The Outreach Foundation of the Presbyterian Church Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $114 million+ disbursed since founding
• Geographic Focus: 36 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Americas
• Partners Supported: 49 global partners plus 25 missionaries/missionary couples
• Charity Navigator Rating: 97% (Four-Star)
• Tax Status: 501(c)(3)
• EIN: 58-1375506

Contact Details

Headquarters:
The Outreach Foundation
381 Riverside Drive, Suite 465
Franklin, TN 37064

Phone: 615-778-8881 or 800-791-5023
Email: info@theoutreachfoundation.org
Website: https://www.theoutreachfoundation.org/

Overview

Founded over 40 years ago, The Outreach Foundation of the Presbyterian Church Inc has connected Christians in the United States with church partners around the world. The organization serves as a Validated Mission Support Group in a covenant relationship with the Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA), raising and distributing funds for evangelism and church development projects. With over $114 million disbursed since its founding, the organization currently works with congregations in several U.S. Presbyterian denominations (PC(USA), EPC, ECO, Fellowship Community congregations and others), supporting 49 global partners in 36 countries and 25 missionaries or missionary couples. The organization has earned a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator with a score of 97%, reflecting strong financial health and accountability. The Outreach Foundation's mission is "Fueling the global mission of Christ by growing trusted relationships."

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Outreach Foundation supports global mission work through multiple funding streams:

Missionary Support
Direct support for 25 missionaries or missionary couples working globally in evangelism, church planting, and leadership development.

Church Partnerships
Long-term partnerships with national and regional church bodies for capacity building, leadership training, and ministry expansion.

Theological Education
Support for seminaries and theological training institutions that equip leaders for gospel ministry.

Compassion Ministries
Funding for ministries serving vulnerable populations, including children's programs and community development.

Designated Giving
Donors may designate gifts to specific missionaries or projects listed in the organization's "Missionaries & Projects Book" available from their office.

Annual Appeal (Unrestricted)
Once yearly appeal (typically in August) for unrestricted support of organizational operations and staff work.

Priority Areas

The Outreach Foundation focuses on building the capacity of the global church, especially where the church is vulnerable or growing rapidly. Their priorities include:

• Leadership Training: Equipping leaders through theological education and pastoral training
• Church Planting: Starting new congregations and building church infrastructure
• Evangelism: Christ-centered evangelistic mission for sharing the Gospel
• Ministries of Compassion: Strengthening programs that serve vulnerable communities
• Missionary Support: Supporting missionaries engaged in word and deed ministry
• Long-term Relationships: Cultivating deep, sustained partnerships with global churches

Regional Focus

The organization works across all inhabited continents with partners in:

• Africa: Ethiopia (EECMY, Bethel Synod schools), Zambia (CCAP church and school construction, community schools), Zimbabwe, South Sudan
• Middle East: Egypt (Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo), Palestine/Israel (Bethlehem Bible College), Syria and Lebanon (National Evangelical Synod), Kuwait and Dubai (Bible Society in the Gulf)
• Asia: Pakistan (Christian Recording Ministries), China
• Europe: Ukraine (Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary), Poland and Lithuania (church planting), Eastern Europe/Baltic states, Turkey (Persian Diaspora work), Belgium/Brussels
• Latin America: Brazil (SARA Institute), Cuba (Children's Bible Ministry Guanabacoa, Matanzas Theological Seminary), México (National Presbyterian Church of México)

What They Fund

Every person, project, and partnership supported by The Outreach Foundation is directly involved in sharing the Gospel in word and deed. They fund:

• Theological seminaries and training programs
• New church construction and church planting initiatives
• Community schools and educational programs
• Bible translation and distribution ministries
• Refugee outreach and diaspora ministries
• Leadership development and pastoral training
• Children's ministries and vulnerable child care
• Community development and compassion projects

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Rev. Dr. Mark Mueller, Executive Director
Dr. Mueller has served as Executive Director since October 2020, previously serving as Director of Development. He leads the organization's strategic direction and partnership development.

Associate Director for Mission (joined 2021)
Works directly with global church leaders and serves partnership regions including China, Eastern Europe, Pakistan, and Ukraine.

Board of Trustees

The Outreach Foundation is independently governed by a Board of Trustees, all of whom are pastors or officers in their respective Presbyterian churches. The board follows strong governance practices including:

• Formal orientations for new board members
• Written agreements defining board responsibilities
• Formal assessments of the chief executive
• Annual review of conflict-of-interest policies

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

For Donors and Churches:
The Outreach Foundation welcomes gifts from individuals and congregations. Donors may:

• Give to specific missionaries or projects by selecting "Other" on the donation page and indicating the project or missionary name
• Request the "Missionaries & Projects Book" (call 800-791-5023) which lists all current missionaries and projects available for designation
• Contribute to the Annual Appeal for unrestricted organizational support
• Contact the office to discuss church partnership opportunities

For Prospective Partners:
The organization does not appear to have a public, open application process for new partner organizations seeking funding. Partnership development focuses on relationship-building and alignment with Presbyterian Mission Agency priorities. The Outreach Foundation identifies and helps fund projects and people making an impact for Christ, with emphasis on relationships rather than transactional grantmaking.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on research, organizations interested in partnership with The Outreach Foundation should consider:

Presbyterian Connections: The organization works in covenant relationship with the Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA) and supports projects "approved by World Mission and the PMA." Established relationships with PC(USA), EPC, ECO, or Fellowship Community congregations provide natural entry points.

