Grants and Funding through the United Church of Canada
Capital Assistance Programs: The purpose of the Capital Assistance Fund is to provide financial assistance for the renewal and development of congregations, camps, education centres, community ministries, and chaplaincies. Assistance is available in the form of loans and targeted grants for eligible pastoral charges/ congregations and other ministries that would otherwise be unable to undertake or complete these projects. The Fund is managed by the General Council Office and each application for a grant or a loan requires regional approval. The following grants and loans are available:
- Capital Loans and Development Loans for Pastoral Charges or Congregations
- Modernization and Improvement Grants for Church/Manse
- Technology Support Grants for Pastoral Charges, Congregations, and Community Ministries
- Loans and Grants for Camps and Education and Retreat Centres
A congregation can apply for several different types of grants in a calendar year—for example, a Technology Grant, a Manse Modernization Grant, and a Church Modernization Grant. A congregation may only make one application per grant type per year. For further information on Capital Assistance: Capital Assistance Programs | The United Church of Canada (united-church.ca)
The United Church of Canada Foundation: The United Church of Canada Foundation offers a wide variety of different grant opportunities for United Church of Canada organizations and individuals to bring life to the mission and values of the United Church. These grants are a part of the stewardship of our trusts and endowments, made possible by the generosity of donors to the Foundation and the United Church of Canada. These grants do not require regional approval. A few opportunities are highlighted below. For a complete list of grants available through the UCC Foundation: PDF
SEEDS OF HOPE: The Seeds of Hope granting program supports innovative, unique, and much-needed projects in the following areas of ministry:
- Innovative Programs for Seniors
- Children and Anti-Poverty Programs
- Housing Programs
- General Programs
- Lectureships and Events
For more information on grants available: Seeds of Hope Granting Program | United Church of Canada Foundation – United Church of Canada Foundation (unitedchurchfoundation.ca)
NEW MINISTRIES FORMATION FUND: The New Ministries Formation Fund helps support new ministry initiatives that address changing cultures and communities in urban, rural, and suburban realities; that are sensitive to the intercultural commitments of the church; and reflect a commitment to the environment, peace, and justice. These grants do not require regional approval. Individuals, ministries, and courts of the United Church of Canada are welcome to apply for a grant from the New Ministries Formation Fund. For more information: General Grant Opportunities | United Church of Canada Foundation – United Church of Canada Foundation (unitedchurchfoundation.ca)
Information about grants supporting education, continued learning and scholarship is available here: Scholarship & Research Grants | United Church of Canada Foundation – United Church of Canada Foundation (unitedchurchfoundation.ca)
Information about other grants for communities and individuals: General Grant Opportunities | United Church of Canada Foundation – United Church of Canada Foundation (unitedchurchfoundation.ca)
The Vision Fund: The Vision Fund provides grants in support of youth and young adult ministry to members, ministries and partners of The United Church of Canada. These grants do not require regional approval.
Seed Grants for Innovative Ministry: Innovative, creative, and new youth and young adult ministries are eligible for a grant of up to $5,000. If congregations or groups undertake additional fundraising, they can apply for an additional matching grant of up to $3,000. Application deadlines are January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15. Vision Fund | The United Church of Canada (united-church.ca)
Continuing Education Bursaries for First Third Ministry Leaders: Support is available for continuing education events with a focus on First Third Ministry (children, youth, young adults, camp, campus ministry, family ministry). Volunteers and congregational designated ministers (CDMs) can receive up to $500 per person, per year; designated lay ministers (DLMs) and ordered ministers can receive up to $300 per person, per year. Books and association memberships are not funded. There is a cap of $1,000 per pastoral charge per year. Application deadlines are January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15. Vision Fund | The United Church of Canada (united-church.ca)
Grants for Flourishing Ministry Programs: Each triennium, grants of $25,000 per year are available for up to two exemplary, transformative, and ongoing ministry programs. These programs embrace methods for people to enter relationships marked by service and engagement with God’s mission in the world. They must include a theological rationale and strong faith content. The application deadline is October 15 in years preceding a General Council. For more information: Vision Fund | The United Church of Canada (united-church.ca)
Healing Fund: The Healing Fund supports healing initiatives for survivors of the residential school system and its ongoing intergenerational impacts. Indigenous communities may apply up to $15,000 to create healing, culture, and/or language projects. These grants do not require regional approval. The Healing Fund is supported by the Mission and Service Fund. For more information: Healing Fund | The United Church of Canada (united-church.ca)
Justice and Reconciliation Fund: The Justice and Reconciliation Fund supports projects by United Church groups that foster education, dialogue, reconciliation, and relationship-building between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Wherever possible, the planning and application process should also be a joint Indigenous/non-Indigenous endeavour. These grants do not require regional approval. A group can apply for a grant to a maximum of three years in a row, and can receive a maximum of $10,000 each year. Applications are to be submitted by March 15 or September 15; decisions will be rendered within eight weeks of these deadlines. For more information: Justice and Reconciliation Fund | The United Church of Canada (united-church.ca)
Faithful Footprints: The Faithful Footprint Grants are designed to reduce financial barriers for energy efficiency projects. The grants are available for any United Church congregation, camp, or outreach ministry. There are requirements for congregations to submit energy data and complete an energy audit to qualify for these grants. These grants do not require regional approval. You can access up to $20,000 in energy efficiency grant money to carry out actions such as those listed in the examples. You can access an additional $10,000 if you are decarbonizing. Faithful Footprints is a partnership of FAITH & THE COMMON GOOD and The United Church of Canada. For more information: https://www.faithfulfootprints.org/
Toronto United Church Council: The Toronto United Church Council (TUCC) works with the church community to connect resources with ministry. Offering access to professional advice, financial support, and leadership development, TUCC helps our church address the social and spiritual challenges of the day. As of 2019 TUCC proudly serves Horseshoe Falls, Western Ontario Waterways, Shining Waters, and East Central Ontario Regional Councils. For more information: https://www.tucc.ca/about-tucc/