For churches, dioceses, and faith-based organizations (FBOs) in Brazil, 2026 presents a unique landscape of financial challenges and transformative opportunities. With nearly half of Brazilians living in inadequate housing and favelas continuing to expand rapidly, the Catholic Church and other denominations are mobilizing resources like never before to address pressing social needs .
This year, the focus of church funding in Brazil has shifted significantly toward housing, Amazon region missions, seminary formation, and community-based social programs.
Whether you are a pastor seeking funds for a church building project, a diocese needing support for seminarian formation, or a faith-based NGO working in the Amazon, this guide provides a curated list of active funding opportunities for 2026.
Also check: List Of Church Funding Organizations In South Africa (2026)
Why Church Funding in Brazil Matters in 2026
The Brazilian Church is responding to a critical moment. According to the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB), the proliferation of informal favelas has accelerated, and the 2026 Fraternity Campaign has chosen “Fraternity and Housing” as its central theme, with the motto “He came to dwell among us” (John 1:14) .
This thematic focus has unlocked significant funding streams for housing-related projects, environmental advocacy, and favela ministry. Additionally, remote regions like the Amazon continue to receive international attention and funding for missionary work, transportation, and community support .
The following list represents the most current, active, and verifiable church funding sources in Brazil for 2026.
Major Church Funding Organizations & Programs in Brazil (2026)
1. CNBB – Comunhão e Partilha Project (Communion and Sharing)
Focus: Seminary Formation, Clergy Training, Priest Education.
Status: Application window closing soon (February 15, 2026).
The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) operates one of the most significant internal funding mechanisms for the Catholic Church in Brazil. The “Comunhão e Partilha” (Communion and Sharing) project is a concrete expression of solidarity between particular churches across Brazil .
In 2025, this initiative distributed R
4.18million∗∗tosupport∗∗311seminarians∗∗from43diocesesandprelacies,plusanadditional∗∗R
4.18million∗∗tosupport∗∗311seminarians∗∗from43diocesesandprelacies,plusanadditional∗∗R 2.5 million for the permanent formation of 78 priests residing at the Pio Brasileiro College in Rome. A total of 96 dioceses—approximately 34.5% of the particular churches in Brazil—benefited .
Eligibility:
Dioceses and prelacies with ordinary monthly income of up to R$ 40,000 can apply. Assistance is divided into three groups:
| Group | Monthly Income | Assistance per Seminarian |
| Group A | Up to R$ 25,000 | R$ 3,255.00 |
| Group B | Up to R$ 30,000 | R$ 1,872.00 |
| Group C | Up to R$ 40,000 | R$ 877.50 |
How to apply: Registrations must be submitted exclusively through the official system at comunhaoepartilha.cnbb.org.br. The 2026 deadline is February 15, 2026 .
For the Pio Brasileiro College (Rome): Contact the director, Father Valdir Cândido, directly via email at piobrasiliano@tiscali.it or by phone at +39 06 66 059 1 .
2. IECLB – Edital de Projetos I/2026 (Lutheran Church)
Focus: Human and Institutional Capacity Development, Study Projects.
Status: Open (March 6, 2026 – May 7, 2026).
The Evangelical Church of Lutheran Confession in Brazil (IECLB) has launched its Project Notice I/2026, aimed at supporting study projects that contribute to the development and strengthening of human and institutional capacities. These projects must align with the church’s Missionary Goals for 2025–2030 .
Who can apply:
Individuals who collaborate with the mission of the IECLB, whether at the ecclesiastical level or in organizations confessionally linked to the church.
Funding Sources:
The IECLB secures resources from partner churches and organizations, including the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), One World Mission (MEW), the Evangelical Church in Germany, and the Lieselote and Rosina Heinrich Foundation .
How to apply:
The application period runs from March 6, 2026, to May 7, 2026. Details are available at www.luterano.org.br.
3. Franciscan Solidarity Service (Serviço Franciscano de Solidariedade)
Focus: Environmental Defender Protection, Amazon Conservation, Indigenous Community Funds.
Status: Active through 2026.
