The United Methodist Foundation of West Ohio makes grants to advance the strategic goals of the West Ohio Conference through a competitive application process. The grant program focuses on providing financial support for established programs and program expansion of local churches, ministries and organizations across West Ohio; and for scholarships. Please contact Program Manager, Maddy DeWitt at mdewitt@wocumc.org for more information.
Grant Cycles and Categories
Spring Cycle: Children, Youth, and Young Adults - 2026 Grant Application Closed
VBS Mini Grants: The 2026 VBS grant cycle supported 19 VBS programs across West Ohio who are engaging with children through safe and fun opportunities to learn about the love of Jesus. Please click here to see the list of VBS grant recipients: https://www.westohioumc.org/news/umfwo-celebrates-transformational-spring-grant-cycle. Please refer back to this page in winter 2026 for information about the 2027 grant cycle.
Championing Children, Youth, & Young Adults Grants: The 2026 Championing Children, Youth, and Young Adult grant cycle supported 8 ministries across West Ohio who are equipping and empowering laity and clergy in local churches to create new or expand existing intergenerational, Christ centered communities that nurture children, youth, college-age, and young adults. Please click here to see the list of Championing CY&YA grant recipients: https://www.westohioumc.org/news/umfwo-celebrates-transformational-spring-grant-cycle. Please refer back to this page in winter 2026 for information about the 2027 grant cycle.
Spring/Summer Cycle: Clergy Development - Application Closed
Alford Cantlin Fellowship Grants: Congratulations to the following clergy who were accepted into the 2026 Alford-Cantlin Cohort: Rev. Rachel Billups, Rev. Marcella Ciccotelli, Rev. Pete Elliot, Rev. Joy Wigal, Rev. Don Wilson, and Rev. Amy Woods. The next cohort will be in 2028.
Fall Cycle: Clergy Development - Opens Sept. 1, 2026
Travel & Renewal Grants: Support for provisional and ordained clergy who are seeking support for a time of personal renewal, spiritual transformation, or ministry rejuvenation. Please check back at a later date to access the application page. More information on grant purpose, requirements, and evaluation criteria can be found below.
LLP Continuing Education & Spiritual Discernment Grants: Support for LLP’s who are completing Course of Study; pursuing continuing education or specialized training programs; or seeking coaching support. Please check back at a later date to access the application page. More information on grant purpose, requirements, and evaluation criteria can be found below.
Higher Education & Spiritual Discernment Grants: Support for provisional and ordained clergy who are pursuing higher education, specialized training, or coaching support. Please check back at a later date to access the application page. More information on grant purpose, requirements, and evaluation criteria can be found below.
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."