NBA Launches New Mission & Ministry Grant Program
The National Benevolent Association of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is launching a new Mission and Ministry Grant Programto support Disciples projects and ministries working with older adults and at-risk children and youth across the life of the church.
Older adults, at-risk children, and youth communities have been a primary part of NBA’s ministry since our founding 130 years ago, and are communities that NBA continues to support and accompany. The NBA has purpose-restricted funds in these two areas, and after necessary legal steps, the NBA Board of Trustees has approved the distribution of these funds through grants to Disciples congregations and health and social service ministries.
“These purpose-restricted funds date back several decades and would not be available or possible without the generosity and foresight of NBA’s faithful donors,” says Mark D. Anderson, NBA President and CEO. “This grant program will ensure that our donors’ intentions from decades ago are fulfilled in meaningful, relevant ways in today’s context, as we continue the shared work of creating communities of compassion and care.”
NBA Grant Categories and Amounts
Beginning this summer, NBA will accept applications from Disciples congregations and health and social service ministries for grants in these three categories and amounts:
- Catalyst Grants: $1,000 – $5,000: These are startup funds to get projects up and running and/or to expand an existing project to a new area/initiative. These grants should enable organizations to explore a new venture or a new project idea.
- Innovation Grants: $6,000 – $15,000: These funds should help move an established project to a new level of effectiveness and impact. Organizations should clearly explain how these funds will help accomplish this.
- Impact Grants: $20,000+: These funds should be used for major leaps in project areas with a proven plan for how these will move the organization to a new level of sustainability and impact. Grantees will be required to work closely with NBA staff to ensure implementation and sustainability of the projects and to provide opportunities for the rest of the church to learn from their experience.
NBA Grant Committee and Evaluation
A Grant Committee will review all applications and make funding decisions on an annual granting cycle. Committee members are:
- Bob Cooper, NBA Trustee: Vice Chair and Chair of the Development and Marketing Committee
- Rev. Mary Lou Kegler, NBA Trustee: Secretary and Chair of the Program Committee
- Rev. Rebecca Hale, NBA VP of Mission and Ministry
- Rev. April Lewton, NBA VP of Development and Marketing
“This year, we are celebrating NBA’s 130 years of ministry with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and these grants are just one way NBA and the wider church continue in covenant and collaboration together to care for ‘the least of these,’ says Rev. Mary Lou Kegler, NBA Trustee and Second Vice Moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). “These grants will extend the reach and capacity of NBA to be a catalyst for the grassroots, on-the-ground health and social service ministry that is so needed today.”
NBA Grant Application and Additional Information
The grant application is available online, and all applications will be due to the Grant Committee by September 18, 2017 (now closed). Awardees will be notified by mid-November, and funds will be distributed by early December for use in the 2018 calendar year. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their proposals, including reasons for the decision should a project not receive funding.
Grantees will be required to complete an impact report and share a story about their project and the impact it has in their setting. The NBA always looks to foster learning for the whole church about effective health and social service ministries, and NBA will work with grantees to help amplify the success and impact of the work they are doing.
“This is a very significant infusion of direct dollars to Disciples ministries, for congregations and health and social service ministries who are providing accompaniment and care in their communities,” says Rev. Rebecca Hale, NBA VP of Mission and Ministry. “We are grateful to facilitate this new granting process and eager to see what growth, learning, and impact are possible throughout the church with the help of these funds.”
Find frequently asked questions, the online application, and more information about the NBA Mission and Ministry Grant Program at nbacares.org/grants. For additional questions, please email grants@nbacares.org.
About the National Benevolent Association
As the health and social services general ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the National Benevolent Association partners with congregations, regions, general ministries, and a variety of Disciples-related health and social service providers to create communities of compassion and care. Founded in 1887 by six women responding to the needs of the day and on their doorsteps, for 130 years the NBA has continued to serve “the least of these.”
