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A Clergy Tax Information Packet is now posted on the GCFA website. This information will assist local church treasurers in completing clergy tax reporting and understanding tax requirements for local churches. It will also be of interest to and should be shared with the chair of the staff parish relations committee, the pastor, and staff.
Town and Country Grants for churches: The Town and Country Committee of the Detroit Annual Conference has $500 grants available to churches receiving conference consultation and redevelopment assistance provided by Revs. Terry Gladstone. For more information contact Rev. Kim Spencer, chair of DAC Town and Country Committee at 248-623-6860.
The Emerging Ministries Grant provides seed money for new ministries which will be on going (as opposed to one-time) projects. An Emerging Ministries Project can receive support for up to three years. Possible uses might include program and or material resources, staff funding, administrative expenses. Maximum grant available per project shall be $1500. This grant is funded through the Marquette District Conference. Download a grant application.
Creative Ministry Grants provide incentive to encourage new creative ministries of outreach and program development which might otherwise not be possible because of local budgetary consideration. This grant is funded by the Marquette District Conference. Download a grant application.
Accessibility Grants are available to local congregations to provide financial assistance with projects designed to increase access to their facilities for handicapped individuals. Projects including restroom adaptations, elevators, and ramps that allow all people to participate in worship and activities of the church may be eligible for grant support. Grants are $500.00 each and are available on a first-come first-served basis. The availability of grant money is limited to one congregation in each Detroit Conference District annually. Download an application.
Christian Education Grants are available from the Board of Christian Education of the Detroit Annual Conference to help you! Individuals, local congregations and districts may apply for a grant of up to $500. Only one grant will be given per applicant per year. grant proposals should follow the guidelines below:
1. All proposals must relate to Christian education in a clear way and be designed to further develop Christian education in our conference.
2. Proposals which show clear benefit to more than one local church will be given preference. The exception would be for churches starting or revitalizing a Sunday school.
3. The Board of Christian Education will not fund the total cost of any proposal but will expect the agency or individuals making the proposal to use some of their own funds.
4. Christian education grant monies will not be given to fund salary or staff positions.
5. Proposals will be dealt with at each Board of Christian Education meeting. Meetings are traditionally held the third Saturday of January, April, and September. Applications must be received at least two weeks before the meeting dates to be considered at that meeting.
Development fund loans from the United Methodist Development Fund (UMDF) are available to United Methodist churches and church-related institutions seeking financing to construct new buildings or improve existing ones. The 40-year-old fund is a ministry of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. The interest rate is 6.95% for 15-20 years. The minimum amount for a loan is $25,000 and the maximum amount is $3,500,000.
For loan information or applications, contact the Board of Global Ministries' Office of Loan Administration at 212- 870-3865. Go to the fund’s website for information, interest rates and stories from churches that have improved their facilities with the help of UMDF loans.
Loans from District BOM: One of the functions of the Marquette District Board of Missions and Church Extension is “to operate as a lending agency for the financing of church property” (By-laws: article III, section 3). Presently the board has a maximum loan request cap of $20,000. The board wants to be in ministry to all United Methodist churches in the Marquette District and to help meet needs and emergencies. Download a loan application.
Initiatives Promoting Reconciliation grants: The Detroit Conference Commission on Christian Unity and Inter-religious Concerns (CUIC) announces the creation of a program of mini-grants for local churches. These “Initiatives Promoting Reconciliation” grants will provide grants of up to $500 to local UMC churches or group of churches in the conference. The grants will help fund programs that address the need for recognition of racism in the United Methodist Church and for repentance, reconciliation and renewal in the UMC and in the communities in which United Methodists live. Contact the Conference Office in Flint for an application, 800-334-0544.
United Methodist Merit Scholarships are for students that are planning on attending Albion or Adrian Colleges, or another United Methodist related college. Students must be a member of a United Methodist Church and have demonstrated academic excellence and significant participation in the life of a local congregation. Contact Rev. Arthur Stone for information: 810-346-2555 or 810-346-2010. Sponsored by the Detroit Annual Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry. Download a scholarship application. Applications must be postmarked by April 16, 2009.
“The Road Less Traveled” Communication Grant: The District Executive Coordinating Council is offering a 50% grant to churches or pastors for a new computer. This will expedite video conferencing to hopefully cut down on travel time and costs. This project direction initiative will reimburse up to $600 and is available to churches which have participated fully in the connection through their 2009 District apportionments.