For more than 85 years, Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODBM) has shared biblical wisdom and resources that inspire millions worldwide. Their mission — to make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all — has always been the driving force behind everything they do. But in recent years, the ministry faced a significant challenge.
“In 2020 and 2022, we were facing some significant obstacles, one of the biggest being a decline in giving,” said Dr. Matt Lucas, President and CEO of Our Daily Bread Ministries. “We knew we had to diversify our revenue streams.”
The Challenge: Moving Beyond Traditional Funding
Like many faith-based organizations, ODBM’s funding had traditionally relied on donor generosity and individual gifts. But with shifting giving patterns and economic pressures, the ministry recognized that it needed a more resilient financial model — one that could sustain and even expand its mission in the years ahead. While ODBM had strong writers and a talented communications team, they lacked the specialized skills, strategy, and structure required to compete successfully for major grants.
“We hadn’t exercised that muscle as a ministry, nor had we developed the kind of logic model that most foundations look for,” Dr. Lucas explained.
The Solution: A Strategic Partnership
To build that capacity, ODBM partnered with DickersonBakker, leveraging their deep experience in grant strategy, fundraising, and nonprofit development.
“While we had strong writing skills and a large pool of people to draw from, grant writing requires a very different skill set,” said Dr. Lucas. “Working with DickersonBakker helped us break down that entire process and think through every part.”
DickersonBakker’s team worked closely with ODBM to:
- Develop a step-by-step grant strategy that could be replicated internally
- Build logic models and measurable outcomes aligned with funder expectations
- Establish internal grant management systems to reduce long-term reliance on outside consultants
- Identify and pursue high-value RFPs that matched the ministry’s mission and goals
“DickersonBakker does a great job of setting you up for success without making you overly reliant on them,” said Dr. Lucas.
The Results: Two Major Wins, Lasting Transformation
In 2023, ODBM set its sights on a major opportunity — the Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Churches RFP. Guided by DickersonBakker’s strategy and support, the team crafted a bold proposal requesting $1.25 million to strengthen thriving church initiatives. They were awarded the full amount.
“We submitted one for $1.25 million... and we were awarded the full amount,” said Dr. Lucas.
Encouraged by this success, ODBM pursued another Lilly Endowment grant the following year — this time focused on engaging the next generation in worship and leadership. Once again, their application was successful, securing a second major award.
“Because we had developed a strong internal grant-writing practice, listened to best practices, and moved quickly, we saw significant results for our ministry,” said Dr. Lucas.
The Outcome: A Grant-Ready Ministry
Through this partnership, ODBM transformed from a donation-dependent organization into a grant-empowered ministry with the skills, structure, and confidence to pursue institutional funding independently.
Today, ODBM operates with a fully functioning internal grant writing and management program — one that enhances their ability to communicate their mission, impact, and vision in a funder-friendly way.
“Without their partnership, I know we would not have experienced the level or speed of growth that we have,” said Dr. Lucas.
What began as a season of financial uncertainty has become a story of strength and renewal. With DickersonBakker’s guidance, ODBM has built not just funding success — but a sustainable system that will support their mission for years to come. Check out our website to learn more about DickersonBakker's Grant Solutions.
