VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 5/2/16)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) is calling for applications for 2016 grants from the Virginia and Gordon Palmer Jr. Trust of the American Baptist Foundation. Awards will range from $5,000 to $25,000. The deadline to apply for a grant is midnight on June 15, 2016.
This year’s grant cycle seeks to fund special projects and programs of American Baptist Churches USA-related congregations, colleges, universities and institutions that best demonstrate the theme “Alternative Models for Developing Leadership for Mission and Ministry.”
Applicant organizations are encouraged to experiment with alternative models of leadership development and enhancement, using approaches that are context-appropriate and reflective of the realities of 21st-century church, culture, ministry and mission. Leadership—the ability to influence others—is essential to any human endeavor. Using methodologies of their day, previous cultures, both Christian and secular, have dedicated enormous efforts to develop leaders. Christian leadership involves a unique understanding of what a leader is and does. The current reality of rapid and continuous changes in the United States and Puerto Rico calls for adaptive and creative responses by faith communities—church, parachurch and other Christian mission organizations—in developing, nurturing and supporting those called to lead mission and ministry.
Applications will be accepted online only. To apply, an organization must create an online account at https://abfgrants.communityforce.com
Before attempting to complete the application, please gather the following information:
• amount of grant request;
• contact information for the applying organization and any partner groups;
• description of project, those planning and conducting it, and population it will serve;
• project goals and expected outcomes; and
• a simple budget for the project, including expenses and funding sources.
The Virginia and Gordon Palmer Jr. Trust was created in 1999 as a permanent endowment to the American Baptist Foundation (http://www.abcofgiving.org). The trust is administered by the foundation in accordance with established guidelines and principles.
Deadline to apply for a grant is midnight on June 15, 2016.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies—the domestic mission arm of American Baptist Churches USA—ministers as the caring heart and serving hands of Jesus Christ across the United States and Puerto Rico through a multitude of initiatives that focus on discipleship, community and justice.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with over 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.