This fall, the United Methodist Foundation of West Ohio launched its first Clergy Development Grant cycle offering the opportunity for provisional and ordained elders, deacons and Licensed Local Pastors to request funds for higher education, travel, and spiritual discernment purposes.

“We were so excited to offer this new grant opportunity for the first time,” said UMFWO Program Manager Maddy DeWitt. “We worked with the Conference to identify the need for this type of clergy support, and we’ve been pleased with the response from West Ohio clergy.”

Interest in the foundation’s first round of Clergy Development Grants exceeded expectations, with 31 applications submitted, and requests totaling nearly $80,000. This reflected both the need for and value of continuing education and professional development opportunities for clergy. With approximately $20,000 available to distribute, grants were awarded to 15 applicants, with most receiving partial funding so that support could reach more individuals.

“We wanted to give what we could to as many people as possible,” explained DeWitt. “Many applicants thanked us for offering this opportunity, and their responses affirmed the importance of continuing this work.”

The fall cycle completes the foundation’s inaugural grant program. The spring cycle included 19 churches that received awards for VBS programs, along with 8 churches that requested funds from the Children, Youth & Young Adult grant pool.

Mrs. DeWitt explained, “We hope to continue growing these funds so that more churches and more clergy can benefit from them. Each time a church, organization, or individual invests with the foundation, it helps to increase the pool of available grant funds.”

For more information about how to invest or to learn more about grant opportunities, please use the links on the West Ohio Conference or UMFWO websites to learn more or contact Maddy DeWitt at mdewitt@wocumc.org.