Application CLOSED 2022 Justice and Local Church Ministries Common Application for Grant Funding

Funding Priority Areas:

1. Operational Financial Support Grant (Rolling Applications)

The prolonged impact of COVID-19 has caused increased economic challenge for many of our churches and conferences. We seek to provide financial assistance to local church ministries in crisis. Grants are available to congregations (as well as conferences who are applying on behalf of congregations), who may choose to use those funds towards operational cost (e.g. staffing, equipment, utilities, etc).

Due to the imperative needs for funding, we are making funds available on a first come first serve, monthly rolling base until funds are exhausted.

This funding is not applicable for cases in which long-term financial support is needed. It is intended to be used only for issues directly related to the operational impact of the coronavirus. The maximum grant shall not exceed $2,500. The final decision of the awarded amount will be based on funding availability.

2. Neighbor In Need Funds (Deadline: October 3rd, 2022) THIS DEADLINE IS FIRM.  Applications recieved after the fact will not be considered.
   
   

Neighbor in Needs (NIN) Funds are used to plant seeds in congregations and organizations for programs that creatively address systemic issues of injustice on the local, regional, national, or international level. NIN grants may be used for programming purposes but should focus on strengthening justice advocacy rather than funding charitable projects. Still, those too will be considered. As it relates to international applications, each of these requests must be endorsed by the appropriate Area Executive of the Global Ministries of the United Church of Christ.

There are two funding offerings under the Neighbor in Need fund.

A. Ministry Advocacy and Community Outreach towards Advancing Justice Work

B. Seeking financial support for Innovative program to advance justice work in the community

3. New Church Planters Health, Dental and Pension Benefit Support (Deadline, Sept. 12th, 2022) 

The Pension Board New Church Benefit Support Program is for new churches that have reached a place of sustainability. Sustainability is defined for this grant as a church that has a Board of Directors, bylaws, gathers and has a budget where there are allocations towards the Pastor's salary and benefits. If you are a new church start and don't meet these criteria, please still fill out the application and indicate you don't meet at the designated question and we will attempt to direct you to other similiar resources.

This grant is given to assist new church start with the cost of health, dental premiums or annuity payments. The grant is awarded traditionally over a three-year period. The maximum of up to $10,000 in 1^st year, up to $8,000 in the second year and up to $6,000 in the third year.

Churches that apply for this financial assistance must be a new church plant not more than ten years old. This application is the first step in being considered for a New Church Start Benefit Grant, as administered by the Pension Boards. If, as a result of this application, you are recommended for the New Church Benefit Grant, you must still fill out additional Pension Boards forms sent to you and apply for Life and Disability Income Insurance before you actually receive this grant. This Grant has a deadline of September 12, 2022.

4. CASA New and Renewing Church Grants (Deadline: Oct 3rd, 2022)

This grant is available to faith communities affiliated with the United Church of Christ in the US.  If the applicant is not a Member in Discernment or UCC minister in good standing, a UCC accountability structure must be described and agreed upon through the local conference or committee on ministry and indicated in the application.

These funds are for Ministries that are seeking to gain support in reaching sustainability through coaching and financial support, with a goal of multi-year funding towards sustainability. Grants are awarded based on how the ministries are impacting their local communities in alignment with the vision, mission, and purpose of the UCC.

This funding source has three categories that resources are allotted towards: New Church Plants, Renewing Churches within the United Church of Christ and Current CASA grant recipient seeking continued funding, all applications are due on Oct. 3, 2022.