Many churches in our Presbytery are seeking to transform themselves through the development of viable and vibrant ministries. The Commission on Thriving Congregations is aware of the growing number of congregations where assessment, planning and grant assistance may sustain or enhance their continued ministry.
This application will be used for congregations applying for grants administered by the Commission on Thriving Congregations. The types of grants are:
- Board of Pensions Grant – Assistance for pension dues to supplement part-time pastoral leadership (up to 3 years MAXIMUM)
- Program Grant – Assistance for congregational transformation and intentional evangelism through programmatic initiatives (up to $35,000.00/year)
- Capital Grant – Assistance for capital building costs/repairs related to a programmatic initiative. Capital Grants are only available for existing programs or projects. (up to $35,000.00/year)
- SLD Coaching Grant – Assistance for clergy coaching for (1) any clergy entering our presbytery to take a new call or for (2) clergy who are pastoring churches that have completed an assessment process and are implementing a new vision for their congregation (up to $1,500/year to be distributed at the discretion of the POB SLD Liaison). To apply for an SLD Coaching Grant, please contact Jennifer Barchi at jbarchi@baltimorepresbytery.org.
Online Applications
The Deadline for 2023 Applications was July 31st – Stay tuned for Grantee Announcements
View the 2023 Enduring Witness Grants Presentation
Upon approval of the Board of Pensions Grant, the recipient shall receive a check payable to the Board of Pensions for one year of dues. The recipient is responsible for submitting the check and relevant information to the Board of Pensions.
Upon approval of the Program Grant or Capital Grant, all signators will be notified by email, along with a letter that explains the terms of the grant. When the signed letter is returned to the Chair of Thriving Congregations, the full amount of the award will be sent to the designated recipient.
Upon approval of the SLD Coaching Grant, the PoB SLD Liaison shall receive the full amount of the grant in a “lockbox” to be distributed at the discretion of the POB SLD Liaison using a PoB Check Request Form.
A report evaluating the use of funds is required at six months and one year after the award. Congregations may not receive additional Enduring Witness funding until the report is submitted.
THE MAXIMUM AVAILABLE FUNDS FOR ALL THRIVING CONGREGATION GRANTS IS $100,000 PER YEAR
ALL UNSPENT GRANT FUNDS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE PRESBYTERY OF BALTIMORE BEFORE THE CHURCH RECEIVES NEW ENDURING WITNESS AWARDS.
