Bible Study Time Inc.

## Approach Strategy

Bible Study Time Inc. is best understood not as a traditional grant-making foundation but as a self-operating religious broadcasting organization that occasionally provides financial support to aligned Christian ministries. With $14.97M in assets and a history of only one grant award per year between 2013 and 2017—and no grants reported from 2018 through 2024—this organization presents a very narrow and unpredictable funding opportunity.

The most effective approach is through direct organizational relationship-building rather than any formal application process. Bible Study Time Inc. does not publish grant guidelines, application deadlines, or open solicitations. Its historical giving appears to have been entirely preselected, based on alignment with the ministries of Dr. Freda Crews and William Crews Jr., who lead the organization's broadcasting programming.

Applicants should focus on demonstrating: 1. A clear alignment with evangelical Christian broadcasting, media ministry, or television/radio programming that complements the Crews' existing programs (Time for Hope, The Awakening Hour). 2. A genuine relationship with leadership—cold applications are unlikely to succeed given the organization's closed-door grant culture. 3. A national or international broadcast footprint, as the organization's own programming reaches stations across the United States and internationally.

Because the organization has demonstrated no active grant-making in recent years, prospective applicants should treat any outreach as exploratory and manage expectations accordingly.

## Funding Patterns

Bible Study Time Inc. has a deeply irregular and minimal grant-making history. Based on available 990 filings and nonprofit database records:

• 2013–2017: One grant awarded per year (exact amounts and recipients not publicly disclosed)
• 2018–2024: No grants reported

Asset base vs. giving rate: With approximately $14.97M in total assets and revenue of $2.91M in the most recent filing year (largely from asset sales and investment income), the organization retains nearly all resources for its own operations and broadcasting activities. Charitable disbursements of $676,797 noted in 2024 appear directed toward the organization's own programs rather than external grantees.

Revenue composition: The foundation's revenue is primarily driven by investment income and asset liquidation—not donor contributions—which explains why there is little external grantmaking pressure.

Typical grant size: Not publicly available. Given the organization's modest historical grant volume (one per year), grants are likely small-to-mid range for a religious ministry context, potentially in the $5,000–$50,000 range, though this is an estimate.

Focus: When grants have been made, they appear directed at organizations supporting Christian radio, television, or media evangelism—consistent with the core mission of Bible Study Time's own broadcasting arm, Select Religious Broadcasting.

## Peer Comparison

Bible Study Time Inc. occupies an unusual niche among foundations with similar asset sizes. The table below compares it against comparable South Carolina-based and religiously-oriented foundations:

Key takeaway: Bible Study Time Inc. is a significant outlier—its asset base suggests philanthropic capacity, but its actual grant-making is effectively dormant. Unlike comparable regional foundations that maintain active community programs, Bible Study Time Inc. directs resources primarily to its own media ministry operations. Organizations seeking grants from foundations of this asset size in South Carolina are better served by approaching the Spartanburg County Foundation or the South Carolina Christian Foundation, which maintain transparent grant programs.

## Recent Activity

Based on the most recently available data (through 2024):

• No external grants awarded in 2022, 2023, or 2024 based on 990 filings reviewed
• Charitable disbursements of $676,797 reported in 2024, but these appear directed toward the organization's own programmatic activities (broadcasting operations) rather than external grantees
• Revenue of $2.91M in 2024, predominantly from asset sales (59%) and investment income (11.5%)—suggesting significant portfolio activity but not philanthropic distribution
• Total assets of ~$15M, unchanged materially from prior years, indicating stable reserves
• Leadership: William Crews Jr. continues as President/CEO; Dr. Freda Crews (Board Chair) remains the public face of the organization's broadcasting ministry
• Programs active: Time for Hope and The Awakening Hour television programs remain operational

The organization received a Transparency Grade of D from MinistryWatch (2023), does not publish audited financials, and lacks ECFA membership. These governance concerns limit visibility into current activities and may indicate reduced external accountability.

There is no evidence of any new grant programs, open solicitations, or philanthropic initiatives announced in 2025 or 2026.

## Application Tips

Given Bible Study Time Inc.'s closed and preselected grant history, traditional grant application strategies are unlikely to succeed. The following tips reflect the realities of this particular funder:

1. Do not expect a formal application process. This organization has no published RFP, grant portal, or guidelines. Any outreach should be framed as an introduction, not an application.

2. Lead with media ministry alignment. If approaching leadership, demonstrate how your organization's radio, television, or digital broadcasting ministry complements or extends the work of Time for Hope or The Awakening Hour. Organizations without a broadcasting component are unlikely to be considered.

3. Pursue a warm introduction. Given that all historical grants appear preselected, the most viable path is a referral from someone in the Christian broadcasting or Spartanburg-area faith community who has a relationship with William Crews Jr. or Dr. Freda Crews.

4. Contact information: Phone: (864) 585-0470 | Email: info@biblestudytimeinc.org | Address: 157 East St John Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302

5. Calibrate expectations. With no grants awarded since 2017 and a dormant giving profile, this funder should be treated as a low-probability, long-horizon relationship target. Do not invest significant proposal development resources without a prior conversation with leadership.

6. Consider alternative funders. If your mission overlaps with Christian broadcasting or South Carolina faith communities, the South Carolina Christian Foundation and Spartanburg County Foundation represent more accessible and transparent alternatives with active grant programs.