Gifts of Grace
2026 Education Loan Reduction and Retirement Grants Now Open!
The Gifts of Grace program offers grants to rostered ministers actively serving in the SW MN Synod to ease their financial burdens and help prepare them for their future in retirement. If you are a rostered minister in the SW MN Synod, check out these grants today!
Grant for Reduction of Educational Loans (open July 9-October 31)
Rostered ministers with student loan debt from loans used to pay for the expenses the roster minister incurred attending college or seminary are eligible to apply. Those with federal/public loans are eligible for this grant but are encouraged to also apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) with the assistance of LSS Financial Services. Up to $2,000 is available to pay down private loans or to help rostered ministers make payments pursuing PSLF. Support for this grant is made possible in part by the SW MN Synod Endowment Fund for Debt Relief.
Grants for Retirement Readiness (open July 9-October 31)
Gifts of Grace offers two grants to help deacons and pastors to boost their retirement savings:
Rostered ministers paid below guidelines and those in part-time calls are eligible for the Compensation Equity Grant to make up for lost retirement contributions. Support for this grant is made possible in part by the SW MN Synod Endowment Fund for Pension Equity.
A $600 Contribution Challenge Grant is available to rostered ministers applying for the first or second time for this grant who are making a $600 or greater personal contribution to their retirement account in 2026 through pretax contributions.
Medical Expenses Grant (open all year)
Pastors and deacons facing financial stress in their households due to medical expenses can apply for a grant for up to $1,000. This is available to rostered ministers and those in their household. It is for expenses for mental health, physical health, and pharmacy needs.
Before Applying:
Click on the title/link to apply and read grant eligibility, guidelines, and requirements in each grant application.
THANK YOU to all of you who have made these grants possible! The grants to rostered ministers for educational loan reduction, retirement readiness, and medical expenses you have supported through your gifts have made a tremendous impact on the lives of rostered ministers in the Southwestern Minnesota Synod.
If you would like to help sustain the Gifts of Grace program (and by extension the grants it offers) into the future, click here to give online or send a check payable to the SW MN Synod with “Gifts of Grace” in the memo line to:
SW MN Synod
175 E Bridge St
PO Box 499
Redwood Falls, MN 56283