United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana Awards Over $150K in Summer Grant Cycle
During its most recent grant award cycle, the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana awarded more than $150,000 to 18 churches and ministries to serve people in need across Louisiana.
The grant funds will benefit diverse age groups and churches in rural communities and urban centers. Notably, Cornerstone United Methodist Church of New Orleans received the largest grant for its Community Lighthouse project.
Community Lighthouse aims to provide essential services and support during power outages and natural disasters in New Orleans East, a historically underserved area. The initiative will be managed by leaders from Cornerstone United Methodist Church, First Grace United Methodist Church, Household of Faith and Together New Orleans.
Other beneficiaries include Neely United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge, to offer an after-school community dance program for inner-city youth; Calvary United Methodist Church of Thibodaux, to offer computer classes for the elderly; Noel United Methodist Church of Shreveport for community arts activities and many more. A comprehensive list of grants awarded this cycle is available at www.umf.org/grants.
The Grants Committee, which comprises volunteer Louisiana United Methodist clergy and laypersons from the Foundation’s Board, convened last month to evaluate submitted applications.
“We are excited to partner with churches and ministries that are helping grow God’s kingdom in diverse ways every day,” said Foundation President Chris Spencer. “Our grants dollars will support outreach efforts across Louisiana, in rural communities, urban areas and all age spectrums.”
The quality and quantity of grant applications received were strong this cycle, a result credited to Britney Winn Lee's efforts, who began as Foundation Grants Outreach Coordinator last fall. Lee conducted five grant writing workshops across the state this spring, reaching over 100 attendees. The workshop is now available online and can be accessed at www.umf.org/grants.
Since its inception in 1992, the Foundation’s grants program has awarded more than $7 million to strengthen the Louisiana United Methodist Church and its related ministries. The program focuses on four primary outreach categories: equipping clergy and laity for ministry; developing innovative ministries; fostering connections with the church, community, and Louisiana Conference; and responding to or preparing for natural disasters.
Grant application deadlines are March 1, July 1 and October 15 each year. The Foundation uses a web-based application and post-reporting system. Detailed information and the application process can be found at www.umf.org/grants.
