Fall 2026 Grant Focus: Clergy Development
Clergy Travel and Renewal Grant
Application Opens September 1, 2026
Application Closes October 15, 2026
Burnout is a significant issue for those involved in ministry and yet finding the time and resources to take advantage of renewal opportunities can be a further barrier to much needed self-care. These small grants are intended to help clergy reduce the financial barrier of seeking and taking the renewal leave they need to be more effective in ministry.
• Purpose: To foster resilience, creativity, and spiritual vitality in ministry leadership by helping prioritize clergy wellness. The grants will provide provisional and ordained clergy with the financial support needed to utilize personal renewal leave, spiritual transformation opportunities, or ministry rejuvenation. These funds will offer clergy the opportunity to engage in practices that sustain long-term vocational health and effectiveness.
• Eligibility: Provisional and ordained clergy in West Ohio who are currently serving an appointment in a local church, extension ministry, or conference position and are seeking financial support to take one of the following: personal renewal leave (eligible every 6 years for structured spiritual retreats, personal time, and/or professional renewal programs, allowing for rest, reflection, and reconnecting with God and family); or spiritual transformation/ministry rejuvenation opportunities (enrollment in workshops, courses, or pilgrimages that deepen theological reflection, including local, domestic or international travel, or spiritual practice).
• Grant Range: $500-$3000
• Requirements and Evaluation Criteria: Applications must include the following: demonstrated need for renewal (if applicable), potential for impact on personal well-being and ministry effectiveness, and anticipated budget. Clarity and feasibility of the proposed plan must be evident. Applicants
Contact Maddy DeWitt at 380-223-9229 or mdewitt@wocumc.org for more information. Please see below for the link to the application.
Clergy Travel and Renewal Grant Application Link - Opens Sept. 1st: https://www.westohioumc.org/Clergy Travel & Renewal Grant | West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church
View our grant program guidelines below for more details. You can open the guidelines in a new tab by hovering over the box with an arrow in the top right corner and clicking "Pop out." You can also learn more about our 2026 grant program by clicking here: https://www.westohioumc.org/2026-united-methodist-foundation-west-ohio-grants.