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JOURNEY TOWARD EXCELLENCE CLERGY GRANT PROGRAM

Grants are now available through the Journey Toward Excellence Endowment, established in honor of the Reverends John and Carole Cotton Winn.

Created to promote pastoral excellence and wellbeing, the endowment celebrates and continues the Winns’ faithful, creative, and influential ministries.

Thanks to its growth, the fund is now able to provide grants that carry forward the Winns’ legacy. Rev. John Winn founded The Center for Pastoral Excellence in 1990, and Rev. Carole Cotton Winn launched The Academy for Spiritual Leadership in 1998—both designed to encourage missional excellence, spiritual depth, and strong leadership.

GRANT DETAILS:

  • A limited number of grants, up to $1,500

  • The grants are for clergy, congregations or organizations

  • The grants are for projects or programs that promote pastoral excellence and wellbeing

APPLICATIONS DUE: December 31, 2025

AWARDS ANNOUNCED: February 1, 2026

How Grant Applications are Evaluated

Grant application proposals will be evaluated using a matrix, based on Journey Toward Excellence priorities and may address issues relevant to clergy well-being, such as:

  • Spiritual, emotional, social, and physical health

  • Pastoral excellence in congregational leadership

  • Creative approaches to maintaining work/life balance

  • Care and counsel for clergy and their families

  • Other areas consistent with the JTE mission

    Grant applications may also request funds for participation in events, retreats or workshops
    that align with the Journey Toward Excellence purpose.

    If you have questions, contact Dr. Craig Gilliam.

  • Job satisfaction and vocational fulfillment

  • Resilience in adversity and stress management

  • Congregational support for pastors

  • Systemic challenges and stressors

Previous Grant Recipients Include:

  • Support for Clergy Renewal Leave

  • The School of Contemplative Living Clergy Listening Circles

  • Center for Pastoral Excellence of the Rockies

  • A Pathway to Spiritual Formation Program

The Journey Toward Excellence Endowment is dedicated to the legacy of Reverends John and Carole Cotton Winn.