The Franciscan Solidarity Service is a Catholic association based in São Paulo that has been working since 2018 on strategies to protect environmental defenders in the Brazilian Amazon. The Mott Foundation awarded a $200,000 grant for the period of January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026, to support this work .
What the funding supports:
During the current grant period, the organization is monitoring the implementation of a national environmental defenders program and strengthening the capacity of its network to support Indigenous and traditional community funds .
Opportunity for churches:
Catholic parishes and faith-based organizations working on environmental advocacy or Indigenous ministry in the Legal Amazon (North region) may find partnership opportunities or learn from this model.
Geographic Focus: Brazil, with emphasis on the Norte region (Amazon) .
4. Fraternity Campaign 2026 – Solidarity Fund (Campanha da Fraternidade)
Focus: Housing, Favela Ministry, Social Projects, Dignified Housing.
Status: Active (Coleta da Solidariedade on March 29, 2026).
The Fraternity Campaign is the largest annual fundraising and awareness initiative of the Catholic Church in Brazil during Lent. For 2026, the theme is “Fraternity and Housing,” with the goal of promoting dignified housing as a priority and right, alongside other essential goods and services for the entire population .
The Solidarity Collection (Coleta da Solidariedade) will take place on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026. The proceeds are distributed as follows:
- 60% remains in the diocese (Diocesan Solidarity Fund)
- 40% is sent to the National Solidarity Fund (FNS)
How to apply for funds:
Dioceses, parishes, and faith-based organizations can submit project proposals to their respective Diocesan Solidarity Fund (FDS) . For example, the Diocese of Divinópolis (MG) has published a specific edital for 2026 seeking projects that address housing issues .
Key contact: Local diocesan offices. The campaign is promoted nationally by the CNBB .
5. Maranatha Volunteers International – Brazil Project 2026
Focus: Church Construction, Rural Ministry.
Status: Volunteer project scheduled for October 29 – November 10, 2026.
Maranatha Volunteers International is organizing a Fall 2026 project in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Volunteers will build a church in the rural town of São Gonçalo do Pará as part of a campaign to establish one church in every city in that state .
Current situation:
A group of 15 members is already reaching out to the community. They have purchased land but need support to finally build their temple. The city has approximately 13,000 inhabitants and is known for its tranquil atmosphere and strong community spirit .
How to get involved:
This is primarily a volunteer-based construction project, but churches seeking similar infrastructure support can learn from Maranatha’s model. More information is available at maranatha.org.
6. MSC World Projects – OLSH Global Outreach 2026
Focus: Amazon Region, Transportation for Missionary Work, Disability Support, Indigenous Ministry.
Status: Active fundraising target of approximately €20,000.
The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) are supporting the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH) , who are working in São Gabriel da Cachoeira, an extremely remote area in the Amazon region of Brazil .
The need:
The Sisters are seeking approximately €20,000 to purchase a vehicle suited to the difficult Amazonian terrain. Currently, they lack adequate transportation, which limits their ability to serve scattered communities effectively .
Ministries served by this funding:
- Pastoral work in the parish and surrounding villages
- Catechetical formation for children, youth, and adults
- Visiting families and accompanying the sick and elderly
- Community support programs
- Cultural dialogue among diverse indigenous groups
- Social work with disabled children and migrant families
How to support or apply:
This is an international fundraising appeal. Churches or individuals wishing to contribute or learn about missionary funding models can contact MSC at www.mscmissions.ie.
7. OM (Operation Mobilisation) – Amazon Hope Project 2026
Focus: Church Planting, Quilombola Communities, River Communities, Human Trafficking Prevention.
Status: Outreach journey in August 2026 (Apply by June 26, 2026).
OM Brazil is organizing the Amazon Hope Project for August 3–8, 2026. The purpose is to implement, support, and sustain Vibrant Communities of Jesus Followers (VCJFs) in the Amazon region, involving partners and churches .
