Church Assistance – National Association of Congregational Christian Churches https://www.naccc.org National Association of Congregational Christian Churches Wed, 02 Jul 2025 19:21:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 2025 Sharing Vitality Grants Progress Reports https://www.naccc.org/2025-sharing-vitality-grants-progress-reports/ Mon, 23 Jun 2025 20:17:24 +0000 https://www.naccc.org/?p=17898

In 2025, the NACCC Vitality Ministry Council offered ten one-time grants of $2,500 each to active member churches or church cohort groups of the NACCC to support new or expanding ministries or projects that involve churches being exploratory, ambitious, collaborative, and generative as a way to enhance the vitality of the local church.

Awardees received notice of award in December 2024 and funding for projects began in January 2025.

The first cohort of grantees is doing amazing things and will be wonderful conversation and collaboration partners for others discerning what they can be doing to promote vitality in their ministries, churches, and communities. A wide range of projects are underway, providing great relatability for the types of challenges churches are facing and the types of opportunities God is opening doors to pursue.

We hope the following progress reports spark something that could lead at least to a conversation, if not the pursuit of an idea you sense God stirring for you. If that’s the case, don’t forget that you could be a grantee for this same program next year. We hope you do apply – all the key info to do so is at the end of the report!

2025 Sharing Vitality Grants Progress Reports

]]> Plentiful Gifts Program https://www.naccc.org/plentiful-gifts-program/ Wed, 25 Sep 2024 17:14:54 +0000 https://www.naccc.org/?p=16044

“Plentiful Gifts” is a partnership with the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary to help small congregations with part-time clergy nurture lay gifts and leadership. Participating churches will work to identify their mission and talents, after which select members will receive training and support in ministry areas such as preaching, worship, pastoral care, and community engagement. Each church will have a mentor and support network. Funded by the Lily Foundation’s “Thriving Congregations Initiative,” the program is offered to churches free of cost.

The Plentiful Gifts program requires a two-year commitment, starting with a six-month study phase followed by up to 18 months of tailored learning. Approximately 4-7 churches will be selected from those that apply, and 3-4 individuals within each congregation will receive training and support.

For more detailed information, review the Plentiful Gifts program description and program presentation. To apply, complete the 2024 Plentiful Gifts Program Application by October 31, 2024.

For more information, contact Scott Chase at sgc.bts@gmail.com.

]]> The Hurting Churches Fund Endowment https://www.naccc.org/the-hurting-churches-endowment-fund/ Thu, 12 Aug 2021 16:39:55 +0000 https://www.naccc.org/?p=1926

This fund has been created to assist member churches of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC) through challenging times. The 21st Century Pilgrim Club and Morgan Park funds were consolidated to create The Hurting Churches Fund Endowment.

 Application and Eligibility

  • Available to Active Member Churches
  • Grants provided up to $2,500 per application
  • Repeat applications cannot be made within a 24-month period
  • A lifetime maximum of $10,000 per church is imposed

Possible Uses of Funding

  • Emergency capital or operations needs
  • Funds to help pay for consultation on matters of critical importance to the church
  • Emergency funds when a pastor is ill / incapacitated
  • Other needs as identified by the church
  • Closing costs or loan application funds for larger construction projects

The Hurting Churches Endowment Information Sheet
​
Application for Financial Assistance

Support The Hurting Churches Fund Endowment

]]>