Featured – Financial Support Resources – National Association of Congregational Christian Churches

2026 Sharing Vitality Grants

Maggie Helmick — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 13:50:05 +0000

Enhance Ministry Thriving and See Impact Grow Through a SHARING VITALITY Grant!

One of the hottest topics for churches to wonder about and discuss today is “vitality.” How do we get it, sustain it, or recapture it? More importantly, what part of the church does it refer to and what does it look like in practice? There are member churches out there who are currently exploring and answering these questions in new and exciting ways. The NACCC Vitality Ministry Council believes these creative endeavors are worth supporting financially to see what they can inspire.

In 2026, the NACCC Vitality Ministry Council is prepared to offer 10 one-time grants to active member churches (or church cohort groups) of $2500 each 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.

The two main goals of these grants are to 1) give a boost to ministries that have otherwise felt out of reach or unattainable due to cost, and 2) to provide a platform to share what you’re doing with fellow churches. We believe there is amazing potential in every ministry that we want to help unleash. If your church has an idea that you believe could benefit yourselves and others, submit a request to the Vitality Ministry Council through lwright@naccc.org by November 1, 2025.

The Details

All active NACCC member churches can apply. A church cohort anchored by an active NACCC member church can also apply, even if it includes some partner churches of other denominations or traditions. Cohorts may be formed by geography, or by ministry affinity, etc.
Applicants must submit a proposal of no more than 3 pages which should include a narrative of the project goal and a simple budget for use of funds.
Grant applications must be received by email on or before November 1, 2025.
Awardees will receive notice of award in December 2025 to receive funding and begin projects in January 2026.
Churches and/or cohorts can apply for any amount up to $2,500.
Applications will be reviewed and approved by members of the NACCC Vitality Ministry Council and NACCC staff.
Awardees will stay in communication with the Vitality Ministry Council and NACCC staff as projects progress, including about ways their ministry lessons and examples can be shared with other NACCC churches looking for ministry options that could be adapted to their context, and for support around implementation.
Program information about those awarded and their midway progress through the year will also be shared by awardees in collaboration with the NACCC and Vitality Ministry Council at the NACCC 2026 Annual Meeting and Conference in Massachusetts.

Read the 2025 Sharing Vitality Grantee Progress Reports

How Social Security Can Support You

Maggie Helmick — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 18:17:15 +0000

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides financial support to people with limited income and resources who are age 65 or older, blind, or disabled, including people experiencing homelessness, mental illness, limited English proficiency, or reentry after incarceration. Children with disabilities or who are blind may also be eligible to receive SSI.

The SSI program provides monthly payments to help pay for basic needs like rent, food, clothing, and medicine. Did you know that a person could receive SSI payments of up to $967 a month, and a couple could receive up to $1,450 a month? Some states even provide an additional supplement. A person who worked long enough may also qualify to receive Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) or retirement benefits as well as SSI.

Receiving SSI also provides eligibility for Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps), and other benefits. The Understanding SSI and Other Government Programs webpage shares more information about programs such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Faith-based and community organizations and Social Security share a common mission – a commitment to serving the people who need it most. Together, we can protect and uplift people in times of great need.

If you know someone who may be eligible for SSI, encourage them to apply by visiting the SSI webpage.

Sharing Vitality Grants

Maggie Helmick — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 15:34:44 +0000

Does your church have an idea that could foster vitality and benefit others?

The NACCC Vitality Ministry Council believes creative endeavors are worth supporting financially to see what they can inspire!

In 2025, the NACCC Vitality Ministry Council is offering up to ten one-time grants of $2,500 each to active member churches or church cohort groups 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.

The Details

All active NACCC member churches can apply for a grant of up to $2,500.

Applications will be received and approved by members of the NACCC Vitality Ministry Council and the NACCC Director of Programs.

Awardees will receive notice of award in December 2024. Funding for projects will begin in January 2025.

Awardees will stay in communication with the Vitality Ministry Council and NACCC staff as their projects progress.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a proposal of no more than three pages, which should include a narrative of the project goal and a simple budget for the use of funds. For more detailed information on how to construct your proposal, click here.

Proposals can be sent to the Vitality Ministry Council via NACCC Church Services Coordinator Laura Wright at lwright@naccc.org.

Proposals are due by November 1, 2024.

