Call for applicants: Peace with Justice and Ecumenical Grants

February 11, 2021 | by Jean Reynolds

Up to $2000.00 is available to UMC churches and organizations for projects that support Advocacy and Justice ACTIONS. We, who call ourselves United Methodists, are called to works of justice, to discover the reasons why the homeless are homeless, why the working poor don’t make a living wage, to stand with those who have no voice in our system, to address underlying causes for injustice, and to make our world a better place.  Projects must address social justice and advocacy for public policy.  Projects must advocate for systemic change as well as provide acts of mercy.

Now is the time to apply for Peace with Justice Grants and Ecumenical Grants. These grants are designed to help launch new projects to serve communities affected by injustice and inequality. The project proposal should include a component of advocacy. Advocacy seeks to target those who have power to change “root causes” of injustice in order to transform harmful, oppressive systems into more just ones.

Ecumenical Grants may be awarded to interfaith or multi-faith organizations if they include meaningful participation by one or more United Methodist church or committee. The issues and positions for which they advocate must be consistent with the United Methodist Social Principles.

Peace with Justice Grants are intended for use by United Methodist churches, committees, or individuals. 

Grants may not be used for recurrent operating expenses, as salaries or stipends for program staff, but may be used as honoraria for invited speakers, if absolutely essential.  Grants are intended for other program expenses such as publicity, transportation, equipment rental, food, and materials to be distributed to participants.  Grants generally cannot be used for capital expenses such as building renovations.

How can the Advocacy & Justice Committee help your congregation or organization put together a justice program in your community or around the world?

Grant guidelines and applications are available from Jean Reynolds at sweetheart05@mac.com. Deadline to apply: February 22, 2021.

---