The Grants and Loans Team receives and considers applications for grants and loans administered by the presbytery. The team evaluates current grants and loans annually.
Development Funds Available to Congregations
- Church Redevelopment/Transformation Grant
- Revolving Fund Loan
- Revitalization Grant
- Healthy Congregations New Program Grant
Church Redevelopment/Transformation Grant
Criteria: Meet the following General Assembly (PCUSA) situation parameters:
- The whole face of the congregation needs to be changed
- A radical transformation of leadership may need to occur
- Tension, even conflict is a given
- The culture of the congregation must be completely changed
- Membership may undergo a complete metamorphosis of membership within 5 years.
- Financial resources are unable to serve the bottom line budget of the congregation
- Ongoing ministries are not being supported.
- There is active COM involvement beyond normal triennial visits
- Vital statistics have decreased more than 25% over the last 5 years
Monetary Limit: $25,000 (either a one time grant or a declining funding schedule)
Application Process: Two copies of the completed application (including one electronic copy) are due at the Presbytery Office two weeks before a stated Development Division meeting. Applications will be considered and a contact team appointed. Recipient will produce an annual report to the Development Division.
Revolving Fund Loan
Criteria: Physical expansion and renovation needs beyond financial capabilities of the local congregation.
Monetary Limit: Ten percent of the available balance in the Revolving Fund.
Application Process: Applicants must fill out the appropriate sections (section 4 –Budget information) of the application. Applications are due at the Presbytery Office two weeks before a stated Development Division meeting. Applications will be considered and a contact team appointed. Recipient will produce an annual report to the Development Division.
Revitalization Grant
Criteria: For pastors and lay leaders involved in church Revitalization who are seeking training and/or continuing education experiences in the area of Evangelism and Church Growth.
Monetary Limit: Shall not exceed $500 per applicant (no more than six grants will be awarded each year).
Application Process: Applicants must fill out the appropriate sections (marked by an *) and submit a completed application to the Development Division two weeks prior to a stated Development Division meeting. Recipient will produce a report to the Development Division and make a presentation to a stated Development Division Meeting.
Healthy Congregations New Program Grant
Criteria: The program must have measurable goals designed to increase membership and/or community outreach, must lead to a self-supporting program and must have specific resources from within the congregation devoted to the program. In addition, the program must meet the following parameters:
- Unique ministries that are not in general use or practice within the Presbytery
- Innovative with respect to perceived congregational/community norms
- Exciting (will create a new environment that touches the hopes and desires of the congregation/community in ways which will elicit their response andparticipation)
- Exemplary ministry which others can emulate
Monetary Limit: $25,000 (either a one time grant or a declining funding schedule)
Application Process: Two copies of the completed application (including one electronic copy) are due at the Presbytery Office two weeks before a stated Development Division meeting. Applications will be considered and a contact team appointed. Recipient will produce an annual report to the Development Division.