Target areas:
- River dwellers and Quilombola (Maroon community) families
- The Marajó archipelago (the area with the lowest Human Development Index in Brazil)
- Regions marked by high rates of child prostitution, human trafficking, and extreme poverty
What participants do:
Travel on the Amazon Hope boat to share the Gospel, implement VCJFs, and provide social, medical, and preventative assistance against human trafficking. They partner with the Brazilian Biblical Society .
Cost: Approximately EUR 290 (excluding international travel).
Application deadline: June 26, 2026. More information is available at om.org.
8. Fundo de Bolsas (The Scholarship Fund) – Jewish Community
Focus: Jewish Education Scholarships, Child Education, Community Investment.
Status: Active for 2025/2026 cycle.
The Fundo de Bolsas (Scholarship Fund) is the largest community investment in Jewish education and continuity in Brazil. Founded a decade ago, its mission is to ensure that no child in the Jewish community of São Paulo is left out of school due to a lack of financial resources .
2025/2026 Impact Numbers:
- R$ 44.5 million mobilized through a network of solidarity
- 865 students supported across 13 partner schools
- 4,700+ donors and 600 volunteers engaged
- 94% of funds raised go directly to school tuition fees
How it works:
The Fund works with Jewish schools in São Paulo, which conduct vulnerability assessments of families via social assistance. A Management Committee and Strategic Council, formed by leading families in the community, ensure program continuity and responsible resource management .
For churches: While this is specific to the Jewish community, Christian denominations looking to establish similar education scholarship funds can learn from this highly efficient model.
9. Housing and Favela Pastoral Ministry (Pastoral da Habitação e Favela)
Focus: Public Housing Policy Advocacy, Favela Upgrading, Urban Farming, Solar Energy Projects.
Status: Active training and expansion in 2026.
The National Housing and Favela Pastoral Ministry, headed by Father Marcelo Toyansk Guimarães, is actively working to strengthen the Church’s presence in favelas and poor neighborhoods across Brazil. The 2026 Fraternity Campaign is promoting advocacy for public housing policies and seeking new ways to expand this work .
Types of projects highlighted for 2026:
- Environmental upgrading of favelas
- Urban farming initiatives
- Solar energy projects in poor neighborhoods
- Self-construction efforts
How to get involved:
Parishes and dioceses across the country are hosting discussions and workshops on these issues. The aim is to train local Church agents to address housing concerns and potentially establish new groups of the Housing and Favela Pastoral Ministry .
Summary Table: Church Funding Organizations in Brazil (2026)
| Organization | Focus Area | Status for 2026 | Application Window |
| CNBB – Comunhão e Partilha | Seminarian formation | Open | Until Feb 15, 2026 |
| IECLB – Projetos I/2026 | Human/institutional capacity | Open | Mar 6 – May 7, 2026 |
| Franciscan Solidarity Service | Amazon/Indigenous advocacy | Active (through Dec 2026) | By contact |
| Fraternity Campaign | Housing/favela projects | One-time collection | Mar 29, 2026 |
| Maranatha | Church construction | Volunteer project | Oct 29 – Nov 10, 2026 |
| MSC – OLSH Outreach | Amazon missionary transport | Fundraising | By contact |
| OM – Amazon Hope Project | Church planting/outreach | Short-term journey | Apply by Jun 26, 2026 |
| Fundo de Bolsas | Jewish education scholarships | Active | By contact (São Paulo) |
| Housing & Favela Pastoral | Urban poor/housing advocacy | Active training | By contact |
How to Apply for Church Funding in Brazil
Based on the trends visible in the 2026 funding landscape, here are practical steps to increase your chances of success:
1. Align with the Fraternity Campaign Theme
The 2026 focus on housing means that projects related to dignified housing, favela upgrading, urban farming, and self-construction are prioritized. The campaign calls for a Church presence that does not promote an individualistic faith but actively engages in the search for solutions to housing problems .
2. Prepare Documentation in Portuguese
All applications, especially those submitted to CNBB, IECLB, and diocesan funds, require documentation in Brazilian Portuguese. Ensure your NPO/Church registration (CNPJ) and statutes are up to date.
