Your church is eligible to apply for a Shared Funding Ministry grant in September.
The Shared Ministry Funding grant program was started in 2021 to help Presbytery churches move forward and fund projects and initiatives important to the future of their church. The funds for SFM grants are provided using a portion of the proceeds received from the sale of closed churches. The SFM Workgroup can approve and fund grants up to $75,000. Larger grants require Council approval. The program was designed to evaluate and approve grants at specific times during the year. The next grant application time period begins September 1, 2022 and grant applications are due no later than October 7, 2022 for early 2023 funding. Approximately $191,000 total in grant funds remain available at this time. Some other important facts about the program:
The word “Shared” in the program name means that the church applying for a grant is expected to share in the cost of project using their own funds or funds obtained elsewhere.
A church obtaining a SFM grant cannot apply for another SFM grant for 3 years.
Examples of eligible expenses include:
Minor facility improvements
Technology and A/V equipment for enhancing or streaming worship
Temporary or partial funding for new or transformed staff reporting to pastor
Expenses related to safety, accessibility, and ADA compliance
Energy efficiency expenses
Start-up funds for innovative new programs or ministries
Funds to supplement or put the finishing touches on a major project
Funds for retaining a consultant to help the church plan for the future
Be creative and ask if you have a need not described above
Certain type of expenses are not eligible for grant funding, such as:
Emergency expenses
Current operating expenses
Expenses otherwise funded by the Presbytery (e.g. Mission Partnerships)
Facilities/buildings major renovations and construction (PILP available for these)
Pastor salaries
Seventeen of your fellow Presbytery churches have already benefitted from this grant program. Get additional information and the grant application by emailing sharedfundingministry@denpres.org or by visiting the Presbytery website, denpres.org/grants