The Love of Church Ministries of the United Church of Christ has now opened its grant applications for 2025 to support the work and mission of local churches.
The single grant application covers four assistance programs: CASA Grants for New and Renewing Churches, Operating Assistance, Neighbors in Need, and Pension Board Benefits for New Churches.
The application deadline is September 15, 2024.
These were previously known as Justice and Local Church Services Grants. The streamlined process aims to simplify the application process and reflect the individual priorities of each fund.
These are the funding programs and their priorities:
CASA Grants for New and Renewing Churches: These grants support faith communities affiliated with the United Church of Christ and aim to achieve sustainability through coaching and financial support. Grants are awarded based on community impact that aligns with the UCC vision and mission.
Grant for operational financial support: This grant provides financial assistance to local churches in need and assists with operating costs such as staff, equipment, and utilities. This is not long-term support, but rather immediate operational impact. Average grants are about $2,500, but the final amount depends on available funds.
“Neighbours in Need” Fund (NIN): The NIN Fund is a seed grant for communities and organizations addressing systemic injustice at various levels. Funding is used for program development focused on outreach and advocacy.
Support for new church founders with health, dental and pension benefits: This grant helps new, sustainable churches cover health, dental and pension costs. It is awarded over three years, with the amounts decreasing each year ($10,000, $8,000 and $6,000). The church must be no more than ten years old and meet certain criteria.
You can find the application HERE.
For more information on how to apply for these grants, watch this video:
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