• What is NewGround?

    NewGround partners with churches to cultivate Spirit-led, justice-rooted relationships within their communities. Many congregations recognize opportunities to serve and collaborate locally but lack the resources to act. A NewGround partner ministry embraces local assets and empowers the community. Over 2–3 year partnerships, NewGround provides coaching, resources, and support to help churches and local ministries develop sustainable initiatives through goal setting, evaluation, and capacity building. These initiatives reflect God’s kingdom by fostering equity, restoring dignity, and nurturing belonging. Together, we break new missional ground—nurturing Spirit-led ideas into healthy, ministries that bear lasting fruit within their communities.

    Questions or concerns regarding this application can be directed to the NewGround Coordinator at abaarda@crcna.org.

    Application Process

    • A comprehensively completed application must be submitted by August 15 in order to be considered for funding.
    • Applications are reviewed the NewGround Steering Committee and recommendations are made to the Diaconal Ministries Canada Board. Decisions on successful applicants are made by November 1.
    • First installment (75% of approved amount) will be issued December 1st.
      Second installment (remaining 25%) will be issued April 1st.
    • Conversations and coaching between NewGround Partner and Diaconal Ministries Canada staff will take place throughout the partnership.

    Specific Conditions & Limitations for Applications

    • The maximum amount for the 1st year of multi-year funding paid to an applicant is $15,000 to ensure local sustainability. 
    • The amount granted to an applicant declines each year for multi-year funded projects/programs. 
    • The NewGround grant must constitute at least 20% but not more than 50% of a project’s total budget. The same limits apply to program funding. 
    • Diaconal Ministries Canada does not normally fund capital projects such as construction and renovation to buildings. An exception will be made if the Committee determines the costs are integral to the development of the ministry.
    • NewGround will only provide project or program funding to an applicant one time unless the Committee determines that a reasonable amount of time exists between applications.

  • Applicant Information:

  • *The Project Contact(s) will be responsible for answering questions about the application, reviewing & signing the partnership agreement, attending information and training events, and available for questions and coaching throughout the partnership term. Usually this person is a leader directly involved in the ministy. They do not need to be a member of the sponsoring CRC.

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  • B. Project Proposal (Value of 25%)

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  • Project Summary

  • *Please designate a Church Contact Person to serve as a liaison so that the congregation may learn about the NewGround Partner ministry. This person is usually (but not always!) a Deacon, and is not the same as the Project Contact person. The Church Contact is responsible for fostering a connection between the congregation and the ministry, by organizing regular presentations, events, or other communications. They will take the lead in encouraging the congregation to support the ministry through prayer, donations or volunteering as appropriate.

  • C. Community Development Principles (Value of 35%)

    Proposals to NewGround demonstrate a commitment to asset-based community development principles (or learning about ABCD), an approach that recognizes the strengths, gifts, talents and resources of individuals and communities and seeks to mobilize and build on them for sustainable development.

  • Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD):

  • Justice Orientation:

  • Community Involvement:

  • D. Sustainable Ministry and Capacity Building (Value of 15%)

  • Sustainability:

    Sustainability can be measured by: A) The continuation of a project beyond NewGround funding; B) The sustainable impact a project has on participants/community.

  • Capacity Building:

  • E. Coaching and Consultation (Value of 25%)

    Areas of Support: Select specific areas where coaching or consultation would be beneficial to the project's success:

  • F. Financial Information and Budget

    Please submit each of the following:

  • 1. Complete and upload a budget (see separate Excel “NewGround Budget Worksheet” here) for the years you are seeking funding. The budget will include:
    • the projected NewGround grant as an income item;
    • declining NewGround funding for each budget year;
    • new funding sources in subsequent years to replace NewGround funding.


    2. Please upload the most recent set of Financial Statements from your accountant or auditor. If you do not have audited financial statements, please submit your most recent statement of revenue and expenses.

    Please upload these documents below (at the bottom of this page).

    You can also use this upload space to include letters of support, or any other documents you may wish to attach to your application.

  • This represents* % of the budget (refer to your budget worksheet).

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  • Submission

  • Please make sure all sections of this application are complete and financial documents are attached before submitting them.

    Save a copy of your application for your records.

    The NewGround Coordinator will confirm receipt of your application and inform you of the timeline for processing. If you have any questions, please contact abaarda@crcna.org.


    Thank you for your interest in our community ministry grant program!

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