Resourceful Servants Grants for COVID Emergencies

God’s mission in the world is served when vibrant leaders are supported in serving vital communities of faith.

Standing in the way of this goal is the heavy financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic experienced by many leaders and felt most profoundly by those serving in under-resourced communities.

Specifically, as a result of the pandemic, many leaders used up any personal savings they had built, had trouble affording housing or transportation, or had their work hours, salary, or retirement contributions reduced.

To accompany leaders through what has been and may continue to be a time of financial challenge, Resourceful Servants offers the Grants for COVID Emergencies program. Through a generous donation from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., this program provides up to 200 ELCA leaders with one-time grants of $1,000 and membership in the ELCA Federal Credit Union.

This program is open to ELCA rostered ministers as well as those who lead congregations but are not ordained (for example, synod-authorized ministers, non-ordained mission developers, and leaders of communities in the Vulnerable and Vital Network or Homeless and Justice Network).

The most important factor in your decision to apply should be your assessment of your experience of financial challenge as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding won’t completely resolve any financial crisis, but we hope it will give leaders some stability and further equip them to engage in ministry for the sake of the world.

Before applying, please review the Grants for COVID Emergencies overview booklet.

After you have read through the booklet, you may complete the program application.

The due date to complete the application is October 23, 2022. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of grants to be awarded, participants will be chosen through a random selection process conducted electronically. If you are selected as a participant, you will be notified via email by November 4.