2025 Go Grants

Go Grants will resource new innovative ministry ideas that help West Ohio UM churches develop relationships beyond the walls of our buildings and within our communities, to make new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Please read through all of this information so that you can see the changes to the Go Grant process this year.

Go Grant Requirements:

• Only chartered United Methodist Churches and campuses of chartered UMC’s are eligible for Go Grants.
• Churches who disaffiliate within seven years of receiving a Go Grant will be required to return the funds to West Ohio Conference.

2025 Go Grant Applications are no longer available

We are so excited and encouraged with the 200+ applications that we received!

2025 Go Grant Categories

Building Bridges

• Building enhancement to support better accessibility and connection to those outside of the church building.  Some examples are:
  • hospitality related enhancements (i.e. indoor signage)
  • media enhancements
  • accessibility enhancements for people with disabilities*

Community Engagement

• Ministries focused on cultivating long-term relationships with your community to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Some examples are:
  • fresh expressions of church
  • ministries involving social transformation
  • ministries of inclusion 

Emerging Generations

• Ministry ideas that engage children, youth, young adults and/or families. Some examples are:
  • intergenerational worship
  • collaboration with local elementary schools
  • joint Youth Activities with other UMCs
  • college-age ministries or youth projects that are led by young people

Green Church**

• Just Mission Team and Creation Care Task Force are partnering to provide Green Church Mini Grants in 2025. These grants can range from $100 - $1000. Questions may be directed to Mariellyn Grace at mgrace@wocumc.org.  Some examples are:
  • recycling or composting containers
  • energy efficient upgrades: LED/CFL light bulbs, smart thermostat
  • events: Earth Day event, creation care camp for children
  • outside: planting a pollinator or native flower garden, adding a rain barrel

Leadership Development

• Learning experiences to equip UM laity and clergy in their personal development as leaders. Some examples are:
  • Culture of Call: supporting the discernment and development of those considering accredited lay leadership or set apart clergy leadership
  • Visioning
  • Cultural Competency
  • Coaching/Mentoring
  • Fundraising/Stewardship

*Churches applying for an accessibility enhancement, please complete an Accessibility Audit.

**Churches applying for Green Church Mini Grants must agree to do the following:

1. Sign the West Ohio Green Church Pledge
2. Conduct a sustainability audit (template provided)
3. Identify & complete at least one “green” project (likely the project you will use on the grant application)
4. Attend West Ohio’s Green Church Training when it becomes available.

All Go Grant recipients will be celebrated at Bishop’s Go Awards on February 2, 2025 at Powell UMC in Columbus.

At the 2025 Bishop’s Go Awards, one leader or church will be recognized for the impact in their community by receiving the Bishop Gregory Vaughn Palmer Award for Social Transformation & Justice Award. This includes an additional grant.

One grant will also be chosen for the Breakout Vision of the Year sponsored by the United Methodist Foundation.

NEW IDEATION GUIDE AVAILABLE!

If you are stuck and need help brainstorming new ministries, we created a new tool for you to use. You can download and print off the Ideation Guide down below. Let us know if we can help you in anyway!