Annual Meeting & Conference Grant – Providence Endowment

nacccadmin — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 15:48:14 +0000

The Providence Endowment was established and initially funded by the 2004 Annual Meeting and Conference Host Committee to help churches offset the expenses of sending a delegate to the Annual Meeting and Conference. The Providence Endowment provides grants to churches that have been unable to send a delegate to the Annual Meeting and Conference for the last three years due to financial reasons. Grants of up to $500 may be awarded to offset associated expenses. See the application for details and the deadline. Grant recipients will be required to complete and submit a Grant Report (a brief questionnaire) following the meeting.

To apply, download and complete the Providence Endowment Grant Application form.

Providence Endowment Grant Application

Providence Endowment Final Report

Fine & Performing Arts Grant – John Richard Memorial Endowment

nacccadmin — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 15:23:53 +0000

The John Richard Memorial Endowment for Fine and Performing Arts was established by his family as a loving and living memorial to him. His love for music and theater performance was a large part of his talented but short life.

The Endowment awards annual grants of up to $500 to National Association member churches of 200 members or less which are planning a Fine or Performing Arts event in their Church. Application deadline is April 15th and funds must be used by the following April.

The event program or bulletin must make mention of the John Richard Memorial Endowment Grant and the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches. A copy of this program or bulletin must be submitted to the NACCC. Grant recipients will be contacted and asked to complete and submit a Grant Report (a brief questionnaire) within 30 days of the event for which funds were received.

How to Apply

Download and complete the John Richard Memorial Endowment Grant Application and return to NACCC office via email, fax, or regular mail. Applications received after the stated deadline cannot be considered.

The NACCC seeks and encourages contributions to the fund so that it may extend assistance to an increasing number of Churches.

John Richard Memorial Endowment Grant Application

John Richard Memorial Endowment Final Report

Youth Scholarships

nacccadmin — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 13:22:47 +0000

Scholarships are available through various funds to provide assistance in reducing the cost of registration to the NACCC’s annual youth conference – NAPF/HOPE. Scholarships are awarded according to available funds and can be used to cover part or all of the registration fee to attend the conference. One such scholarship is the Lynn Merkel & Joanne Simpson NAPF/HOPE Scholarship, created in 2018 and named to honor the tireless work and the many years of leadership that Lynn Merkel and Joanne Simpson gave to the youth ministry of the NACCC.

We also encourage you to check with your state or regional association for scholarships that might be available to support attendance of the NAPF/HOPE conference as well as for mission trips and other events.

Scholarship Application

Applications
NACCC youth scholarships can provide assistance to youth wishing to attend an NAPF/HOPE conference, who have financial need, and who have shown outstanding development in any or all of the following areas:

· Christian character
· Participation in local church youth programs
· Community service

Scholarship applications are available to any youth affiliated with a church that maintains membership in the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches.

Scholarship Application

How You Can Help
Many youth around the country spend time raising funds to offset the cost of attending NAPF/HOPE, but not all youth can afford to attend. You can make a contribution to the youth assistance fund through the NACCC to help bring our youth closer to Christ through this exciting gathering of Congregational Christian youth. Contributions may be made online by clicking the “Donate Now” button. They may also be made by check, payable to NACCC and mailed to:

NACCC – Youth Fund
P.O. Box 288
Oak Creek, WI 53154

The Hurting Churches Fund Endowment

nacccadmin — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 16:39:55 +0000

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

Ministers Awards Information

nacccadmin — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 17:55:03 +0000

We value our NACCC member church Ministers and are grateful for the opportunity to recognize them. We are thankful to our donors for their generous financial support. Each fund is unique and may require that you complete and return an application to the NACCC office.

Marion Bradshaw Memorial Fund

Marion Bradshaw was a professor at Bangor Seminary in Maine and was the only faculty member to take a principled stand for continuing Congregationalism. This fund was originally endowed by Rev. Dr. Harry Butman in Bradshaw’s honor. This award is given to an ordained minister who is personally committed to Congregationalism. Preference is given to a minister in the state of Maine and awarded funds are to be used for continuing education.

Ministry Awards Form

Harry R. Butman Fund

Harry R. Butman was a congregational minister and ardent proponent of Congregationalism. A graduate of Bangor Theological Seminary in Maine, he served several churches before moving to California as minister of the Congregational Church of the Messiah in Westchester. Harry was a founding member of the and believed in encouraging ministers and their spouses in their work on behalf of the church. This award is given to a minister or ministers who have at least ten years of service in an NACCC Church, and who is personally committed to Congregationalism.

