NewGround Community Ministry Grant Application

Community Ministry Grant Application
What is NewGround?
As churches listen to their community and discern their place in it, opportunities to collaborate on initiatives that benefit the community often arise. However, many churches lack the resources to pursue these opportunities. Through the NewGround Program, Diaconal Ministries Canada offers coaching, networking, and resources (which includes grant money) to churches to address these gaps and break new ground by starting sustainable community ministries. Through the 2-3 year partnership, NewGround helps churches and ministries to set goals, evaluate effectiveness, and become resilient through local support. A NewGround Partner ministry embraces local assets and empowers the community.

NewGround Mission Statement
NewGround empowers deacons and churches, offering coaching and resources to help identify and establish practical, tangible, and sustainable community ministries. Together, we break new missional ground, nurturing Spirit-led ideas into healthy ministries that bear everlasting fruit.

Application Process
• A comprehensively completed application must be submitted by August 15 in
order to be considered for funding.
• Applications are reviewed by a committee of regional CRC representatives, and
decisions on successful applicants are finalized 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 of multi-year funding paid to an applicant in the first year 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 multi-year project or program funding to an applicant one time unless the Committee determines that a reasonable amount of time exists between applications.

A: Description of the Organization:
Name of Organization/Church:*
Name of specific project to be funded:*
Mailing Address:*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Email*
example@example.com
Website:
*Project Contact Person:*

First NameLast Name
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
*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.
Charitable Registration Number:*
Name of Treasurer:*

First NameLast Name
Treasurer Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Make Cheques Payable to:*
Application submitted by:*
Name
Amount of grant requested in year 1 (refer to budget worksheet):*
Maximum $15,000
This represents* % of the budget (see Section D).
Name of sponsoring Christian Reformed Church (CRC) (if not the applicant):*

B. Proposal/Project Description (Value of 25%)
Project start date:

MonthDayYear
Date
Executive Summary (5%) Provide a brief project summary that clearly identifies what you are requesting funds for and how the funds will help move the project forward.*
Background to the Proposal
Does your church/organization have a mission, vision, and values statement? If so, please share them here:*
Include Vision, Mission and Values
What are the specific justice issues in your community that relate to your particular project? How will this project raise awareness of these particular injustices? (10%)*
What challenges will you face in carrying out this proposal?*
What role or connection does the Christian Reformed Church have with this proposal? If the CRC is the applicant, please describe in what ways the congregation is involved. (10%)*
*Name of Church Contact Person:*

First NameLast Name
Church Contact Person Email:*
example@example.com
*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 must demonstrate a commitment to asset-based community development principles, an approach that recognizes the strengths, gifts, talents and resources of individuals and communities and helps communities mobilize and build on these for sustainable development.
What conversations and research has taken place in the community to shape this proposal? (Did your church conduct a Community Opportunity Scan or similar community asset mapping process? How was the need for this project determined?) (7%)*
What assets have been identified that will support this project? (Consider physical assets like institutions, financial, personal/human such as skills and experiences, and social assets such as networks.) (5%)*
Describe how you will work collaboratively with organizations and other community assets. (5%)*
Explain how the people benefiting from your project were and are involved in the planning, development, and design of your initiative. (5%)*
Describe how your project will be inclusive (recognizing that some people may need additional support to overcome barriers they face). (3%)*
What will be done to create/promote positive, sustainable change in the lives of the participants and communities? (10%)*

D. Project Capacity and Sustainability (Value of 15%)

Sustainability can be measured by: A) The continuation of a project beyond NewGround funding; B) The sustainable impact a project has on participants/community.
How you will evaluate the effectiveness of this project? Demonstrate ways you will be able to adjust, if needed.*
Please list any methods that will be used for accountability and communication with varying partners of this project.*
Please describe how staffing and/or volunteers will be recruited, trained, and supported.*
How will your project continue to make an impact for participants/community after the NewGround funding has ended? (ie. What steps are being taken to attract long-term, local financial support)?*
If your project does not receive NewGround funding, will it move ahead? If yes, how?*

F. Financial Information

Please submit each of the following:
1. Complete 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 forward 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.

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

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Thank you for your interest in the NewGround program!

Click "Review" to make sure all sections are complete and financial documents are attached. You will then be able to click the green "Submit" button when you're ready.

Please save or print 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 dmc@crcna.org.
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Community Ministry Grant Application

A: Description of the Organization:

B. Proposal/Project Description (Value of 25%)

Background to the Proposal

C. Community Development Principles (Value of 35%)

D. Project Capacity and Sustainability (Value of 15%)

E. Coaching and Consultation (Value of 25%)

F. Financial Information