2025 Manna Grants: Apply Now for Funding to Combat Hunger
Now accepting applications: The 2025 Manna Grant offers up to $20,000 in total funding to Grand Canyon Synod ministries that address hunger and its root causes. Projects must demonstrate a commitment to inclusive leadership. Apply by July 31. Made possible through a legacy gift from Orpha Hoganson of Ascension Lutheran, this grant continues her mission to combat hunger with love and equity.
Applications are now open for the 2025 Manna Grant, with $20,000 in total funding available to support projects that alleviate hunger in the Grand Canyon Synod. The deadline to apply is midnight on July 31, 2025. Learn more and apply here.
Grants will be awarded to ministries that not only provide direct hunger relief, but also address at least one root cause of hunger—including poverty, employment instability, medical access, childcare, education, systemic inequity, and more. Projects must also show a commitment to diversity and inclusivity in leadership and decision-making.
Eligible applicants include:
All organized congregations of the Grand Canyon Synod
Synodically Authorized Worshipping Communities (SAWCs)
Special ministries
New starts and mission developments
Completed applications must be emailed to office@gcsynod.org no later than midnight on July 31, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
For questions, contact Theresa Thornburgh at 602-957-3223 or office@gcsynod.org.
A LEGACY THAT NOURISHES
The Manna Grant is made possible by a generous legacy gift from Orpha Hoganson, a lifelong member of Ascension Lutheran Church in Paradise Valley. Orpha was a school librarian and Sunday School volunteer who carried a deep compassion for children and for communities affected by hunger.
In her younger years, Orpha traveled by commercial freighter to see the world—often without knowing where she’d land. Her journeys opened her eyes to global poverty and deepened her call to make a difference. She gave to medical ministries abroad and, upon her death, left $180,000 to Ascension Lutheran Church to support local and global hunger efforts.
After two decades of careful stewardship, the congregation chose to channel Orpha’s vision into action through the creation of the Manna Grant—multiplying her generosity into future acts of love and justice.
Let us honor Orpha’s witness by continuing the work of feeding, healing, and empowering communities across our synod.
