ABCUSA Grants Newsletter - Summer 2026
Explore the latest edition of our grants newsletter, “Where Ministry Meets Impact,” highlighting how ABCUSA grant programs are responding to need, inspiring hope, and growing the church. Click here to view and download the Summer 2026 ABCUSA Grants Newsletter.
Chestnut Street Baptist Church Endowment Fund
Supporting Asian American Ministries in Pennsylvania
The Chestnut Street Baptist Church Endowment Fund supports the ministries of Pennsylvania American Baptist churches that faithfully serve immigrants, refugees, and persons of Asian descent. Through this fund, congregations are strengthened in their efforts to extend hospitality, provide care, and share the transformative message of the Gospel within diverse communities.
Administered by the American Baptist Churches USA Office of the General Secretary, the fund honors a legacy of faithful witness by strategically investing in ministries and initiatives that nurture vibrant congregations, foster inclusion, and advance the mission of Christ in communities across Pennsylvania.
Purpose of the Fund
The Chestnut Street Baptist Church Endowment Fund exists to encourage, sustain, and expand ministry among Asian American communities through the faithful witness of Pennsylvania American Baptist churches. Through this fund, congregations are supported in their efforts to cultivate vibrant ministries, strengthen community engagement, and advance the Gospel in ways that honor and serve the diverse cultural and spiritual experiences of Asian American communities.
The fund supports efforts that:
- Strengthen congregational life and worship
- Equip leaders and congregants for ministry
- Foster collaboration and connection across Asian American Baptist communities
- Respond to the needs of immigrants and refugees
Who May Apply
- Pennsylvania-based American Baptist churches
- American Baptist church-related organizations in Pennsylvania
- Ministries serving immigrants, refugees, and persons of Asian descent
Types of Ministries Supported
Grants may support a variety of ministry activities, including:
- Maintaining and strengthening houses of worship
- Teaching and preaching the Gospel within immigrant and Asian American communities
- Theological education, leadership development, and ministry training
- National or regional gatherings of Asian American Baptists
- Asian church planting and ministry development
- Refugee and immigrant support and resettlement ministries
A Lasting Legacy of Ministry
Through this endowment, the enduring legacy and faithful witness ofChestnut Street Baptist Church continues to inspire and sustain ministry—supporting both present and future generations of Asian American Baptist congregations and initiatives across Pennsylvania, and strengthening their capacity to serve, lead, and share the Gospel within their communities.
Learn More
For application guidelines and additional information, visit: https://www.abc-usa.org/2025/10/chestnut-street-baptist-church-endowment-fund-grants/
“One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.”
—Psalm 145:4 (NRSV)
Clergy Disaster Relief Fund
American Baptist Churches USA stands alongside our clergy with unwavering commitment offering meaningful resources during times of crisis. Grounded in our shared faith and community, we seek to ensure that those who faithfully serve others are themselves strengthened, supported, and upheld in moments of need.
Supporting Clergy in Times of Crisis
When disaster strikes, clergy are often among the first to respond, offering spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and a steady presence for congregations and communities in times of uncertainty. Even as they minister to the needs of others, pastors and church leaders may simultaneously face personal loss and urgent challenges of their own, underscoring the importance of ensuring they too are supported during moments of crisis.
What Is the Clergy Disaster Relief Fund?
The Clergy Disaster Relief Fund provides timely financial assistance to ordained and licensed American Baptist clergy who have been affected by natural or human-made disasters. This fund is designed to offer immediate support during times of crisis, helping clergy address urgent, disaster-related needs so they can stabilize their personal circumstances while continuing to care for their congregations and communities.
Grants may be used to help cover critical disaster-related expenses, including:
- Housing repairs
- Temporary relocation or transportation
- Medical or emergency costs
This support enables clergy to focus on recovery and continue serving their communities.
Why This Fund Matters
- Provides direct assistance during times of urgent need
- Helps clergy focus on healing and ministry rather than financial strain
- Strengthens the ABCUSA family through shared care and solidarity
Clergy Disaster Relief Grants
American Baptist Churches USA offers grants ranging from$500 to $1,500to eligible clergy who have been impacted by natural or human-made disasters. These grants are available on a rolling basis to ensure timely assistance for those facing urgent circumstances.
Funds may be used to help address critical disaster-related needs, including housing, transportation, temporary relocation, and other essential expenses arising from the crisis. The grant does not cover incidents related to routine maintenance issues.
Click here to apply for this grant.
Your Gift Makes a Difference
A gift to the Clergy Disaster Relief Fund is a meaningful expression of faith, compassion, and shared responsibility within the body of Christ. Through your generosity, we are able to come alongside those who faithfully serve others, embodying the biblical call to bear one another’s burdens and ensuring that our clergy are supported during times of crisis and need.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
—Psalm 46:1 (NRSV)
Mission Initiative Fund (MIF)
The Mission Initiative Fund (MIF) serves as a catalyst for creativity and innovation across the American Baptist family, providing strategic grants that bring bold new ministries and denomination-wide mission initiatives to life. Through this fund, we invest in visionary ideas that strengthen and expand our shared mission, empowering ministries to grow, adapt, and respond to emerging needs with faithfulness and imagination. The Mission Initiative Fund reflects our collective commitment to nurturing transformative ministry that advances the work of Christ throughout our communities and beyond.
The Mission Initiative Fund provides seed funding for up to three years to help launch new or emerging ministries that explore fresh and innovative approaches to mission and service. It also supports denomination-wide initiatives authorized by the Board of General Ministries that are designed to have broad and meaningful impact across American Baptist Churches USA. In addition, the fund may assist special task forces or commissions established by the Board of General Ministries to carry out specific assignments, and offers limited emergency support to ministries facing unforeseen challenges or crises beyond their control, helping sustain vital work during critical moments.
What Is the Mission Initiative Fund?
The Mission Initiative Fund provides seed funding for up to three years to support:
- New or emerging ministries exploring innovative approaches
- Denomination-wide initiatives authorized by the Board of General Ministries
- Special task forces or commissions created for specific assignments
- Limited emergency assistance for ministries facing unforeseen challenges
The fund supports projects that extend beyond regular operating budgets and demonstrate clear mission impact.
Who Can Apply
- Organizations participating in United Mission giving
- Non-participating organizations with sponsorship from a participating organization
- An identified advocate available to support the proposal during the review process
Grant Details
- Grant Size:Typically $5,000–$30,000
- Larger Grants:Up to $50,000 may be considered for denomination-wide initiatives
- Grant Term:Up to three years (renewals are not expected)
Application Deadlines
Proposals are reviewed twice each year.
Requests must be received by:
How to Apply
Submit your proposal using the online application form:
Mission Initiative Fund Application
Accountability & Reporting
Grant recipients are expected to:
- Use funds within the approved grant period
- Submit annual progress and financial reports
- Provide a final report within 30 days of project completion
Unused funds must be returned to ABCUSA.
Learn More
For application guidelines and additional information, visit:
https://www.abc-usa.org/abcusa-resources/mission-initiative-fund/
“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”
—1 Corinthians 3:7 (NRSV)
