Strengthening Organizations
Rural Church
In its Rural Church work to strengthen organizations, The Duke Endowment invests
in building the infrastructure of effective rural churches. In our efforts to improve
eligible United Methodist Church facilities and ministries, we are particularly
interested in supporting opportunities that show great promise for long-term gains.
We value projects and programs that increase church and organizational quality,
effectiveness and sustainability. We assess both immediate costs and continuing
expenses needed to sustain funded projects, and base our funding decisions on the
potential for organizational improvement.
Eligibility examples
Applications in this category may include, but are not limited to, grants that support
food ministries, affordable housing, elder ministries and church-based child care
(Click here for a guide to beginning a child care ministry).
Those applicants approved in this category will be asked to identify specific measures
of the program and overall performance of the organization. Applicants should be
prepared to answer the following questions:
- How will the proposed program benefit the church or organization and its mission?
- How will the program help the church or organization be more effective or efficient?
Applying for Construction/Renovation Grants
Applicants seeking funding for sanctuary, education and multi-purpose facilities
construction or renovation may qualify for Strengthening Organization grants, but
are required to follow a seven-step process before applying or breaking ground.
Click here for more information.
Applying for Safe Sanctuaries Grants
Safe Sanctuaries is an initiative to make United Methodist Churches safe places
for the young and vulnerable and those in ministries with them. Only United Methodist
churches in the North Carolina Conference are eligible for Safe Sanctuaries grants.
Click here for the grant application.
Please note that this is the only document required by the Endowment for this particular
grant. Information on Safe Sanctuaries can be found at http://www.nccumc.org/childrnmin/safesanctuaries1.htm.
Downloads
Application Documents -- to be submitted
If you try to edit your answers in any of the forms, you'll find that you cannot delete individual words or sentences.
If you need to edit large sections, we recommend that you create a Word document,
copy your answer into that document and make changes there. You can then paste back into the original form.
- Application:
Share how this project will strengthen your organization.
- Budget Form:
Itemize your revenue sources and related expenses for the project. Submit a brief
cover letter with the Pastor's signature -acknowledges that the information
included in the application is complete and accurate.
Application Resources -- for reference
Reporting Documents for Active Grants -- to be submitted
If you try to edit your answers in any of the forms, you'll find that you cannot delete individual words or sentences.
If you need to edit large sections, we recommend that you create a Word document,
copy your answer into that document and make changes there. You can then paste back into the original form.
- Annual Reports:
- Report Form: Report on annual results, challenges and anticipated outcomes.
- Budget Form: Report on annual revenue and related expenses.
- Final Reports:
- Report Form: Report on project results, challenges and lessons learned.
- Budget Form: Report on final revenue and related expenses.
