The Rio Texas Black Church Development Grant Program (RTBCDGP) is back for 2023! This year, we have partnered with the Office of Transforming Communities in order to increase the possible grant amounts for projects that best offer community transformation. This program exists to aid historically and predominantly Black churches in the areas of witness and evangelism through tangible financial and technology support, by helping to equip and empower congregations for more effective ministry. This grant program is purposed to support five key areas identified as essential to vitality in the Black Church:
• Leadership Development
• Ministry within the Community
• Ministry with Younger People
• Technology Upgrade
• Building Maintenance
The deadline for the first rounds of grant applications for 2023 is Friday, June 30, 2023. All applications and attachments are to be submitted only as directed on the application. Prior to submission to the Grant Support Team, your application will require the signatures of your District Superintendent and your District Strategy Team Chairperson. The Grant Support Team may need to contact you for any clarification regarding your project/program or to discuss any omissions prior to further processing.
Upon receipt of your application, the Grant Support Team will assign a Grant Consultant with special knowledge or experience regarding the ministry area(s) identified in your application. The consultant’s role will be to support the church in the application process, represent the applicant in the grant award process, and work with the congregation in taking necessary steps to complete the supported project/program.
RTBDCGP grant amounts have increased for churches considering ministries designed to transform their communities. Funds will be considered up to $5,000, for churches that submit convincing applications with this special focus. All applications that meet one of the five key areas mentioned above will be considered seriously. Any unused grant funds are expected to be returned to the Conference office to be made available for other congregations.
Churches in receipt of grant funds are required to be accountable by reporting on the progress of their projects/programs in various ways. Working with the grant consultant, grant recipients will be required to submit quarterly progress reports once the funds are received. Here are some questions for you to reflect upon for your quarterly reports:
• What progress have you made toward achieving your project/program goals?
• Specifically, how has your project/program impacted your church’s ministry?
• Please share any other recognizable outcomes.
• What are your next steps because of this effort?
To expedite the processing of your application, we recommend you involve members of your congregation and complete the application clearly and concisely. It is not necessary to return this page with your completed application.