The ProVision Fund is a legacy from the sale of church properties in the Pacific Mountain Region (formerly B.C. Conference). Since the ProVision Fund began in 2011, it has made almost over 500 grants totalling over $7 M.
The purpose of the Fund is to provide grants which enable the United Church to create and foster new ministry programs and projects throughout the Pacific Mountain Region. Applications may be submitted by Communities of Faith, Ministries, Clusters (Communities of Faith grouped geographically) or Networks (persons or committees gathered around a shared mission interest).
Proposals should intend to do one or more of the following:
- Foster a new ministry which addresses one of the Region’s priorities: Identity (Reconciliation, Intercultural, Affirming, Anti-racist); Healthy Communities of Faith; and First Third Ministry.
- Launch a new program ‘on the edge’ of the church’s experience or which intends to work for transformational change in the life of a Community of Faith.
- Undertake research and/or strategic planning for the development of a new ministry.
- Develop and provide community-based ministries with other churches or agencies.
- Assist Communities of Faith with local programs which reach out to serve community needs.
Grants can be recurring, but annual reporting and review will be required. Normally, grants for new ministry programs or projects are for no more than three years.
Grants cannot be made for either capital costs (including equipment or furnishings) nor routine operating expenses such as congregational expenses or ongoing staffing. Grants are not made for independent research nor artistic compositions.
When completing the following Application Form, you will be asked to provide details regarding those involved, the financial plan for the proposal, the proposed program and its management.
The ProVision Fund Committee will give consideration to proposals whose Application Form provides all of the following:
- clear statements of a) goals, b) how the proposal’s vision connects to the life of the applicant group, c) a well-developed plan, d) a plan for measuring the outcomes, and e) a budget that includes both income and expenses;
- an income budget which shows expected income from congregatinal support and from other sources, including where applicable, from program participants;
- reference to a strong faith commitment;
- if applicable, a statement as to how the proposal is intended to bring transformational change to the Community of Faith;
- if a Network, letters of support from others in the community active in the field of endeavour; and
- details of the approval and financial support from the applicant’s governing body.
The ProVision Fund Committee is a volunteer committee. It includes people experienced in the life of Communities of Faith throughout the Region and follows conflict of interest procedures for its members. The Committee:
- sets an annual allotment of funds available for new grants. These available funds are generated by an endowment managed by the Region;
- meets soon after each deadline date, makes final decisions and promptly advises applicants;
- makes decisions based on the submitted applications; and
- releases 75% of the grant at the start and holds back 25% for release subsequent to the submission of a Final Report.
ProVision Grants are awarded by the Pacific Mountain Region ProVision Fund Committee.
In 2025, the deadlines for submitting an application are: Feb 28, May 31st and October 31st.
Applications, Final Reporting and Transfers of Funds are all made electronically.