3. Understand the Solidarity Model
Many Brazilian church funding mechanisms operate on a solidarity and co-responsibility model. For example, the Comunhão e Partilha project is sustained by dioceses contributing 1.5% of their ordinary revenues. Demonstrating that your project is part of a network of mutual support is advantageous .
4. Focus on Measurable Outcomes
Whether it’s the number of seminarians supported (as with CNBB) or the number of students receiving scholarships (as with Fundo de Bolsas), Brazilian funders value clear, quantifiable impact metrics.
5. Consider Partnership Models
If your church cannot access funding directly, consider partnering with an established organization. The Franciscan Solidarity Service partners with Indigenous community funds; OM partners with the Brazilian Biblical Society and local churches .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can a small, independent evangelical church in Brazil apply for these funds?
A: Yes, but eligibility varies. The IECLB Edital is specifically for those linked to the Lutheran confession. The Fraternity Campaign funds are distributed through Catholic dioceses. However, organizations like OM and Maranatha welcome evangelical participation in volunteer and mission capacities. For independent churches, partnership with a larger denomination or established NGO may be the most effective route.
Q2: I am an international missionary wanting to work in Brazil. Where can I find funding?
A: The Amazon Hope Project (OM) and MSC World Projects are explicitly open to international volunteers and missionaries. The Amazon region receives significant international attention and funding. Note that for OM, the Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory, and participants need to arrange their own travel to the boat departure point in Belém .
Q3: Are there specific funds for housing projects in favelas in 2026?
A: Absolutely. The Fraternity Campaign 2026 is entirely dedicated to housing (Fraternidade e Moradia). The Coleta da Solidariedade on March 29, 2026, will generate funds distributed via Diocesan Solidarity Funds (FDS) and the National Solidarity Fund (FNS). Additionally, the Housing and Favela Pastoral Ministry is actively training church agents and can help direct resources .
Q4: How much funding can a diocese receive for seminarian formation through CNBB?
A: The amount depends on the diocese’s monthly ordinary income:
- Group A (up to R
- 25,000monthlyincome):∗∗R
- 25,000monthlyincome):∗∗R3,255 per seminarian**
- Group B (up to R
- 30,000):∗∗R
- 30,000):∗∗R1,872 per seminarian**
- Group C (up to R
- 40,000):∗∗R
- 40,000):∗∗R877.50 per seminarian**
Q5: What types of Amazon-focused projects are being funded in 2026?
A: Several types:
- Transportation needs: The OLSH Sisters need €20,000 for a vehicle suitable for Amazon terrain .
- Environmental protection: The Franciscan Solidarity Service is receiving $200,000 to protect environmental defenders .
- Church planting: The Amazon Hope Project focuses on river communities and Quilombola populations .
- Church construction: Maranatha is building a church in Minas Gerais .
Q6: Are there funding opportunities for theological education beyond the CNBB seminarian program?
A: Yes. The IECLB Edital de Projetos I/2026 supports study projects for human and institutional capacity development. While the 2026 application window closes May 7, this is an annual or recurring opportunity. Additionally, the Lieselote and Rosina Heinrich Foundation is listed as a partner funding source for IECLB projects .
Q7: What is the deadline for the CNBB Comunhão e Partilha 2026 application?
A: The registration deadline is February 15, 2026. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official system at comunhaoepartilha.cnbb.org.br. Given that this date has recently passed for the 2026 cycle, churches should prepare for the 2027 cycle .
Final Thoughts
The landscape of church funding in Brazil for 2026 is characterized by a strong emphasis on social justice, housing, and Amazon mission. The Catholic Church, through the CNBB and the Fraternity Campaign, has placed housing at the center of its agenda. Meanwhile, Lutheran, Franciscan, and international missionary organizations continue to provide vital support for education, environmental protection, and remote community ministry.
Whether you are seeking funding for seminarian formation, a church building project, a favela social program, or Amazon mission work, the opportunities listed above represent the most current and verified sources available for 2026. Act quickly on deadlines—some, like the CNBB seminarian registration, have already passed for this cycle, but preparation for 2027 should begin now.
