Funding a new vision for a growing and evangelizing church

The purpose of the Together in Mission Fund of the Florida-Bahamas Synod is to encourage and assist in the funding of existing, as well as, new and creative ministries that best represent collaborative initiatives that strengthen leaders, transform congregations, and deepen our hearts for evangelism and outreach. Only congregations that are members of the Florida-Bahamas Synod are eligible for Together in Mission Grants. Grants will be awarded in the range of $5,000 to $20,000, although larger amounts may be considered if merited.

Grant Application Process

The grant application process is a competitive one and acceptance at any stage does not guarantee funding. The steps for applying are as follows:

STEP 1: THE LETTER OF INQUIRY

All grant seekers are required to submit a short letter of inquiry, outlining information about the applicant’s congregation and the request for funding.

STEP 2: THE PROPOSAL

All LOIs are reviewed by the Grants Review Team and a limited number of congregations will be invited to submit a full proposal. This invitation does not in any way guarantee funding. Congregations invited to submit a full proposal will continue the grant process by completing the proposal template and submitting it, along with all required supporting documents.

STEP 3: PROPOSAL REVIEW

Following submission, proposals will be reviewed as follows:

• Grant Review Team Member contact: The Team Member assigned to the proposal will contact the applicant/congregation to confirm that the required content has been included in the proposal, request any needed additional information, schedule an appointment or site visit as appropriate, and discuss any special needs or circumstances that may exist.
• Changes: During the time that a proposal is under review, an applicant must notify the Team Member of any significant changes in leadership (staff or Mission Team), financial circumstances, or the capacity of the congregation to carry out the proposed activities.

Application evaluation:

The following guidelines are used in evaluating the grant application:

• Alignment with the Together in Missionprecepts:
  • • a new vision of collaboration and support that builds on strengths and invests in emerging potential;
    • a new way of being the church together that helps us all mature in Christ and discipleship, and
    • a new model of working for justice and human care that deepens our relationships with one another.
• Evidence of broad-based financial support, with an accounting of funds received from public and private sources
• Evidence that the program or project responds to a valid need and has higher likelihood of successful implementation than other competing programs or projects
• Evidence of previous program or project success or likely success in the future
• Evidence of program or project accountability

Applicants will receive an e-mail from the Grant Review Team when application is received electronically. After verification of all necessary information, applicant will receive an e-mail advising whether their proposal will be considered per the proposal deadlines outlined below.

Grant Timeline:

Timeline and deadlines are listed below and posted on the website at: http://www.fbsynod.com/synod/tim

Download the Letter of Inquiry form.
Download the Grant Proposal Guidelines Template.