Transformation Grant Application

Transformation Grant Policy & Program

Recognized congregations and other organizations related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Northern Lights Region may request grants for special programs and education for the purpose of congregational transformation. This may include education, training, or skill development for clergy and lay leaders, initiatives developed for congregational learning, and ministry development related to transformation. If you are uncertain whether your proposal qualifies, please reach out to the Regional Office, Regional Minister, or Transformation Team.

Learn more about congregational transformation and/or the complete NLR Transformation Grant Policy at www.northerlightsdisciples.org/transformation.

• Grants will generally be limited to $2,500 per request per year and may not be used for general ongoing expenses of the congregation or organization. This policy does not govern grants under the Lane-Salmon Clergy Assistance Fund or the Clergy Scholarship Fund which are governed by their own requirements.
• Grant requests outside those programs or for larger dollar amounts may be considered by the Regional Board. Any such requests will need to meet all the criteria below as well as provide a clear statement why the project is appropriate for funding from the Region beyond the normal parameters of this policy.
• Requests for grants will be evaluated on the following criteria:
• Does the project align with the Vision and Mission of the Northern Lights Region?
• Does the project help the congregation/organization explore new areas of ministry?
• Does the project develop leaders for making meaningful change for the future of the Church?
• Is the congregation/organization engaged in and supportive of the ministries of the Northern Lights Region (e.g., supporting Disciples Mission Fund, financial support of the Region, participating in regional events and programs?

Application Process:

Grants will be received in February and August of each calendar year. If your request is time sensitive, you may submit it at any time. Grant requests for Transformation ministry projects will be evaluated by the Regional Transformation Team. If the Transformation Team approves the grant request, it will be forwarded to the Regional Board for final approval at their next scheduled meeting.

Grants will be evaluated both on the nature of the proposed project and the availability of appropriate funds.

Grant requests will be made through an online Northern Lights Region website portal (northernlightsdisciples.org/transformation). Scroll down to application Form.

Requirements:

The following information is required to apply for a Transformation grant from the Northern Lights Region:

• Name, address and contact person of the congregation applying for the grant, including the pastor and at least one lay leader within the congregation
• Indicate if the congregation/organization has received grants from the Region and if so, when and the grant amount.
• Provide a detailed description (1 page) of the project for which you are seeking funding, including other funding sources and how the project will continue after the initial grant money is spent.
• Provide a brief narrative (1 page) that includes:
  • Background on how the idea for the project came about.
  • Who will be involved in carrying out the project and who will benefit from the work.
  • Clearly identify how the project helps the congregation, leadership or region to meet new challenges and engage in transformation.
  • Clearly identify how the project meets the criteria above.
  • Provide a brief description of ways in which the congregation is engaged in and supportive of the Northern Lights Region and the wider church through financial support and/or active participation.

• Provide at least one letter of reference from a member of the congregation or community who will participate in or benefit from the project.

Grant recipients will be required to submit a report within sixty (60) days after the conclusion of the project or a progress report one year after the grant is received, whichever is earlier. The report should include detailed information about the persons impacted by the project, partners included in the project, any ongoing actions growing out of the project and challenges/learnings from the project. This report will be sent to the Transformation Team via the Regional Office (office@northernlightsdisciples.org).

We also encourage individuals and congregations who receive grants to share what they have learned with the region. Arrangements should be made in consultation with the Transformation Team.

You may upload the following optional files below:

+Additional letters of support.
+Visuals or other media/information to help tell your project or organization’s story.
+Other supporting files.