The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the ministry and sustainability of many congregations and families. These financial resources are available to support and expand the ministry of congregations, districts and staff through this difficult time. Working together and supporting each other we can share God’s light and love even in the hardest of times.
Financial Assistance for Church or District Staff
Ministry Assistance Fund: This is a special fund created to assist credentialed ministers and licensed ministers serving as pastors. Applications for grants will be channeled through the District Executive/Minister or designee of the minister/family experiencing hardship. For more information, visit http://www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/assistance-fund, contact your District Executive/Minister, or email officeofministry@brethren.org.
Church Worker’s Assistance Plan: This Brethren Benefit Trust program provides financial assistance to current and former clergy and lay employees of Church of the Brethren congregations, districts, or camps that have no other means of financial assistance.
For more information visit the Church Workers’ Assistance web page, email pension@cobbt.org or call Debbie at 847-622-3391.
Grant Opportunities for Congregations
Brethren Faith in Action Fund:This fund provides grants of up to $5,000 to fund outreach ministry projects that serve communities, strengthen congregations, and expand the reign of God. For more information visit http://www.brethren.org/faith-in-action/, email BFIAFund@brethren.org or call 847-429-4343.
COVID-19 Pandemic Grants: This is a newly created program providing grants up to $5,000 from Emergency Disaster Funds to support congregations in providing humanitarian relief for vulnerable people in their congregations and communities. This can include programs providing food, shelter, emotional and spiritual care, care of church leaders and support for children. To apply or for more information go to covid19.brethren.org/grants , email bdm@brethren.org or call 410-635-8731.
Going to the Garden: This is a special program of the Global Food Initiative/Office of Peacebuilding and Policy addressing food insecurity by providing micro-grants up to $1,000 to create or supplement a community garden. Long-standing garden projects or those who have received grants from the GFI in the past are eligible to apply for larger amounts. To apply or for more information email jboshart@brethren.org or 920-568-8177.
Brethren Mutual Aid Share Fund: This is a special grant program for congregations insured through Mutual Aid Agency. To apply, applicants will need to state how the beneficiary of the grant has been affected by COVID-19, be it job loss, reduction of hours, medical expenses, or other unforeseen emergency circumstances. An administrator of the Share Fund will then review the request and grant up to $1,000 per eligible church insured through Mutual Aid Agency. This policy will remain in place for applications submitted through 2020. Please visit bmasharefund.org for more information or to apply for assistance.
Grant Opportunities for Districts
COVID-19 Pandemic Grants: This is a newly created program providing grants up to $25,000 from Emergency Disaster Funds to support districts in providing humanitarian relief for vulnerable people in the congregations and communities of the district. This can include programs providing food, shelter, emotional and spiritual care, care of church leaders and more. To apply or more information go to www.brethren.org/covid19grants, email bdm@brethren.org or call 410-635-8731.
Other Resources
CARES Act: This Act, passed by the Federal government, outlines provisions to assist small businesses and non-profits (which includes churches) through the Paycheck Protection Program. This program is by application through a financial institution or bank. Consult with your legal, tax, financial or lending institution, and other competent professionals for more information. District executive ministers may also provide counsel and referrals for exploring these options. Visit www.brotherhoodmutual.com to learn more about how the Act applies to churches or districts. More information on the Act itself can be found at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s coronavirus relief options website: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options