NOTE: This grant is only for Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)-affiliated organizations that reside within the bounds of the Synod of the Trinity. Priority will be given to grants that reflect ministry relating to our current realities.
We live in a time of great change, both in church and culture. It is a time rich with opportunity to reach people for Jesus Christ, and it is critical that we build the church’s capacity to respond faithfully, without the fear of failure. Congregations, presbyteries and faith-based organizations are encouraged to dream and explore new and innovative possibilities for ministry and mission.
Project initiatives must be “new,” must be funded in partnership using new monies, and must support the ends of the Synod. These are one-time grants, with a maximum grant of $20,000; additional funding of up to $5,000 may be available when the grant request and implementation includes more than one presbytery. It is expected that a report back to the Synod and some kind of project sharing will take place within 12 months of the grant being received, regardless of how far along the project implementation plan.
To download the Innovation Grant, 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
A similar grant, called the New Initiatives for Presbyteries Grant, had been offered by the Synod prior to 2017. Below are ways that Innovation Grants (and New Initiatives Grants that are no longer available) were utilized throughout the Synod.
Bessemer Presbyterian Preschool carving niche in its community
The Bessemer Presbyterian Preschool was established in 2018. The mission is to provide a quality preschool program with developmentally-appropriate learning experiences and connections to early learning resources in the context of a nurturing Christian environment. For more, click here.
Helping ‘Hands;’ Ministry at Columbia Presbyterian Church thriving during pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic gave new urgency to Columbia Church’s food service outreach as it has had to have a greater presence in its community. A Synod Innovation Grant helped Hands Across the Street hire a funds developer, who has been crucial during this time of great need. Read more here.
Flooding helps bring together West Pittston, Wyoming congregations
Torrential rain in 2011 left much of West Pittston, PA, under water, including the town’s First United Presbyterian Church. The disaster caused the congregation to have to relocate, and once it was determined the building was too costly to rebuild, it began looking for a new place to call home. A merger with nearby Wyoming Presbyterian Church has resulted in a renewed focus on community outreach made possible with the help of a Synod Innovation Grant. More here.
Gathering with Leonard Sweet will focus on ‘future church’
The Rev. Jordan Rimmer, the pastor at Northminster Presbyterian Church in New Castle, PA, organized a “Future Church Symposium” that features Leonard Sweet, who talks about what he sees as the next steps for the church. More on this symposium available here.
Dual Language Mutual Ministry helps New Wilmington, PA, community connect
The New Wilmington Presbyterian Church in New Wilmington, PA, is working to teach Spanish-speaking members of the community the English language, and vice versa. Click here to read more about this program.
Presbyteries team up to train, prepare commissioned ruling elders
A three-presbytery partnership between Redstone, Washington and Upper Ohio Valley has been the backbone to a new CRE (commissioned ruling elder) training course in that region. Find out how an Innovation Grant helped get this program off the ground by clicking here.
Krislund re-creating itself with ‘camps in a bag’
See what new initiative the Krislund Camp and Conference Center has come up with through its Traveling Day Camps by reading a story here.
Beacon turns to arts to assist in its call
Beacon church in Kensington, PA, has changed its name, moved the time of its Sunday worship service and holds three art-based programs during the weekdays, doing everything it can to keep its doors open. Read its story here.