NOTE: This grant is only for Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)-affiliated organizations that reside within the bounds of the Synod of the Trinity.
The theology of peacemaking, as defined by the Presbyterian Mission Agency Peacemaking Program, informs us that this emphasis is central to our faith, holistic in nature and connected with justice. Peacemaking can take many turns. In its bravest sense, peacemaking:
- Restores relationships in a broken world.
- Eliminates behavior that is harmful to the image of God in humanity and the handprint of God in creation.
- Models the harmony and wholeness of God.
Peacemaking activity relating to the following regional issues is being considered for grants at this time: Hate speech and behavior, racism, rise of incivility in our culture, gun violence, refugee and immigration issues, hunger needs and providing under-served peoples with access and education.
Based on budget and need, Peacemaking Grants of up to $1,500 may be awarded to the applicant. Preference will be given to new projects that address peacemaking initiatives related to the justice issues identified above. This grant is funded primarily from the PC(USA) Peace and Global Witness Offering.
Note: A Mission Travel Grant is also available through the Synod of the Trinity. Find more details and an application here.
To download the Peacemaking Grant application, click here. (After downloading this application to your desktop, it should appear as a fillable form. After saving the form, it can be emailed to the Synod of the Trinity at grants@syntrinity.org.)
Note: An entity may only apply for one Synod grant per year. Please choose carefully as you consider your application.
DEADLINES
Feb. 1: Funding decisions will be made by March 1
May 1: Funding decisions will be made by June 1
Oct. 1: Funding decisions will be made by Nov. 1
Helpful Hints
Check out this quick video that explains how to download and prepare your fillable grant form, including three detailed ways to create that electronic signature that will allow for faster interaction between congregations and presbyteries. Find the video tutorial here. (For a free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader to help you view the application, click here.)
SYNOD GRANTS IN ACTION
Meal for Pittsburgh neighborhood more than just food
Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community in Pittsburgh is sponsoring a weekly meal project in nearby Oakland that aims to cultivate conversation and fellowship by providing opportunities for peacemaking in a neighborhood where there is sometimes conflict and tension between students, residents and the homeless. Find out how here.
Synod’s Peacemaking Grant assists six congregations’ work in the community
The Synod of the Trinity awarded six $1,000 Peacemaking Grants to congregations that were applying for Mission Restricted Funds from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). To read about these initiatives, click here.
Sewickley pastor continues her journey in Russia with World Mission Initiative
The Rev. Rebecca DePoe of Mt. Nebo United Presbyterian Church in Sewickley, PA, traveled to Russia with a group from World Mission Initiative at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. The experience helped her learn a new culture and strengthened her pastoral vocation. Read about her experiences here.
YAV experiences in Belfast, New Orleans difference-makers for Hillary Leslie
Hillary Leslie was fresh out of college with a sparkling English degree but simply put just wasn’t feeling called to any place or vocation. Then she heard a Young Adult Volunteer speak at New Wilmington Presbyterian Church and she quickly knew this was something she wanted to explore.
Click here to learn about Hillary’s experience that landed her in Ireland and Louisiana.
Olivet PC youth make a difference during Philadelphia Project
Eight church members, most of which were youth, from Olivet Presbyterian Church in Prospect Park, PA, participated in The Philadelphia Project in July of 2016. Some of them helped clean up a house through painting and repairing a floor while others worked with a childcare organization. There was, of course, also plenty of food and fellowship.
To read more, click here.
Trip helps leaders better understand issues in Israel, Palestine
In February of 2016, a group led by the Rev. Nick Marlatt of Ohio United Presbyterian Church of Aliquippa, PA, traveled to Israel and Palestine. The intent of the trip was to expose ordained PC(USA) leaders — deacons, ruling elders and teaching elders — to current issues in those countries in preparation for the General Assembly in Portland, OR.
Read more by clicking here.
Old Union PC making annual trips to New Jersey
Old Union Presbyterian Church in Mars, PA, has taken multiple trips to the New Jersey coastline to help repair from the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. For recaps of this team’s trips from 2015 and 2014, click on the dates. A blog for their 2016 trip is available here.
Shenango, Northminster Churches take to the streets of New York
The Shenango and Northminster Presbyterian Churches spent nearly a week in New York City in the summer of 2015 working with the Salvation Army and helping to provide staff for Kids’ Club events.
“Usually, we met nightly for devotions, and the kids were filled with judgments and observations about Harlem. I tried to help them see all sides of the politics, the economics and the presence of the church and the Salvation Army in the midst,” says Pastor Amy Na of Shenango PC.
Read more by clicking here.
Trip to Africa brings changes to Malawians and mission team
In July of 2015, 10 people from the Pittsburgh and Beaver-Butler Presbyteries traveled to Malawi, Africa, for a trip that has changed the way they are doing things back in the states. They visited their sister churches but also connected with their hosts in a special way. Read more by clicking here.
Trailer helps Third PC of Uniontown, PA, find its mission
It’s only been in the last 10 years that Third Presbyterian Church of Uniontown, PA, has been diving into the mission experience. But with the help of a 16-foot tool trailer and truck — both of which were purchased with the help of Synod grant money — Third PC has been making regular trips to places like the Gulf Coast and New Jersey to help rebuild areas devastated by flooding. To read more, click here.