MLK Commemorative 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. 

Ideas for the project: 

- Antiracism training  

- Speaker and Worship  

- Watch Party/Discussion of LAMPa’s MLK and Bonhoeffer Event on January 18 (https://www.lutheranadvocacypa.org/event/prophets-saints-and-kings/)   

- Public Vigil/Commemoration of Bloody Sunday (March 7) or King’s Assassination (April 4)  

- Joint Book Study on racial justice text, such as Jesus and the Disinherited (or check out our Bookshop Recommendations: https://bookshop.org/shop/adj)

- Day of Service in honor of MLK

- Public Art installation that promotes racial healing, reconciliation, justice   

- Ask your neighbors of color how you can be better allies in your community

What to use the grant for: 

- Provide food!  

- Printing costs of bulletins and/or PR 

- Speaker Honorariums (especially if bringing in speakers from historically marginalized communities). 

- Buy books for participants.  

- Other supplies for your project/program. 

How the ADJ Working Group will support you:

- Advertising in ADJ newsletter

- Working group members will attend and support as able

- Members of the Working Group will evaluate and administer the grants

Post-event reporting requirements, to be used in ADJ and Synodical publications and social media, sent within two weeks of the end of the event:

- 2 pictures

- Narrative reflection of maximum of 350 words