Meeting our Neighbors Grants
This past spring the ELCA invited congregations to participate in a new initiative with the Open Doors Grant Opportunity. The Open Doors Grant offered an opportunity for synod congregations, organizations, and ministries to apply for a one-time, set amount to help implement a ministry idea that would help the congregation transition into the new normal of post-pandemic life. Mission Endowment Fund (MEF) of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod is offering a similar granting opportunity this fall.
Who can apply?
If you applied for an ELCA Open Doors Grant and did not receive it, if you applied for one and have another idea, if you were not *quite* ready to make an application but have an idea now we would love to receive your application!
Aren’t grants from the Mission Endowment Fund usually made in February?
Yes. But this year the Board had fewer MEF requests than normal—due to COVID, we believe. We fulfilled every request in February and still had money left over. That money is meant for ministry and not for a bank account, so we want to give it away! Please note: the Mission Endowment Fund is separate from the Ethel B. Verney Fund, though they are overseen by the same board.
How much is the grant?
Grants will be made the amounts from $1000-$2500 depending on the budget accompanying the application and fund available from MEF.
How will grants be awarded?
Because there is no set of “best practices” for how to meet new people following a global pandemic, all applications will be considered, but priority given to new applicants to the Mission Endowment Fund and those who have not received an ELCA grant.
How will we report on the grant?
A short time after the grant is awarded, you will be given a short survey to answer some questions about the success of the ministry project or pilot you tried. These answers will help our synod understand the face and process of how we are gathering and engaging others in new ways post-pandemic
When is the grant application due?
August 19, 2021
Who can I contact for more information?
For questions about the grant and application, please contact Pr. Kimberly van Driel, chair of the Mission Endowment Fund Board, at 412-316-5028 or mef@swpasynod.org
Meeting our Neighbors Grant Application