Grants
Forward Together in Faith
The Forward Together in Faith grants support new initiatives and ministries that connect to the emphases of the Forward Together in Faith Campaign.
These grants, drawn from interest earned by the principal of the campaign, will support new projects that help network congregations, leaders and community partners, innovate new forms of ministry and/or communities of faith, communicate through digital channels, and equiplay and rostered ministers (including seminarians). Examples can include:
Networking: Creating and sustaining new networks and partnerships among congregations and leaders. Building bridges within the synod, and with other community partners.
Innovating: Prioritizing piloting new forms of ministry and planting new communities of faith, particularly among underserved populations. Supporting worship, faith formation, and community service.
Communicating: Training/consulting for websites, social media, and use of other forms of media (e.g. video). Equipping the communication needs for events for communities, multiple congregations, and/or the larger synod.
Equipping: Training for lay leaders, mission/outreach based continuing education for rostered leaders, supporting seminarians.
The amount awarded each year is determined by the earnings from the campaign’s invested funds
Process And Timeline
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Applications will become available in the summer via the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod website. (Download above)
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Applications must be submitted by September 30.
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After this deadline, the grant team will meet in order to read applications.
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You will receive acknowledgement of receipt of your application within one week of applying.
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By December 31 you will receive approval or denial of your application.
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In the event of denial, you will receive an explanation.
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In the event of approval, you will receive a letter explaining next steps.
Funds will be distributed annually no later than January 31st.
Download the application form from the link below. The form is a fillable PDF. Open the form in Adobe Acrobat Reader and fill in the required information. Save the document while you are working. When completed, email the form and a project summary to campaign@sepa.org.
Questions? Contact the grant team at campaign@sepa.org
St. Petri-Hope Grant
Upon the closure of St. Petri-Hope Lutheran Church, funds from the sale of the building were set aside to be used for future ministry in Northeast Philadelphia. So now congregations in the Northeast/Northwest Conference as well as Immanuel Somerton are welcome to apply for these funds. Applications will be taken on a rolling basis each year. Please fill out the application linked below and submit it to one of the two DEMs or the Dean of the conference.
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Directors of Evangelical Mission
SEPA Seminary Debt Relief Grant
If you are a rostered minister under call in the Southeastern PA synod, and are carrying debt from your seminary education that is a significant burden, you are eligible to apply for these funds.
Please complete the application below (will find latest application for a link) and return it to the business office of the synod to the attention of Martin Schwab at (mschwab@sepa.org) or through postal mail, (Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA, 7241 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119-1723)
Click here for the Seminary Debt Relief Application.
The Fisher Grants
The Fisher grants are distributed by the Upper and Lower Bucks conferences on a quarterly basis. The grants are funded by a trust. Each conference receives an equal portion of the distribution amount from the trust to grant to congregations. Congregations in either Upper or Lower Bucks Conference interested in receiving a grant should contact their Dean.
ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants
ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants accompany congregations and their partners throughout the United States and Caribbean as they draw on the strengths of communities to address local issues such as food security, clean water, housing, job access, human rights, policy change and more. Together, these ministries are part of a comprehensive approach to breaking the cycle of poverty and hunger — for good.
To learn more about ELCA World Hunger and to apply, visit the ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants Webpage.
For a list of all ELCA grants, visit the Impact Church Ministry page.