Creating and Vitalizing Congregations
New People, New Places Initiative
The office of Mission Field Ministries focuses and stewards the vision and mission of making disciples. How can existing congregations reach more new people, younger people and more diverse people? We applaud where the people and churches of the Rio Texas Conference have been successful in these goals and we desire to help where we have found such fruitfulness lacking.
Beginning in 2015, a new line item was created specifically setting aside funds for New People, New Places. Money for this area came from a realignment of our apportioned dollars so the local churches would not experience an increase in apportionments.
These funds will be distributed through a grant process 3 times a year. This money will be available to local churches and districts that demonstrate how they intend to use this money to reach new people for Christ or to be in new places in Christ. Funds may be used for, but are not limited to, program expenses, capital expenditures (not renovations), and so forth. No more than 20% of the total grant amount shall be allocated for administrative or staff expenses, ensuring at least 80% for initiative expenses. All grants shall be for one year; however, applications may be submitted for a second year based on fruitfulness. Please refer to “Certain General Restrictions,” below. All funding will be subject to availability, yet special attention and consideration will go to Hispanic/African American Ministries/Churches.
Theologically and missionally, our goals are Wesleyan. We want more people to discover that God’s grace is real in their lives. We want more people to respond to that grace. We want more people to grow in that grace as a disciple of Jesus Christ. In this, we transform the world around us.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The application form for grants is a fillable form which may be accessed below. All applications and attachments are to be submitted electronically via email. Any local church or district entity may apply. The funds must be used to reach new people we are not currently reaching to become world changing disciples of Jesus Christ. These grants are to support lay-driven ministry efforts of evangelism and discipleship, not staff salary.
GENERAL INFORMATION
All grants are submitted via email using the form provided. Attachments should be labeled with your project name and date and emailed with your grant application.
Your District Superintendent and the Chair of the District Strategy Team must review and sign the application form before it will be considered for review and funding by the Grant Review Committee. It is our hope that the DS and DST will discuss the project with the pastor or project lead before signing. Your application will not be considered without the signatures.
Information found in a MissionInsite Report is helpful in formulating an accurate grant application. Additionally, some grants require specific information found in the report. You may obtain a free report specific to your church/district geographical location by contacting Nicole Alabi at (210) 408-4514 or nicolea@riotexas.org.
Please submit your completed application with signatures and appropriate attachments via email to Rev. Karen Horan, khoran@riotexas.org and Nicole Alabi, nicolea@riotexas.org. You will be notified of any missing or additional documentation that is needed and given a reasonable time to cure the deficiency. Additionally, information regarding anticipated dates of action to be taken by the Grant Review Committee will be provided to you.
SCHEDULE FOR SUBMISSION OF GRANT APPLICATIONS
The deadline for submission of the grant application is Thursday, February 8th, Thursday, May 2nd and Thursday, September 5th by 5pm.
After the Grant Review Committee has reviewed your completed application, you will be contacted to schedule a time to discuss your project with the Committee via Zoom Teleconferencing. (Dial-in information will be sent to you.) These interviews will be held within 1 week of the grant submission deadline. 2024 Grant Interviews are scheduled for February 13th, May 9th, and September 10th. Please note the interview is not a requirement to receive grant funding. The interview gives the opportunity for the Grant Review Committee to hear your heart about the project and answer any questions the committee might have. We will reach out to you to schedule a specific interview time once each grant cycle has closed.
CERTAIN GENERAL RESTRICTIONS
New People, New Places grant funds are awarded for a one-year period in an amount up to $6,000. If there are some personnel required, only 20% of the grant can be used for salary. We do not fund capital improvements to existing buildings unless it is out in the community as a “second site” for relational outreach ministries/programs. We do give preference to Hispanic/African American Churches/ministries especially when the demographics show an increase in population or need for more ethnic ministries.
Applications may be submitted for a second year of funding based on fruitfulness.
RECIPIENT ACCOUNTABILITY
REPORTING - If you are approved for the grant, we ask that you provide monthly data (both statistical and narrative). A template is provided that you can adjust as it applies to your ministry. Reports need to be submitted for at least 6 months once funds are received. In addition to your report, we ask that you answer these questions in your email:
How has your targeted mission field been impacted by this ministry?
Share any other recognizable outcomes.
What will be your next steps as a result of this effort?
Failure to comply can affect future grant submissions.