The Southwestern Minnesota Synod Endowment Fund will once again make grants to support the mission of Congregations in their local communities in 2020-2022. The Fund Committee is looking for projects proposals in the following areas:
- Community Outreach
- Youth Activities
- Special Mission Projects
In addition, the Committee encourages proposals in response to the mission challenges of COVID-19. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Addressing community food insecurity
- Purchasing Technology to support congregational outreach.
These grants are intended for new initiatives or for significant expansion of existing programs to serve new people. The Endowment Fund is particularly interested in proposals that involve partnerships with other faith communities and organizations in the community. In evaluating applications, the Endowment Committee will consider sustainability following the initial grant period where applicable.
Congregations of the SWMN Synod, as well as Conferences and Campus Ministries, are invited to apply.
There is $18,700 available to be awarded. Funded projects must be completed by November 30, 2021.
This is the second year for Congregational Mission Grants. In 2019 a total of $15,400 was awarded, which funded eight projects. The awards ranged from $1,350 to $2,200.
The Endowment Committee will decline to fund building improvements, maintenance, or renovation, and congregational mission trips. In addition, while welcoming application which involve project staffing, ongoing staff positions will not be considered.
Deadlines
- September 15, 2020 – Application deadline
- October 30, 2020 – Applicants will be informed of approval or denied the proposal on or before this date
- November 30, 2020 – Successful applicants return signed agreement form
- December 1, 2020 – Funds will be available for distribution
-Download and print grant information with application.Â
For more information, please contact:
Pr. Stephen W. Cook
SW MN Synod Minister
507-627-9046 (office)
320-310-8851 (cell)
Endowment Committee Members:
Anthony Christoffels, Circle of Faith Parish, Welcome
Chuck Engebretson, Celebration Lutheran, Sartell
Caren Johnson, Our Savior’s Lutheran, Montevideo
Steve Jou,l Celebration Lutheran, Sartell
Gary Olson, American Lutheran, Windom
Wendy Seefeld,t Gethsemane Lutheran, Dassel
Lori Wold, Trinity Lutheran, Boyd
