Grant Guidelines 

Grants may be available to congregations in the Northern Indiana District for special needs and programs.  Funds for such grants would be available from funds received and held by the District board from churches which have closed.  There are no plans to replenish these funds, so the District Board will administer them conservatively. 

Intent: 

   A. These funds are intended to strengthen the health and ministries of congregations, and to assist in church growth.  Priority will be given to programs for evangelism and growth, and to congregations who have limited financial resources.

   B.  Funds may be available in case of emergency or natural disaster.

   C.  Requests for capital improvement projects will be given lower priority; district funds will not be available for debt repayment.

Guidelines:

   A.  Congregations should request a grant amount, but the final decision will be made by the District Board. Grants to congregations from the Northern Indiana District do not need to be repaid. Contributions to the district are always welcome.

   B.  A congregation seeking a grant for special needs and ministries would submit a proposal in writing to the District Board.  Proposals must be received before April 1 for response in July, or before October 1 for response in December.  Proposals will be considered twice a year unless there are emergency circumstances. Proposals should be sent to the District Office in paper or electronic form, and should include the following:

1. Name of congregation

2. Contact person

3. Description of program, anticipated cost, amount requested from district, and amount to be provided by congregation

4. Minutes of board or congregational meeting recording request for district funds.

5. Proposed timeline for program

6. Timeline and method for documenting and reporting progress or completion of program.  Reporting should happen within six months or completion of project, whichever comes first.

   C.  Proposals should also include reflection on how this grant will strengthen the health and ministries of the congregation or help with church growth, and other ways this concern has been addressed.  The District Board may ask for budget information to determine congregational need.  The District Office can work with congregations individually to make suggestions for programs or resources. Grants will be reported to the next District Conference in the written report of the District Board.