Loading...Congregations and organizations that wish to receive diocesan mission funding in 2008 must submit their applications by Aug. 1. Information about how to apply for a grant may be found in the Diocesan Mission Funding Handbook, posted on the diocese's Web site.
The Rev. Libby Wade, chair of the mission funding committee, advised in a memorandum to recipients of 2007 mission funding grants that they need only complete the Renewal Request form, also posted online, if the project is the same or similar to the one funded in 2007. The renewal application, she said, “serves both as a report on your current year’s project and as application for continued funding of that project.” Those seeking 2008 funding for a “significantly different project” are to prepare an application according to the guidelines in the mission funding handbook.
Two complete copies of a funding request are due Aug. 1. A paper copy should be sent to Becky Meyer, the diocese’s controller, at Diocesan House, 425 S. 2nd St., Louisville, KY 40202. The second copy should be sent to the Rev. Libby Wade by e-mail (libby_wade@yahoo.com). If you are unable to send the application as an e-mail attachment, then send a second paper copy to The Rev. Libby Wade, Grace Church, 820 Broadway, Paducah, KY 42001.
The Mission Funding Committee will make mission funding recommendations to Trustees and Council at its September meeting.
In the memo, Wade cautioned that funds available for 2008 projects might be limited. In the remainder of the memo, she advised:
“The mission funding budget is likely to be tighter than in 2007 as we enter the second year of implementing the Trustees and Council resolution decreasing the draw on endowment funds so that we preserve the viability of those funds for future generations. This sound approach to stewardship of resources means that we will need to do a bit of ‘belt tightening’ in the present, however. As you form your request, please carefully explore all local funding options. We will make every attempt to fund applicants fairly and as fully as possible within the guidelines set by Trustees and Council.
If you believe your plans (or some portion of your plans) for 2008 fit the priorities for a Forward Fund grant, please craft your application so that is clear to the Mission Funding Committee. Forward Fund priorities include: new modes and expressions of Christian ministry; definite time frames for project completion and plans for future funding if needed; commitment of funds, leadership, and volunteer services by the congregation or organization; and goals and objectives consistent with diocesan goals and objectives as expressed in the Mission Funding Handbook. Preference will be given to ecumenical projects or projects involving cooperation between units of the diocese. Low priority will generally be accorded proposals dealing with routine costs or “survival” programs.
The Mission Funding Committee looks forward to reading about your progress toward meeting 2007 goals, as well as your plans for the future. Please call me (270-443-1363…) or e-mail (libby_wade@yahoo.com) if you have questions or if meeting the August 1 deadline presents an insurmountable problem.
A Reminder: Completion of an annual audit is a canonical requirement for congregations. The Mission Funding Committee will look for evidence that your congregation is working toward compliance. The Diocesan Audit Committee provides a manual and has offered training sessions. For more information on the audit process, please contact Becky Meyer in the Diocesan Office.
