Status: openS November 7th through January 6, 2023.
Overview of Funding Opportunity
We are excited to announce the Loaves & Fishes funding opportunity. This opportunity supports liberal and reformed, Protestant churches in Hampshire and Franklin counties putting faith in action. This funding benefits churches that are implementing or are seeking to implement projects using creative and novel new modes of religious activities to meet human needs in the region.
Program Details:
The Loaves & Fishes Fund supports project requests of liberal, reformed Protestant churches that are putting faith in action. The churches must be in Hampshire or Franklin counties in Massachusetts.
Projects must include specific religious activities.
A total of $78,000 has been reserved for this opportunity with the expectation that award amounts will range between $5,000 and $15,000. This funding can support projects for up to 24-months with funding becoming available in March 2023.
Eligible churches must have their own IRS designated 501(c)(3) ruling, be covered by a group ruling exemption, or meet the IRS attributes common for churches.
Mindful of resources that go into applying for funding and the amount of funding available, we have chosen a two-stage online application. Stage 1 is open to all. Stage 1 applicants that the review committee determines are best aligned with the funding criteria will be invited to complete Stage 2.
Only one application per church will be considered. Churches are welcome to collaborate.
Funds may support the following:
- Direct and indirect costs associated with the project. These costs may include, and are not limited to, staffing, materials and supplies, equipment, renting of space, utilities, and subcontracts.
Funds may NOT support the following:
- Requests from churches with are “fundamentalist” or which believe in a strict literal interpretation of the Christian scripture.
- Projects that influence legislation or election campaigns.
- Endowments
- Facility campaigns, building repairs or maintenance needs.
- Church operating needs beyond those costs associated with the implementation of the project.
- Social action efforts that do not include concrete religious’ activity.
Program Timeline:
November 7, 2022 – Stage 1 grant application opens
January 6, 2023 – Stage 1 grant application closes at 11:59 p.m. EST.
January 13, 2023 – Decisions on Stage 1 applications provided.
January 16, 2023 – Stage 2 application link sent to invited applicants.
February 6, 2023 – Stage 2 application closes at 11:59 p.m. EST.
February 20, 2023 – Decisions on Stage 2 applications provided.
March 3, 2023 – Funds for awarded; projects will be available .
View a PDF copy of the application here.
Application will remain available until 11:59 a.m. EST on January 6, 2023.
Connect with Community Foundation Staff
We would like to be in touch with churches that want guidance and support through the application process. You can reach Sheila Toto at stoto@communityfoundation.org for both technical assistance and/or connect about your application.
Questions? Comments?
If you have any questions about Loaves & Fishes, please contact Sheila Toto, Senior Program Officer at stoto@communityfoundation.org