Our Funding Priorities
Inclusion
Fighting Fundamentalism
What We Fund
We welcome applications from progressive, faith-based organizations. At this time, the vast majority of our funding goes to progressive Baptist organizations or initiatives, and organizations that work to guard the separation of church and state. We believe that a free church in a free state is dependent upon a functioning democracy.
We prioritize applications from organizations that are openly welcoming and affirming, and organizations that do not discriminate. Our work is mainly concentrated in the United States, though we do fund a limited number of international projects.
Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) (or equivalent) in the United States to be eligible for funding.
We have six main areas for funding:
Social justice and advocacy
Most of our current funding is in this category and goes to organizations that guard the separation of church and state, fight Christian nationalism, and protect democracy. We also fund progressive efforts that advance social justice through the lens of religious freedom, particularly in faith spaces.
Progressive faith-based journalism
Grants in this category are designed for media platforms that cover issues of faith and provide a progressive viewpoint on social issues. These grants support media that reflect a Christianity rooted in compassion, justice, mercy, and acceptance and act with journalistic integrity and professionalism.
Meeting basic human needs
Grants in this area provide people with critical services like food, shelter, healthcare, and legal assistance. Because our funding is limited, we’ve made the difficult choice to prioritize supporting projects in this category within our own local communities and those from organizations with whom we have established long-term partnerships.
Progressive faith-based post-secondary education
In this category, our grants are generally awarded to progressive Baptist colleges, universities, and seminaries. The funding is intended to assist these institutions in their efforts to become more inclusive and welcoming for all. For example, grants may support initiatives that increase access and affordability, bolster academic programs and faculty, or ensure the institution’s sustainability.
Inclusivity initiatives
Grants in this area foster faith spaces where everyone feels genuinely included and welcomed and amplify the voices of marginalized communities. This includes funding for initiatives that focus on promoting and embracing historically excluded individuals in ministry, leadership, and full membership in houses of worship and other faith settings.
Arts and enrichment
At this time, most grants in this category are to longtime partners and we are not soliciting new applications in this area. Past grants have included support for congregational hymns, youth choirs, and developing community and resources for church musicians.
What We Don't Fund
There are several areas frequently inquired about that we are regretfully unable to support:
- Individuals, or personal needs
- Business assistance
- For-profit endeavors, organizations, or institutions
- Internal-facing church projects, unless we have a pre-existing relationship with your congregation
- Most church ministry projects, unless we have a pre-existing relationship with your congregation
- Undergraduate scholarships
- Most Preschool or K-12 education programs
- Lobbying
Who We Are
The Baugh Foundation supports progressive, inclusive, non-profit organizations that reflect the love of Christ by providing grants to organizations which enrich lives of children and youth, keep faith communities informed and engaged, and guard the wall of separation between church and state.