Ministry Awards Form

Jeanette R. Butman Fund

Established by Harry R. Butman in honor of his wife, this award honors spouses married to ordained Congregational ministers who have served NACCC Church(es) for at least ten years and who have been of help to their spouses. It may also be awarded to a widower or widow of a Congregational minister or to the spouse of a CFTS student. The award(s) is made on the basis of need, merit, or outstanding achievement.

Ministry Awards Form

Joseph Jones Russell Award

Established by Harry R. Butman, this preaching award is given every other year for the best sermon submitted by an ordained, active pastor of a member Church of the with under 400 members, dealing with some aspect of the relationship of classical Congregationalism to contemporary American life and pointing out the continuing viability and relevance of the Congregational way. The sermon must have been preached since the last annual meeting and submitted no later than April 30th. Submissions must consist of three (3) copies of each of the following:

• A DVD/or electronic version of the sermon being preached at a worship service
• A church bulletin listing or announcement of the sermon and date of worship service for verification
• A transcript of the sermon as it was preached

The NACCC is automatically given approval from the winner to publish the selected sermon.

J.J. Russell Award Form

Missionaries Financial Assistance and Awards

nacccadmin — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 17:42:20 +0000

The NACCC through the guidance of the Missions and Outreach Ministry Council offer awards and financial support to our associated Missionaries. We thank our generous donors who have allocated these funds with specific direction and guidance of how they are to be awarded.

The Magee Scholarship

This scholarship provides financial aid for mission personnel to pursue secondary or higher education in theology or other training directly relevant to field missionary work, with the understanding that the recipient attends a school in his or her home country or locale. Awarded by the Mission and Outreach Ministry Council, money will be applied only to a student’s tuition, room, board and school fees. Awards will be made on an annual basis. Upon approval, payments will be sent directly to the Mission, and will be reviewed annually, subject to the student’s performance and the availability of funds. The student must maintain the equivalent of a “B” (3.0) or better grade point average.

Requests of the scholarship for the coming year must be received on or before November 1st and should include a detailed list of expenses, such as, tuition, room, board and other fees.

Charles Rush Award

Charles Rush was an educator and minister who lived in California. His life of service, support of the free church and active participation in the NACCC set an example for many. This Award is given to a person(s) who is/are working toward worthwhile social and personal goals and who exemplifies the excellent spirit of the Reverend Rush. Nominations for the award are solicited and welcome. Determination of each year’s winner(s) is made by the Missionary and Outreach Ministry Council, as is the amount of the award. This award is presented to the recipient at the NACCC Annual Meeting and Conference. The recipient’s travel expenses to and from the Annual Meeting including room and board for up to forty-eight (48) hours, will be paid for out of the Charles F. Rush Memorial Fund.

For more detailed information or to apply, please contact Julie Robie Missions Administrator.

Ministers’ Convocation Financial Assistance Information

nacccadmin — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 17:37:28 +0000

Every year, the NACCC hosts a gathering for clergy designed to provide continuing education, spiritual reflection, and rest. Convocations are generally held post-Lent. Thanks to our donors, the NACCC can provide financial support to assist with Clergy’s travel expenses.

Ministers’ Assistance and Enrichment Fund

Scholarships of up to $500 are available through the Ministers’ Assistance and Enrichment Fund. Requests for assistance may be made to the Executive Director of the NACCC no later than 30 days before the date of the Convocation.

Rev. Howard Conn Endowment

Financial assistance is available for registration and travel expenses to attend a NACCC Ministers’ Convocation. The Howard Conn Endowment was established by Judge James and Leanne Rogers in memory of the Rev. Howard Conn, retired minister of the Plymouth Church in Minneapolis, MN. The Endowment’s explicit use is to support ministers travel expenses to attend Educational opportunities, such as Convocation.

Rev. Conn was a preacher, lecturer, ecumenist, and writer. One of his favorite topics was the enduring significance of the Congregational Way of life. Ministers receiving these funds will share Reverend Conn’s belief that: “We think that God is too great to care what denominational labels we wear, but that God does desire that we join hands with all who love him/her in an effort to hasten the day of the Kingdom.” -Reverend Howard Conn

To receive financial assistance a minister is required to complete the application form and return it to the NACCC office on or before March 31st. See application for more details.