Social Justice and Public Witness Committee Grants and Scholarships:
Purpose and Principles
Mission Statements:
Grace Presbytery claims God’s mission as our calling: to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ who saves, redeems, and reconciles the world to God through ministries of witness, justice, and mercy. Grace Presbytery prepares and supports leaders to build vital congregations that reach seekers and those in need, nurture disciples, and send apostles of our Lord into the world.
The Social Justice and Public Witness Standing Committee’s mission is to (a) elevate, promote, inspire, and nurture the church’s public witness for justice and love through relationships using the guidelines set forth in our constitutional documents and (b) provide education, advocacy, witness, and solidarity in word and deed as we together share the Good News for the common good.
Purpose:
To encourage and support individuals and congregations of Grace Presbytery to address social justice issues in the creation of new and innovative ministries within the congregations and communities that they serve. Applicants should be able to answer how the grant would serve a justice project.
Preference will be given to those applications for which one or more of the following is true:
1. Individual scholarships for public witness and social justice work initiatives
2. Individual scholarships to members of historically marginalized groups in need due to systemic discrimination and exclusion.
3. Grants to communities and groups that experience significant collective barriers to full society participation and equity-denied groups.
4. Grants to foster congregational initiatives addressing social justice issues
5. Preference may be given to grants that address current topics of focus identified by the SJPWC.
Maximum amount of grant: $1000
The Social Justice Public Witness Committee reserves the right to fund grants at levels that might vary from the requested amount.
Restrictions on use:
Funds granted in these initiatives may not be used for major capital improvement expenses, debt retirement, the securing of general ongoing staff needs, international partnerships, or the continuation of existing ministries.
Endorsement:
If these funds are to be used in a congregational setting, the Session must approve the application prior to submission.
Diversity:
SJPW Grants will be awarded with sensitivity to the full diversity of the presbytery (geographical, congregational, and cultural).
Reporting:
If you receive a scholarship or grant, you will be required to share your experience with the presbytery. You will be assigned a liaison from the committee who will assist you in sharing through presentations, articles, events and through consultations with other churches considering similar programs.
Instructions for Grant Application Submission:
Deadline: The SJPW Committee will receive, review, and award grants on an ongoing basis throughout the year.
Complete Application: The scholarship or grant application must be complete when submitted. The Committee may have follow-up questions for clarification before making a decision.
Typed or Online Submission: This is a fill-in-the-blank form. Please read and follow all application instructions. You can type directly onto the form, then save the completed form and print it.
This form is also available online on the SJPWC’s page on the Grace Presbytery Website: Link to PDF Form
Social Justice and Public Witness Committee Grant and Scholarship Application
Purpose: To encourage and support individuals and congregations of Grace Presbytery to address social justice issues in the creation of new and innovative ministries within the congregations and communities that they serve. Applicants should be able to answer how the grant would serve a justice project.