Plain-language grant guidance
Which church entity should apply for a grant?
The congregation, property owner, incorporated body and denomination may not be the same legal applicant.
Use the entity that both satisfies the funder’s rules and has authority to deliver the project. Do not enter an ABN simply because it is associated with the church.
Trace the legal chain
Before drafting, identify who owns the property, employs staff, holds the bank account and can sign a funding agreement.
- Legal name and ABN
- Incorporation or company status
- Property ownership or written authority
- Responsible governing body
When structures do not line up
Some congregations operate under a denominational entity or need an auspice. The funder should confirm whether that arrangement is permitted.
- Do not assume an informal group can contract
- Get internal authority in writing
- Keep grant and bank-account names consistent
- Confirm tax and GST treatment with an adviser
Official sources and how to use them
This checklist is editorial guidance. The sources below explain specific concepts or program examples; they do not make every church or project eligible.
- ACNC: legal structure
Explains legal identity, decision-making and the relationship between a governing document and the entity recorded against an ABN.
Background links checked 17 September 2026. Each grant record has its own source verification date.
Important boundary
Guidance, not a determination
These patterns help you ask better questions. The current program guidelines and the funder’s decision control.