Congregations have until Sept. 30 to apply for Wheat Ridge Ministries’ “Health and Hope Grants” that will be awarded later this year.
A May 27 Wheat Ridge news release indicates that the ministry plans to announce in November the recipients of as many as 25 of the grants.
“All Lutheran congregations — individually or in partnership with other congregations — are eligible for these grants,” the release says. “The maximum amount per grant is $2,000 for a single congregation and $6,000 for collaborative efforts involving two or more congregations. The amount granted by Wheat Ridge must be matched dollar-for-dollar by the congregation.”
The focus of the grants, according to the release, is “on new congregation-based health ministries developed under the auspices of a congregation health committee or cabinet. Projects must support and promote the health and well-being of people in the congregation and local community.”
The news release also says that, in considering proposals for the grants, Wheat Ridge will give priority to those that address child and youth obesity or “the initial development of a congregation health-ministry program.”
The release suggests investing grant funds in any of the following:
- “health-related events and leadership development;
- “staff training;
- “planning;
- “materials, resources, or equipment directly related to program development;” and
- “contract services or new staff essential for program development.”
“The grant is not to be used for existing staff salaries, congregation or school building programs, or general church or school expenses,” the release states.
To download guidelines and a proposal format for the Congregation Health and Hope Grants, go to the Wheat Ridge Web site. For more information, call Wheat Ridge at (800) 762-6748.
Posted June 30, 2005
