Congregational Vitality and New Faith Communities
New People, New Places Initiative
Due Date for Fall Applicants: Thursday, October 15th 2026
The office of Congregational Development 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 2 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, special events, materials and equipment for new projects, advertising and marketing, neighborhood engagement, and learning about and listening to the community. No more than 20% of the total grant amount shall be allocated for administrative or staff expenses. Grant funds cannot be used for capital improvements. All grants shall be for one year; however, applications may be submitted for a second year based on fruitfulness. All funding will be subject to availability, yet special attention and consideration will go to Hispanic/African American Ministries/Churches.
To have a conversation about your project idea and its grant eligibility contact Rev. Ray Altman via email at raltman@riotexas.org or at (210) 408-4530.
THE PALETA MINISTRY OF WESLEY SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE PASSED OUT PALLETAS AT THE 2025 RIO TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE GATHERING. Photo courtesy of Wesley San Antonio, College Ministry.
GENERAL INFORMATION
PALETAS + Prayers: THE PALETA MINISTRY OF WESLEY SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE MINISTRY was launched with NEW PEOPLE, NEW PLACES FUNDING. Photo Courtesy of Wesley San Antonio College Ministry.
All grants are submitted via email using the word document 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. You may obtain a free report specific to your church/district geographical location by contacting Rev. Ray Altman via email at raltman@riotexas.org or at (210) 408-4530.
Please submit your completed application with signatures and appropriate attachments via email to Rev. Ray Altman, raltman@riotexas.org.
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 - We require a mid-year and final report that will include narrative and statistical data and learnings from your project.
Failure to comply can affect future grant submissions.