Grants & Scholarships

Presbytery of Genesee Valley Grants

We are excited to share prayer and financial resources to support the work of congregations, ministries, institutions, organizations, and grassroots groups as they seek to respond faithfully and creatively to today’s needs.

Congregation Grants

Funds for these grants are managed by the Grants Working Group and are available through the generosity and commitment of our PGV congregations and are used for purposes of the kingdom. Please note that churches are not eligible for a new grant if they have not submitted the final report for a previous grant. Be sure to use the application form provided and answer each question thoroughly

- The Congregational Vitality Grant is focused on supporting congregations trying to live into something that is very new to them, and seeks to engage their church with a way, place, people, or ministry that they have never engaged before. Congregations are invited to dream new dreams, imagine new ways, and begin new initiatives that lead to the development, redevelopment, and renewal of congregational life.

Application for 2024 Congregational Vitality Grant

READ ABOUT CURRENT & RECENT CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY PROJECTS

- The Coaching for Sessions and Leader Grant is aligned with the vision of building healthy, vital, and sustainable leaders. Grant funds may be used for intentional coaching support for a Session and Leader. Up to three (3) church Sessions and their leader may be eligible to apply. The grant monies provide for 6 team-coaching opportunities for the Session and 6 leader opportunities, from a certified coach from our Synod’s Coaching Network. The coach comes alongside the leader and session to assist in clarifying a vision, goals and implementation that they identify.

Application for 2024 Coaching for Sessions Grant

READ ABOUT CURRENT & RECENT COACHING PROJECTS

- The Ministry Partners Grant is intended to encourage relationship-building and intentional partnerships that serve the people of our local communities in Christ-like ways. God works through community and relationships, especially in challenging times. Thus, Ministry Partners Grants aim to promote ministry connections between PGV congregations or Neighborhoods with one or more community agencies, faith communities, or other local entity. These grants are intended to support authentic partnerships between those working together on a common ministry for God.

Application for 2024 Ministry Partners Grant

READ ABOUT CURRENT & RECENT MINISTRY PARTNERS PROJECTS

- The Peacemaking Grant is awarded to congregations, organizations, or individuals who are, in some way, working toward restorative justice and addressing oppression. These grants are intended to encourage members and congregations to become more involved in the wholeness and wellbeing, (Shalom) of their communities.

Application for 2024 Peacemaking Grant

READ ABOUT CURRENT & RECENT PEACEMAKING GRANT PROJECTS

- The Worship Innovation Grant focuses on supporting congregations seeking to offer worshippers opportunities to connect with God through new or different worship experiences. Exploring creative worship involves engaging the senses, bringing the Word of God to life, experiencing the sacred in new ways–all for the sake of glorifying God. Creativity reflects the character of God and offers a powerful tool for teaching, learning, and communicating. These grants are intended to encourage congregations to be open, imaginative, and daring to try a new or different worship experience (i.e. outdoor or offsite worship, new musical groups, special guest preacher(s), art, drama or dance in worship, collaborative worship with PGV Neighborhood churches, collaborative worship with other faith communities, special vocalists, healing service, Taize service, Compline, etc.)

Application for 2024 Worship Innovation Grant – deadline 10/18/24

CONTACT Rev. Judy Lee Hay

Matthew 25 Grant

The Matthew 25 Grant is managed by the Racial Justice, Peace and Advocacy Working Group and is used to financially support churches, ministries, institutions, organizations, and grassroots groups in projects and activities that:

- Dismantle structural racism by advocating and acting to break down the systems, practices and thinking that underlie discrimination, bias, prejudice and oppression of people of color; and/or
- Eradicate systemic poverty by working to change laws, policies, plans and structures in our society that perpetuate economic exploitation of people who are poor.
- Building congregational/organizational vitality by demonstrating evidence of purposeful mission and focused energy in working to dismantle structural racism and eradicate systemic poverty.

Application for Spring 2024 Matthew 25 Fund Grant

CONTACT m25grant@pbygenval.org

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Presbytery Scholarships

Continuing Education Scholarships

Tools and Training Working Group awards scholarships up to $500 in support of the continuing education of members (clergy and laity) of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley. Available funds may be limited. As part of the covenant, scholarship recipients are expected to forward a one-page summary of their learning experience, including its application to their Session and to Tools and Training Working Group.

Application for Continuing Education Scholarship

READ CURRENT & RECENT CONTINUING EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP REPORTS

CONTACT Janet Flynn

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