Policies and Procedures for Conference Salary Support

The Commission on Equitable Compensation (CEC) funding supports and provides funding to churches that are unable to provide the minimum salaries as set forth by the Upper New York Conference. These grants are designed to support churches that have potential for growth in mission and ministry. All clergy, both full-time and part-time, are eligible. The role of the CEC is to advocate for and support equitable compensation for all clergy; we encourage all congregations who might benefit from funding to apply or reach out for support.

The application for funding is for six month periods either, January through June or July through December of a given year. If a pastoral change occurs after funding has been established, adjustments or termination of the grant may occur based on the situation.

Support Provided

Grants maybe awarded for up to 25% of the gross salary for the period of the application, not to exceed $5000. The CEC support will not continue beyond three years, and subsequent awards will be for reduced amounts of support. Funding is limited and in the case that applications exceed the funds available, the CEC will use the provided application material to determine the number and amount of awards. Selection criteria may include congregational vitality, previous award status, and breadth of impact.

Application Process

1. Churches submit applications by the posted deadline.
2. District Superintendents review applications and submit recommendations.
3. Cabinet reviews recommendations and confirms or revises recommendations. CEC reviews applications and recommendations and awards grants.
4. Churches receive grant funds.

Section 1: General Information

Section 2: Clergy Information

Section 3: Ministry Vitality

Section 4: Congregational Financial Well-being

Section 5: Application Process

Section 6: Required Additional Materials

Section 7: Next Steps

Once your application is received, Conference staff will attach the following materials:

• A copy of the church’s current budget, including current income and expense statements.
• A copy of the most recent church audit that was submitted to your District office.
• A copy of the church’s most recent Clergy Compensation Report.
• A copy of the church’s most recent ACStats Report.
• A copy of the church’s most recent six-part Church Summary Graph from UMData.
• The last six months of data submitted to the Vital Signs Dashboard, if available.