Grants
The Metro D.C. Synod is pleased to offer grants to our congregations to support welcome and belonging, the pursuit of justice, relationship-building, sabbath for rostered ministers, and stewardship education and programming. If you have any questions, please direct them to the synod office.
Grant Descriptions
There are four types of grants available:
- New & Renewing Missions Table’s Becoming Warmer and More Inviting Grant: This grant supports congregations and faith communities in many aspects of welcome and belonging. We are especially enthused to fund projects that promote engaging new people, growing in faith and leadership; young people and those who haven’t been previously connected to faith communities; LGBTQIA+ folks and racial/ethnic diversity that has been historically underrepresented in the ELCA.
- Meeting Our Neighbors’ Needs Grant: The Metro D.C. Synod aims to support congregations leading local justice-related projects with grants up to $10,000. We are particularly interested in supporting projects that build relationships with neighbors in need from your community while furthering the ministry of the church.
- Rostered Minister Sabbath Grant: Any rostered minister called to a congregation or organization of the Metro D.C. Synod is invited to apply for a Sabbath mini-grant up to $500 to support personal rest and renewal. Rostered ministers are encouraged to take time off and away, ideally on a Sunday or other primary work days.
- Stewardship Educational and Training Grant: Grants are available for up to $1,000 for stewardship leaders, congregations, or groups. These grants can be used for education or for expanding congregational stewardship programming.
Evaluation
A relevant synod committee or table will evaluate all grant applications using this rubric. Synod Council will also be involved in evaluating grant requests over $5,000.
Reporting
Grant requests for less than $5,000 will require submission of a paragraph and pictures to the synod with grant results. Grants of $5,000 or more will require additional reporting. More information about reporting requirements and deadlines will be provided upon project approval. Synod staff will report all grant requests to Synod Council.
Applications
We accept applications on a rolling basis and will evaluate them in the order they are received. View a sample grant application.
