Synod Ministry Grants
Synod Ministry Grants Applications are Now Open!
The Mission Endowment Fund board administers the Mission Endowment Fund and the Ethel L. Verney Fund. Both funds were established by synod council and are governed by policies and procedures approved by synod council.
Applications close January 31, 2024.
Notifications will be made in late February.
Mission Endowment Fund
This fund grows through the unrestricted bequests and other gifts specifically given to this fund.
The amount that can be allocated each year is 3% to 8% of the fund’s market value. Application for grants may be made by synod congregations, agencies, institutions, or rostered leaders in the Southwestern Pa. Synod. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,500. The grants, in no specific order, are for 1) outreach to the local community, 2) Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod ministry/projects, or 3) extraordinary initiative within the organization. Food and meal programs, educational events, and outreach through worship or youth programing were the type of programs/needs that have received grants in past years. If you have questions, please contact Pr. Jeff Schock mef@swpasynod.org, chair of the board.
ETHEL L. VERNEY FUND
The Ethel L. Verney fund was established in 2014 as a result of a $4 million bequest from Ethel L. Verney for “relief and support of people living in poverty” on the territory of the synod.
Over $250,000 are available each year to fund grants to synod ministries that fulfill the bequest’s criteria. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $40,000, although all requests for any amount will be considered. Applying organizations must be ministries of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod – its congregations, agencies, and institutions. Organizations may apply for grants for up to three years in a row with the consideration of the amount requested/received decreasing in successive years. If you have questions about whether your organization qualifies, please contact Pr. Jeff Schock mef@swpasynod.org chair of the board.