Sharing Hearts Fund

Sharing Hearts for the Church is a charitable initiative of Liberty HealthShare designed to support Christian churches as they serve people in need in their local communities and further the Gospel. Liberty HealthShare describes the program as an extension of its role as a nonprofit healthcare sharing ministry and states that the dollars awarded through the Sharing Hearts Fund are generated through donations and grants, separate from the normal operations of its healthcare sharing ministry. For this funding cycle, Liberty HealthShare has dedicated $100,000 and plans to make 20 grants of up to $5,000 each. The program supports current or new church ministries that serve needy or vulnerable populations in the surrounding community. Examples identified by Liberty HealthShare include food drives, clothing assistance, back-to-school ministry, unhoused outreach, preparing and serving meals, community service programs, and other ministries focused on serving underprivileged people. An eligible proposal must describe how the church will serve needy or vulnerable populations, and the program must have a tangible impact that can be reported after the award. Both pre-existing and new programs or services may qualify if their impact and service can be defined. Capital campaigns, staff salaries, administrative costs, membership campaigns, and other non-community-centered programs that would increase the church's assets and financial standing are not eligible for funding. Christian churches in Stark and contiguous counties are encouraged to apply. Eligible churches are expected to acknowledge Jesus Christ as salvation, demonstrate the Fruits of the Spirit, participate regularly in worship and prayer, seek to serve people in need, and align with Liberty HealthShare's Statement of Shared Christian Beliefs. Liberty HealthShare membership is not required to apply or receive an award. A church seeking funding to donate to a community organization must co-apply with that organization and pledge volunteers from the church body to assist it. Only one grant is available to each church, so churches should not submit more than one proposal. Other funding sources may generally be combined with a Sharing Hearts grant, but applicants should disclose those sources when requested. No applicant cost share or matching contribution is stated as a requirement. Applications may be completed online at www.libertyhealthshare.org/sharing-hearts/the-church or submitted using the paper application mailed to ATTN: Sharing Hearts Fund, Liberty HealthShare, 4455 Hills & Dales Rd NW, Canton, OH 44708. Applications opened August 11, 2026, and all applications received by 5pm on October 1, 2026 will be considered for this grant cycle. The application requires church and primary contact information, the requested funding amount and proposed use, identification of whether the program is new or existing, and information concerning potential partnerships or co-applicants. Applicants must also address the proposal's continuation beyond the initial timeframe, proposed duration and dates, anticipated community impact and beneficiaries, alignment with the church's mission, vision, and character, and evidence of an active need for the proposal. Co-applications require a volunteer pledge and co-applicant information and signatures where applicable. Applications will be evaluated by a Review Committee consisting of church leaders, Christian nonprofit leaders, and Liberty HealthShare staff. Review criteria include alignment with program objectives, potential community impact, feasibility, and the overall strength of the proposal. Select written applicants will be invited to Liberty HealthShare's offices to present their proposals to the Review Committee before final decisions are made. Applicants will be notified following completion of the review and selection process. The packet does not provide a specific notification date. Grant funds are scheduled for disbursement in December 2026 with the intention that the funds be used during 2027. Recipients must track grant activities and report on the use and impact of the funds. The materials state that a one-page report is required within the applicable post-use reporting period or by the end of 2027, with metrics including a budget report, community impact, and personal stories. For questions regarding eligibility or the application process, applicants may contact Joshua Grubbs, Coordinator, Sharing Hearts for the Church, at sharinghearts@libertyhealthshare.org or 855-585-4237 ext. 1969. The source does not state that this grant cycle recurs annually; in fact, the application notes that an annual program is not required for funding.

Directly address alignment with program objectives, potential community impact, feasibility, and overall proposal strength. Define a tangible impact that can be reported after funding. Clearly explain who will benefit and how, substantiate the active community need, and provide realistic dates and duration. Do not request funding for capital campaigns, staff salaries, administrative costs, membership campaigns, or other non-community-centered activities that increase church assets or financial standing. If applying with a community organization, provide the required co-application and volunteer pledge.