UCF provides general grants to assist in funding projects or programs for local Uniting Church congregations and agencies. Successful grant applications usually range in size from $10,000 down to less than $1,000.
Please note that no grants will be made for the March 2010 distribution. If you have any enquiries, please contact the Foundation office.
In June and December UCF’s board distributes the income earned from the unrestricted fund. Applications for grants close on 31 March and 30 September each year.
Guidelines for grant applications
Grants are available for a wide range of Uniting Church activities. Preference will be given to applications which:
- aim to create/implement new strategies
- represent a complete project or an identifiable component of a larger project
- are not normally funded through the Mission and Service Fund
- are capable of demonstrating a means of future funding (where the activity requires funding which exceeds the initial grant).
It is essential that the activity
- does not create subsequent dependency on the Mission & Service Fund
- does not bind the board for any successive period unless the board initially agrees to funding for a subsequent period.
Grants should be utilised within 12 months of approval and cannot be used for any activity other than that which has been specifically approved by the UCF Board.
Please note: The decision of the UCF Board on specific applications is final. Grant money is not available until approximately two months after the closing date.
Other considerations
When assessing Grant Applications the UCF’s Board also considers the following:
- Is the activity consistent with the vision and values of the congregation or organisation and integrated with their missional plan?
- Does this activity provide the potential to establish new relationships with people in the wider community or specific community groups?
- To what extent has follow on work been planned to build upon relationships that may be established through this activity?
- Is the activity working to address identifiable needs and to what extent has the applicant looked to connect with other organisations/churches working in this area of need?
- How many people are impacted?
- If the application for funding is to assist in the establishment of an ongoing ministry activity (e.g. initial training and material) what further avenues for funding have been explored to ensure the activity continues beyond the initial project term?
Please note that no grants will be made for the March 2010 distribution. If you have any enquiries, please contact the Foundation office.