Congregational Vitality Fund
Program Purpose
To provide congregational vitality funds for the support, strengthening, development and renewal of our congregations' mission and ministry. The Board seeks to challenge and support our congregations as they prayerfully reflect on how their existing and future projects and programs might deepen and strengthen congregational life.
Mission – that vocation to which the congregation believes it has been called.
Ministry – how the mission to which God has called the congregation is being lived out.
Demonstrated Showing
A congregation will be required to demonstrate that the grant will be used in furtherance of a specific developmental or renewal goal as it seeks to define and carry out its mission.
Grant Proposals Sought
The Board will seek proposals which include strategies and measurable goals that address these possible areas of congregational vitality:
- Radical Hospitality/Welcome
- Clergy and Lay Leadership Development
- Stewardship and Financial Stability
- Evangelism
- Spiritual Formation: Christian Identity, Discipleship, Ministry Gifts Discernment
- Liturgy and Worship
- Visioning/Strategic Planning
- Collaborative ministries between congregations
Grant Awards
Although most grants are expected to be between $2000 and $5000, larger awards may be granted where an exceptional congregational project is presented.
Grant Duration
Grants will be awarded for a period of one year. All grantees are expected to submit a written evaluation report at the end of the grant period. See, Evaluation Report attached to this application. Future grants from this Fund and from other Diocesan loans and grants fund are conditioned upon receipt of this report.
If grant funds are not disbursed within one year of the grant award, a written request for an extension must be submitted to the Board.
Application Cycle
The Board will receive and consider on an annual basis grant applications from congregations throughout the Diocese of Newark.