Upper New York Missional Excellence is excited to announce the Community Resilience Preparedness Micro-Grant Program, an opportunity to help local churches strengthen their capacity to care for their communities before, during, and after times of natural disaster, economic hardship, public health emergencies, and other crises. Through this initiative, 30 congregations will receive micro-grants ranging from $500–$1,000 to support projects that increase community resilience and preparedness.

This grant is rooted in an asset-based approach, recognizing that every congregation already has unique gifts, ministries, relationships, facilities, and other resources that can be mobilized to conntect with their neighbors. As the first step in the application process, each church will complete or update the Upper New York Conference Asset Map Entry form to identify the ministries and assets that already exist within their congregation and community. Applicants will then select one of these identified assets and describe how grant funding will strengthen, expand, or enhance it to better equip their church to serve and connect with their community before, during, or after times of crisis.

Applications are due September 15, 2026, and grant recipients will be notified in October 2026.

This program is made possible through funding from a United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Disaster Preparedness Grant. We are grateful for the connectional ministry of The United Methodist Church, which equips and empowers congregations to build stronger, more resilient communities through faithful service and preparedness.

 

Before beginning your application, please read the following instructions carefully.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be a United Methodist Chruch within the Upper New York Conference.
• Identify with church's leadership team and pastor an existing or new ministry/project that strengthens community resilience, disaster preparedness, community engagement, or disaster response capacity.
• Agree to complete all required reporting and evaluation activities.

 

Before You Apply:

(Required): Complete or Update Your Church's Entry on the Upper New York Asset Map with your church's leadership team.

Complete Asset Map Entry
More Information on the Asset Map
View the Asset Map

If your church has never submitted information for the Asset Map, please complete the Asset Map Entry form.  

If your church is already listed on the Asset Map, please view the entry on the Asset Map and make any necessary updates by selecting "Update Existing Entry" on the Asset Map Entry form.

The Asset Map helps identify the ministries and resources that already exist within your congregation. This information helps churches build on their existing strengths while identifying opportunities for collaboration and preparedness.

Every ministry, relationship, and resource helps create a more complete picture of our conference's collective capacity. Your grant application cannot be considered until the Asset Map Survey has been completed or updated.

Grant Expectations

Recipients agree to:

• Use grant funds only for approved purposes.
• Participate in any required check-in meetings.
• Submit a final report summarizing activities, outcomes, lessons learned, and photos (when available).
• Share stories that may encourage and inspire other congregations.

Questions?

If you have questions about the grant application or the Asset Map, please contact Kristina Clark, Associate Director of Missional Excellence: Resilient Communities, at kristinaclark@unyumc.org