Mission Alignment: Every supported partnership must be "directly involved in sharing the Gospel in word and deed" with focus on evangelism, church planting, leadership training, or compassion ministries.

Long-term Vision: The Outreach Foundation emphasizes "deep, long-term relationships" over short-term projects. They seek partners committed to sustained ministry rather than one-time initiatives.

Consultation Services: The organization offers consultation services to help churches "discern how their passion and gifts intersect with God's mission." Churches interested in global partnership can request consultation calls to explore potential connections.

Mission Trips: The Outreach Foundation leads approximately 20 mission trip groups each year to meet global partners. These trips serve as relationship-building opportunities where potential partners might be encountered and relationships developed.

Direct Contact: Organizations may contact the office directly at info@theoutreachfoundation.org or 615-778-8881 to inquire about partnership possibilities.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly documented. As partnerships are developed through relationship-building rather than application cycles, timing likely varies based on individual circumstances and alignment with organizational priorities.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable due to the relationship-based partnership model rather than competitive application process.

Application Success Factors

Funder-Specific Insights

Relationship Over Transaction: The Outreach Foundation explicitly states their work is "more about relationships than just projects." Success depends on building genuine, long-term partnerships rather than submitting strong proposals.

Gospel-Centered Focus: Every supported initiative must be "directly involved in sharing the Gospel in word and deed." The organization's tagline emphasizes "Christ-centered evangelistic mission for the salvation of humankind." Projects must demonstrate clear evangelistic intent alongside compassionate service.

Presbyterian Mission Agency Alignment: As a Validated Mission Support Group working "in covenant relationship" with the Presbyterian Mission Agency, projects must align with PMA priorities and receive approval from World Mission and the PMA.

Mutually Transformational Partnerships: The organization seeks to "help congregations build long-term partnerships with the global church that are mutually transformational," suggesting they value partnerships where both US and global churches grow together rather than one-directional giving.

Focus on Vulnerable and Growing Church: Priority is given to "building the capacity of the global church, especially where the church is vulnerable or growing rapidly," indicating preference for contexts of either need or opportunity.

Emphasis on Leadership Development: The organization consistently highlights its commitment to "equip leaders, plant and build churches, and strengthen ministries of compassion," suggesting that capacity-building and sustainability are valued over dependency-creating aid.

Transparency and Accountability: With a 97% Charity Navigator score, the organization "works tirelessly to ensure honesty and transparency" and is "proud of its reputation as a leading organization funding global mission." Partners should be prepared for strong accountability standards.

Direct Distribution Model: The Outreach Foundation "receives funds directly in its office and disburses those funds directly to mission partners around the globe," indicating they maintain direct relationships rather than working through intermediaries.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is not a traditional grantmaking foundation with open application processes. Partnership development happens through relationship-building within Presbyterian networks and alignment with Presbyterian Mission Agency priorities.

• Presbyterian connections are essential. Working relationships with PC(USA), EPC, ECO, or Fellowship Community congregations provide the most natural pathways to partnership.

• Gospel proclamation must be central. The organization supports only ministries "directly involved in sharing the Gospel in word and deed" - compassion ministries alone without evangelistic intent are unlikely to align.

• Long-term commitment matters more than short-term projects. The organization cultivates "deep, long-term relationships" and builds "sustained mission partnerships," not one-off initiatives.

• Consider engaging US Presbyterian churches first. Since The Outreach Foundation helps churches "choose a global partner to support," developing relationships with US Presbyterian congregations interested in your region/work may create introduction opportunities.

• Exceptional track record and transparency expected. With a 97% Charity Navigator rating, The Outreach Foundation maintains high standards. Partners should be prepared to demonstrate financial accountability, programmatic effectiveness, and missional integrity.

• Over $114 million distributed since founding demonstrates significant capacity. While individual grant amounts aren't published, the organization has substantial resources deployed across 49 partners in 36 countries, suggesting meaningful support levels for established partners.

References

• The Outreach Foundation official website: https://www.theoutreachfoundation.org/ (Accessed March 9, 2026)
• Charity Navigator Profile: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/581375506 (Accessed March 9, 2026) - "This charity's score is 97%, earning it a Four-Star rating"
• Candid Foundation Directory: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?collection=grantmakers&activity=result&key=OUTR411 (Accessed March 9, 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/581375506 (Accessed March 9, 2026)
• GuideStar Profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/58-1375506 (Accessed March 9, 2026)
• Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Donation Page: https://pcusa.org/donate/e863005-outreach-foundation (Accessed March 9, 2026) - "The Outreach Foundation is a Validated Mission Support Group in a covenant relationship with the Presbyterian Mission Agency"
• Mission & Vision page: https://www.theoutreachfoundation.org/mission-vision (Referenced in search results)
• We Help Churches page: https://www.theoutreachfoundation.org/we-help-churches (Referenced in search results)
• PGF Outbox article on Mission Giving: https://pgf.typepad.com/outbox/2007/04/mission_giving_.html (Accessed March 9, 2026) - Information about funding distribution model