Creatively connecting over the summer
During the summer, many churches in Northern Illinois face declining attendance as families focus on vacations and outdoor activities. However, churches have found creative ways to engage…
Conference committees and related organizations offer Northern Illinois churches and affiliated organizations the grants listed below.
Creative Ministries Grant
The Creative Ministries Grant, coordinated by the program ministry members of the Annual Conference Shepherding Team, aims to encourage creative, collaborative ministry programs throughout the conference. The grants support new, risk-taking initiatives to impact your community and fulfill the mission of the church for the transformation of the world. This grant is designed to encourage experimentation, so "success" is not a necessary result. The intention is to free your church to explore new ways for your community to learn and be transformed in mission and ministry.
Awards range from $500 to $1,000.
For more information, contact Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer, NIC Director of Connectional Ministries.
Deadline to apply for Creative Ministries Grant: Oct. 30
Creative Ministries Grant Application
Social Reform Grant
The Social Reform Grant, coordinated by the Conference Board on Church and Society, aims to provide financial empowerment to churches that have a passion and propose a plan for addressing a specific social justice-related concern. These funds can be used for both domestic and international social-justice work and must address the root causes of the injustice while extending God’s grace and mercy to all people. Primary consideration will be given to applicants that build partnerships among different ministries.
Grants range from $500 to $1,000.
For more information, contact Rev Rachel Birkhahn-Rommelfanger, NIC Board of Church and Society chair.
Deadline to apply for Social Reform Grant: Oct. 30
Social Reform Grant Application
United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Grant
This grant provides financial support for Northern Illinois Conference districts and local churches with a passion and plan for organizing, funding and leading youth and/or adult Mission Journey teams.
For more information, contact Kris Aves or Rev. Larry Dunlap-Berg.
Grants are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no deadline.
UM Volunteers in Mission Grant Application
MIGRANT NEEDS GRANTS APPLICATION
As followers of Jesus, we take seriously the commandment to welcome the strangers in our midst. Funded by the 2023 Bishop’s Appeal, these grants will benefit Northern Illinois Conference churches and related organizations that provide programs, activities, or direct assistance for migrants in their community.
Grants are accepted on a rolling basis. They will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are expended.
Awards range from $500 to $2,500.
For more information, contact Rev. Jonathan & Rhodalyne Crail, NIC Refugee Ministry Co-Coordinators
Migrant Needs Grant Application
Mustard Seed Migration Grants
The Mustard Seed Migration Grant program is designed to encourage local United Methodist churches to engage in ministry to migrants in their midst. UMCOR will award grants of $2,000 USD to up to 100 United Methodist local churches in the U.S. to engage in new, one-time community-based service projects and ministries focused on migrants and refugees.
Learn more on the UMC Global Ministries website
Accessibility Grant
The Northern Illinois Conference Accessibility Committee awards small grants to churches working to make their buildings, worship services, and ministries more accessible. Complete the application linked below to share your project and funding needs, and we'll be in touch with you about available resources.
Grants are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no deadline.
For more information, contact Christina Crusius or Alexander Dungan.
Accessibility Grant Application
Midwest Methodist Foundation Grant
The foundation’s grants program annually offers funding up to $2,000 to local churches and church-related organizations as they develop new or expanded creative ministries.
Deadline: September 15
For more information, contact Rev. Chris Walters.
Learn more on the Midwest Methodist Foundation web site
PACK Grant and Keagy Grant for Rural and Small-Town Churches
The Northern Illinois Conference offers two grants that are funded by a bequest from Martin Keagy, who had a big heart for small-town and rural churches. Every year the interest from this bequest funds two grants:
The PACK (Planned Act of Christian Kindness) Grant is meant to support churches' work to be a blessing to those in the neighboring community to show them the love of Jesus Christ. Awards range from $100 to $500.
The Keagy Grant is for larger ministry projects that benefit the community and strengthen the church through evangelism, discipleship, justice, and compassion. Awards range from $500 to $5000.
Recipients are requested to present their ministries at the Keagy Festival held in fall so that churches can share what God did through them and encourage one another.
For more information about these two grants, contact Rev. Libby Rutherford, chair of the Keagy Town and Rural Committee.
Deadline to apply for PACK or Keagy Grant: March 31
2024 submission window has closed.
Foundation for Evangelism
The Foundation for Evangelism is a Methodist-related grant-making organization located at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. The foundation's grants are given to be a catalyst to equip disciples to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. They focus on three specific areas: Raising Up Gospel Leaders, Engaging the Ministry of the Laity, and Equipping the Local Church.
Deadline: February 29, 2024