UMFWO Championing Children Youth & Young Adults LOI Application

The United Methodist Foundation of West Ohio is pleased to offer grant funding for transformative church and campus ministries that nurture children, youth, college-age and young adults through intergenerational Christ-centered communities. A typical award is $1000-$2500. This will be a very competitive grant process. Funds are limited and only a few grants will be awarded in the first year. The grant application opens on February 1st, and grants awards will be made in May. Applicants will initially complete an LOI, before completing the full application if they are selected to move onto the final round in the application process. Please contact Maddy DeWitt at 380-223-9229 or mdewitt@wocumc.org for more information.

Below is an overview of the purpose, eligibility, grant range, and requirements with evaluation criteria:

Purpose: To equip and empower 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.
Eligibility: Must be a local UMC or affiliated ministry in West Ohio. Ministry must directly engage any of the following groups in any combination: children (0-12), youth (13-18), college age (19-23) and/or young adults (24-29).
Grant Range: $1000-$5000
Requirements and Evaluation Criteria:
- Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that 1) describe the vision for an intergenerational, Christ-centered community that nurtures children, youth, and young adults; and then 2) identify the specific equipment, materials, supplies, training or resources needed to achieve the vision.
- Grant requests should be time-limited to identifiable needs for the next 12 months.
- The ministry much demonstrate alignment with UM theology and values.
- Funds must be used for specific equipment, materials, supplies, training, or resources.
- Applicants must agree to submit a report on outcomes of the grant within 12 months.
- Grant applications will be reviewed for their level of adherence to the following criteria:
  - Holistic approach (Addresses spiritual, emotional, physical, and social well-being);
  - Encouragement of healthy congregations (Fosters vitality, inclusivity, resilience, and shared leadership);
  - Development of intergenerational belonging (creates shared experiences across generations);
  - Focus on equipping families (provides tools and resources for faith at home); and
  - Leadership development opportunities (offers training, mentoring, and leadership opportunities).

Main Contact Name

Main Contact Phone Number

Main Contact Email

Name of pastor associated with ministry if different from main contact

If different from main contact.

Pastor’s phone number if different from main contact

If different from main contact.

Pastor’s email if different from main contact

District

Is your church in a rural, urban or suburban area? Please explain.

Please explain.

How does your ministry align with UM theology and values?

Which of the following age groups does your ministry nurture: children (ages 0-12), youth (13-18), college age (19-23), young adults (24-29), or a mix of various age groups and if so which ones?

On average, how many individuals does your ministry serve? Please indicate number of individual people served, not number of families.

Please give a brief demographic description of population served by this ministry.

How long has your ministry been active?

Please provide a summary description of your current ministry and your vision to achieve an intergenerational, Christ-centered community that nurtures the target age group you serve. (Hallmarks of this type of ministry include a holistic approach, encouragement of healthy congregations, development of intergenerational belonging, focus on equipping families and offering leadership development opportunities.)

Please list at least 3 goals of the ministry and at least one specific outcome (result) for each goal.

How much are you requesting from the UMFWO?

What is your ministry’s total budget for the year?

How will you accomplish the goals of your ministry if you do not receive funding from the Foundation?

Please explain how these funds would be used, specifying the equipment, materials, supplies, training or resources your ministry needs to achieve its vision.