Grants
The Mission Endowment Fund Board of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA, administers the Mission Endowment Fund (MEF) and the Ethel L. Verney Fund (Verney.) Both funds were established by Synod Council and are governed by policies and procedures approved by Synod Council.
Application Timeline for Mission Endowment Fund and Ethel L. Verney Fund Grants:
Applications for both grants will be open from November 17, 2025 to January 31, 2026.
MEF Board reviews and approves grants in February 2026
Award notification will be shared with each applicant within two weeks following the February meeting.
Grants will start in April 2026, with Verney Grants distributed quarterly.
This fund grows through the unrestricted bequests and other gifts specifically given to this fund. These funds provide opportunities to initiate, help support, and grow existing ministries. The grants are to be used for: (1) outreach to the local community; (2) extraordinary ministry initiatives within the organization; or (3) Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod projects. The types of ministries that have received grants in past years include clothing, diapers, nutritious food and meal programs, Christian education events, and outreach through worship or youth programming. MEF grants typically range from $500 to $1,500.
If you have any questions, please contact Pr. Jeff Schock, Board Chair, at mef@swpasynod.org or 412-610-9252.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply November 17, 2025 to January 31, 2026:
Grant Recipient: Oak Grove Lutheran Church
Ethel L. Verney Fund
The Ethel L. Verney fund was established in 2014 from a $4 million bequest from Ethel L. Verney for “relief and support of people living in poverty” in the territory of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod, according to the bequest’s criteria. Eligible organizations must be congregations, agencies, camps, or institutions of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod.
Grants typically range from $10,000 to $40,000, although all requests for any amount will be considered. Organizations may apply for grants for up to three years in a row with consideration of the amount requested decreasing in successive years.
If you have any questions, please contact Pr. Jeff Schock, Board Chair, at mef@swpasynod.org or 412-610-9252.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply November 17, 2025 to January 31, 2026
If applying again, completion of the annual “Report Form” {see link below), must be completed, or a new application will not be accepted.
No organization that applies as a “pass-through” organization will be considered for funding.
Approved grants will be distributed quarterly, beginning in April.
Read more about the legacy of Ethel Verney in an article from our August 2024 issue of Wayfarer magazine. Read Here >>
Blessed Bundles, a ministry of Lutheran Church of Our Saviour in North Huntingdon, assists families by providing diapers, wipes, gently used clothing, toys and books.
From Legacy to Living Love:
MLK Collaborative Grants
The synod's Authentic Diversity and Justice Working Group is equipping congregations to start a a racial reconciliation project in their community.
Projects must take place between January 15 and April 4, and be a collaboration between at least two congregations (at least one congregation must be within our synod). Apply for a $250 grant beginning December 1.
Priority will be given to applications where one congregation is part of a historically black denomination and/or a congregation that serves historically marginalized communities.
Lutheran Church Extension Society
interest-free loans for congregations
The Lutheran Church Extension Society was incorporated in 1893 for the sole purpose of lending money; interest free, to southwestern Pennsylvania area Lutheran congregations for the construction of buildings in which to house them. Now, 130 years later, the Extension Society is still granting interest-free loans to member congregations for new construction, energy conservation, fire and safety projects, and making buildings handicap accessible.
Loans up to $30,000.00 with repayment for up to five years are available; interest-free to member congregations. (Annual membership: $50.00)
Questions concerning whether your project meets the requirements of new construction, energy conservation, fire and safety projects, or for making your building handicap accessible; can be addressed to:
Robert Gago
President of the Board of Managers
(724) 709-8390
rgago1217@gmail.com