Mission Seed Funds

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 Mission Seed Funds 2009 Guidelines

Seed fund application and budget form should be submitted via email to beckybiegger@nccumc.org no later February 28, 2009. 

 

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Purpose of Mission Seed Funds

We are called to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, a world that because it is transformed, begins to reflect the prayer that we so often pray … “on earth as it is in heaven.” 

In such context, Mission Seed Funds are designed to facilitate and encourage United Methodist Congregations of the NC Conference in risk-taking ministry and radical hospitality.  These Mission Seed Funds are provided to resource the local church, to help the church engage in ministry that is transformative for the world and the church, to provide support in growing committed disciples both within the congregation and beyond the walls, and reaching into the world in community with the poor, with children, and all who are the least, the last, and the lost.   

Guiding Scripture:  Matthew 28:18 – 20:

And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

APPLICANTS FOR MISSION SEED FUNDS SHALL INCLUDE ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING OUTCOMES:

Local United Methodist Churches and individual congregants will participate in ministries that seek to specifically and intentionally transform the world through discipling and committed discipleship as they engage the Seven Pathways:

  •  Transforming existing congregations

  •  Strengthening clergy and lay leadership

  •  Developing new congregations

  •  Teaching the Wesleyan model of forming disciples of Jesus Christ

  •  Reaching and transforming the lives of new generations of children

  •  Eliminating poverty in community with the poor

  •  Expanding racial/ethnic ministries

  •  People in the local church will effectively engage in ministry “hands on” in ways that directly move them into the world and bring about change that is outcome based and measurable.   

  •  Congregations and individual members will understand the need to live out their faith in an active commitment of ministry within the framework of the social principles of the United Methodist Church. 

The missional needs of the Church are diverse and varied, thus, Mission Seed Funds will work to support ministry throughout the North Carolina Conference or through the outreach of local churches working beyond the geographical boundaries of the Conference. 

WHAT ARE MISSION SEED FUNDS? 

Mission Seed Funds are meant to be supplemental funding that assists congregations and supported ministries in beginning new ministry that is directed along the Seven Pathways with specific emphasis on equipping and empowering the congregation for hands-on ministry and witness beyond the walls of the church (Acts 1:8)  Mission Seed Funds may be provided for up to two years.  Funds for a single ministry will not be in excess of $10,000 per year with the typical award being $5000 or less. 

Congregations and supported ministries may apply for multiple ministry funding.  For example, if a congregation is active in multiple areas in a local community and was seeking to start new ministries or significantly revision existing ministries, funds could be requested for two or more ministry efforts, i.e., a jobs development ministry and an outreach effort to empower high-risk children.  Supported ministries that are hosting United Methodist congregations in ministries that engage the Seven Pathways, requests can be made for ministry supporting individual congregations.  For example, if a para-church ministry was engaged in a home building ministry and was hosting multiple United Methodist Churches, a request could be made for each specific project. 

WHO MAY APPLY

  •  Local United Methodist Churches

  •  United Methodist Cooperative Parishes

  •  Ecumenical Shared Ministries

  •  United Methodist agencies and organizations

  •  Agencies or organizations working in partnership with United Methodist Churches – such partnership should clearly  demonstrate direct and significant connection with local church lay-member participation.

KEY FUNDING CRITERIA

The following criteria will be considered when applications for funding are reviewed. 

  •  Ministries must be in congruence with the United Methodist social principles

  •  Outcomes should be measurable and achievable

  •  Provide opportunities for United Methodist congregations and people to be directly involved in mission and ministry that is intentionally discipling and seeks to transform the world into a place congruent with the commandments of Jesus

  •  Culturally sensitive and inclusive

Other criteria of interest in the reviewing process:

  •  Funds should be supplemental in nature

  •  Ministry should demonstrate a plan for future sustainability

STAFF SUPPORT AND FOLLOW-UP

All ministries that receive Mission Seed Funds will meet with a representative from the Mission Team prior to receiving Mission Seed Funds.  The Mission Seed Fund Application will be thoroughly considered with specific focus on ministry outcomes, intentional action of disciple making, budgeting criteria, engagement of United Methodist laypersons, and sustainability.  Following the initial meeting, staff support will be available for funded ministries by request. Possible support criteria could include but are not limited to: 

  •  Biblical and scriptural animation around the particularities of the ministry

  •  Spiritual Formation as an outcome of the ministry

  •  Board and Ministry Team training

  •  Discerning the deeper needs of the targeted community and the gifts of the congregation

  •  Budgeting and fund raising

  •  Grant writing workshops

MISSION SEED FUNDS – FUNDING CYCLE

There is one funding cycle each year. Mission Seed Fund applications must be received by the Office of Mission and Justice Ministries no later than February 28, 2009 via email beckybiegger@nccumc.orgto be considered for 2009.   If requests are approved, funds will normally be distributed by the end March.  Those who are not approved during a particular grant cycle are welcome to reapply for the following cycle.   Ministries funded for one cycle may apply for the following cycle but no funding will be extended beyond two years for the same ministry. 

REPORTING CRITERIA

All Mission Seed Fund recipients are required to submit an evaluation report by December 31 of the year they receive the funding.  If recipients are receiving funds for two years, a report is due after each year of funding.  Also, if recipients are receiving funds for more than one ministry, a separate report is required for each.