Purpose:

• To strengthen programs and projects developed by one or more United Methodist local churches, with priority given to ethnic congregations.
• To provide seed funding for mission initiatives that address social problems or concerns impacting racial/ethnic persons and that empower racial/ethnic communities. (See The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church.)
• To support programs and projects that foster a deeper understanding and practice of inclusiveness.

Guidelines:

1. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements and submit a completed application by the stated deadline.
2. The program or project must be designed to impact one or more specific United Methodist ethnic local constituencies.
3. The program or project must address one or more chronic social problems or concerns affecting United Methodist ethnic local churches or ethnic communities.
4. All policy and program decisions must be made by a supervising board composed of a majority of ethnic persons. They must demonstrate that the identified need originates from the community being served.
5. The project must relate to the Comprehensive Plan of Inclusiveness (CPI) and focus on developing Christian leaders in existing congregations, partnering with those in poverty, and expanding racial/ethnic ministry.
6. All recipients must be within the North Carolina Annual Conference. Funds may not be used for salaries or benefits.
7. Grants are awarded for a one-year period only. Priority is given to new and pilot projects. Applications may request a one-time grant of up to $5,000, depending on available funds. (The committee will determine whether funds are disbursed in one lump sum or in installments, subject to review.)
8. Programs or projects may include activities such as:
   • Education related to social, economic, public policy, or environmental justice issues through seminars, workshops, consultations, or resource development.
     Examples: A conference seminar on national/international affairs; a consultation on immigration.
   • Leadership training for Christian witness on social, economic, and public policy concerns within and beyond the church through workshops, seminars, consultations, internships, etc.
     Examples: A local substance abuse prevention program; an ecumenical training workshop on citizens’ rights regarding police use of force.
   • Public policy advocacy addressing issues affecting racial/ethnic persons (e.g., immigration, racially motivated violence, criminal justice, employment).
     Examples: Advocacy for fair employment practices; a workshop on public policies affecting ethnic communities.
   • Assistance programs that support ethnic families in meeting their basic needs. Programs must include leadership development within congregations and expanded racial/ethnic ministry.
     Examples: Safe daycare, after-school programs, housing repairs, food pantries, parish nurse programs.
   • Racial awareness initiatives that bring diverse racial groups together to break down barriers and foster understanding.
     Examples: Cross-Racial dialogues, retreats, seminars, and cooperative service projects.
   • Spiritual Formation Initiatives for Racial/Ethnic Communities.
     Examples: Establishing faith communities, worship services, Bible studies, and cultural song gatherings.
9. An annual evaluation must be completed before the end of the grant period.
10. Applicants should make an effort to share the project’s learnings with others