Grants – 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 2026 Sharing Vitality Grants https://www.naccc.org/2026-sharing-vitality-grants/ Mon, 30 Jun 2025 13:50:05 +0000 https://www.naccc.org/?p=17905

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 

]]> 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

]]> Sharing Vitality Grants https://www.naccc.org/sharing-vitality-grants/ Fri, 16 Aug 2024 15:34:44 +0000 https://www.naccc.org/?p=15786

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.

]]> Fine & Performing Arts Grant – John Richard Memorial Endowment https://www.naccc.org/fine-performing-arts-grant-john-richard-memorial-endowment/ Fri, 22 Jul 2022 15:23:53 +0000 https://www.naccc.org/?p=1532

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

]]> Rev. Howard Conn Endowment https://www.naccc.org/rev-howard-conn-endowment/ Sat, 12 Feb 2022 16:46:01 +0000 https://www.naccc.org/?p=1906 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.

]]> Over $97,000 Awarded to Churches Through Silver Linings Grants https://www.naccc.org/7456-2/ Wed, 22 Dec 2021 20:56:16 +0000 https://www.naccc.org/?p=7456 The NACCC, Growth Ministry Council is thrilled to announce the recipients of the Silver Linings Grants. Twenty-three member churches received up to $5,000 in funding to help maintain, strengthen, or upgrade programs and projects, which were created during the uncertain and challenging time of the Covid pandemic.

  • Baleville Congregational Christian Church – Newton, NJ
  • Citrus Springs Community Congregational Church – Citrus Springs, Florida
  • Congregational Church – Sun City, Arizona
  • Dixfield Congregational Church – Dixfield, Maine
  • Faith Community Church – Franklin, Wisconsin
  • First Congregational Church – Anchorage, Alaska
  • First Congregational Church – Beardstown, Illinois
  • First Congregational Church – Hanson, Massachusetts
  • First Congregational Church – Mukwonago, Wisconsin
  • First Congregational Church – Toulon, Illinois
  • Gahanna Community Congregational Church – Gahanna, OH
  • LaMoille Congregational Church – Marshalltown, Iowa
  • Meadowbrook Congregational Church – Novi, Michigan
  • North Congregational Church – Farmington Hills, Michigan
  • Northfield-Tilton Congregational Church – Tilton, New Hampshire
  • Ozaukee Congregational Church – Grafton, Wisconsin
  • People’s Congregational Church – Bayport, Minnesota
  • Pilgrim Congregational Church – Pomona, California
  • Pine Hill Congregational Church – West Bloomfield, Michigan
  • Fox River Congregational Church – Pewaukee, WI
  • Third Congregational Church – Middletown, Connecticut
  • University Congregational Church – Wichita, Kansas
  • Windsor Congregational Church – Windsor, Massachusetts
]]> 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
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Application for Financial Assistance

Support The Hurting Churches Fund Endowment

]]> Ministers’ Convocation Financial Assistance Information https://www.naccc.org/ministers-convocation-financial-assistance-information/ Wed, 10 Mar 2021 17:37:28 +0000 https://www.naccc.org/?p=1924

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.

]]> The Retired Ministers Fund https://www.naccc.org/the-retired-ministers-fund/ Wed, 10 Mar 2021 16:44:21 +0000 https://www.naccc.org/?p=1904 This fund was established by the Rev. Dr. Max Strang, a long-time Congregational minister, and Mr. Fred Hoerner, a Congregational layman, to recognize the value of the service rendered by now-retired Congregational ministers and their spouses. This endowed fund has been supported generously by the churches and individuals of the NACCC and provides a modest annual gift to all retired ministers who have served NACCC churches.  To qualify for this gift, a minister must have served an NACCC member church for at least 10 years and also at the time of his or her retirement be a member in good standing of a member Church of the NACCC. If retirement occurs before age 65 but the other requirements are met, the minister and/or spouse will begin receiving retirement gifts after the age of 65.  This gift is extended to a surviving, legally married spouse upon the death of the qualifying minister.

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