, unhoused youth, refugees, and immigrants
- Strengthen congregations through leadership development, sabbaticals, accessibility improvements, and facility repairs
- Build community connections through outreach events, partnerships, and public witness
In short, ODF grants supported ministry across the lifespan and across communities, meeting real needs while nurturing faith.
As we prepare for the 2026 grant cycle, we encourage congregations and ministries to start asking:
- What needs do we see in our community right now?
- Where is God inviting us to respond with care, creativity, or courage?
- What ministry ideas have we been holding back on because of limited resources?
Applying for an ODF grant is intentionally simple and accessible. The application is available online, and grants are designed to support both new ideas and ongoing ministries that are making a difference.
The 2026 grant application is available at: https://okdfdn.org/grant-application/
Application deadline: 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 15
If you have questions, uncertainties, or just want to talk through an idea, we’re happy to help. Please reach out to Eric Gray (egray@okdfdn.org), Frank Gresh (fgresh@okdfdn.org), or Julie Bowers (jabowers@okdfdn.org) or call us at (405) 525-6530.
ODF grants exist to encourage faithful ministry already happening — and ministry still waiting to begin. We hope you’ll prayerfully consider applying and inviting others in your congregation to imagine what might be possible in 2026.