All granting cycles are closed as of December 14, 2020.
To offer a rapid and impactful response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the NBA Board of Trustees has authorized grant funding to support Disciples-related ministries that are working locally in response to this crisis. With this funding, we seek to offer relief to ministries that have been detrimentally impacted and to support new projects created in service to those suffering because of the pandemic.
The legacy of the National Benevolent Association is rooted in compassionate response to health, social service, and community justice needs since our founding. Our mission is to accompany one another in the creation of communities of compassion and care and to advocate for the well-being of humanity. In this ever-changing new era of health crisis, we at NBA hear God’s call to care, and we are moved to action.
Over three grant cycles, the NBA will provide grants of $1,000–$15,000 to eligible Disciples-related health and social services ministries and projects that are experiencing adverse effects related to COVID-19. Ministries may apply to each of the three grant periods, with a capped maximum award of $30,000 per ministry.
Grant Eligibility & Funding Purposes
All Disciples-related health and social services ministries and congregation-affiliated projects in the United States and Canada are invited to apply. This invitation includes current NBA Incubate Partners, Connect Partners, and former Mission & Ministry Grant awardees.
Eligible applicants must demonstrate in detail their financial need for support related to COVID-19. This could include costs related to:
- Providing essential human needs during the pandemic such as: food; education; healthcare; support for individuals, families, or first responders and essential workers.
- Starting a new health and social service project (or altering your current services) to respond to newfound issues related to COVID-19.
- Covering operational expenses including compensation and salaries necessary to provide continuity of care during the pandemic.
- Restoring lost funding due to COVID-19 that would impact the organization’s ability to continue providing health and social services.
Applicants in Cycle Three will be asked to show that their project or ministry is providing services to an audience that includes older adults (age 50 and older) and/or at-risk youth and young adults (age 25 and younger).
For additional details on eligibility, limitations, and restrictions, please download the COVID-19 NBA Response Grants FAQ. [Spanish PDF, Korean PDF]
Important Dates
NBA will distribute funding over three cycles, as described below. Every two weeks, the current applications will be reviewed by the NBA Grants Team, made up of both NBA staff and Trustees. All applicants will be notified of their status within 48 hours of the team’s decision. Grant funds will be distributed as soon as possible after notification.
| CYCLE | APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED |
| Cycle One | April 6, 2020 – Closed May 12, 2020 |
| Cycle Two | July 1, 2020 – Closed Sept. 8, 2020 |
| Cycle Three | Sept. 9, 2020 – Closed Dec. 14, 2020 |
The online application portal will be closed before the beginning of the next cycle if all of the funds for the cycle are allocated — we encourage you to apply early in the cycle!
How to Apply
All applications are closed as of December 14, 2020. Apply for a COVID-19 NBA Response Grant through our online application portal. Only applications through the portal will be accepted; no paper applications will be permitted.
To complete the application, you will need to provide the following information:
- Key personnel contact information
- A summary of the organization’s mission and goals
- A detailed narrative of the financial need related to COVID-19, possibly including financial/banking documentation, budget statements, etc.
- The amount you are requesting, from $1,000 to $15,000
- A description of the audience you are serving
- Current Form W-9
- Logo file
We highly recommend downloading and reading the COVID-19 NBA Response Grants FAQ [PDF] [Spanish PDF, Korean PDF] before you begin your application. If you have additional questions not resolved by the FAQ, please contact the NBA Grants Coordinator by email at grants@nbacares.org.
Thank You
Our mission as the NBA is to support Disciples health and social service ministries, and we thank you for the continuous care and compassion you provide to your congregations and communities. We also express gratitude to our Board of Trustees who approved the grant funding in this time of great need. Our ability to provide grants, incubate new health and social service ministries, and connect leaders, exists courtesy of our many donors. We are humbled by your generous donations and give thanks for the ability to share your generosity with those in need.
