The Southwestern Minnesota Synod Endowment Fund will once again award grants to support the mission of Congregations in their local communities in 2022-2024. The Fund Committee is looking for projects proposals in the following areas:
- Community Outreach
- Youth Activities
- Special Mission Projects
- Addressing Community Food Insecurity
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. (Application Deadline: July 1, 2022)
This is the fourth year for Congregational Mission Grants. In 2021 a total of $24,650 was awarded, which funded twelve projects. The awards ranged from $660 to $2,750. There is $25,370 available to be awarded this year. Funded projects must be completed, and final report received by November 30, 2023.
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.
Projects Supported in 2022:
| Big Grove Crow River Grace Parish | Live Streaming |
| Fields of Grace Parish | “A New Day” Radio Church Broadcast |
| Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Peter | Planting Worship Leaders |
| Swedlanda Lutheran Church | Projector Screen |
| Rejoice Lutheran Church | Community Conversations around the Table |
| Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Albany | Video & Audio Upgrade for Better Outreach |
| Healing Waters Parish | Project Real |
| First Lutheran Church, Worthington | Sharing Seeds: Providing Culturally Sensitive Options |
| Zion Lutheran Church, Hanska | Community Meal Delivery |
| Salem Lutheran Church, Jackson | Contemporary Worship Live Streaming System |
| First Lutheran Church, Morris | Fusion Youth Ministry and Element Youth Ministry |
| Lake Hanska Lutheran Church | Technology Installation |
| Christ Lutheran Church | Technology Upgrade |
| American Lutheran Church, Windom | Blizzard Meals for Meals on Wheels Elderly |
| Immanuel Lutheran Church, Clara City | Community Meal |
