[Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs press release] Applications are now accepted for the 2016 United Thank Offering grants: 10 grants of  $2500 for young adults (ages 21-30); and 10 grants of $2500 to seminarians (no age limit).

“The United Thank Offering Board is broadening the scope of granting to reach out to groups of people who are working on innovative ministries who might not have a clear pathway in the grant process,” noted  Sandra K. Squires, Ed.D., United Thank Offering Board President. “Historically, seminaries were not included in the grant process unless they applied through the diocese where they are geographically located.  Starting this year, seminarians will be able to apply for grants alongside the Young Adult grant process.”

Established by United Thank Offering, a ministry of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society to promote thankfulness and mission in the whole Church, the purpose of the grants is to provide start-up money for a new project that focuses on any of the Five Marks of Mission.   The funds are not permitted to the continuation of on-going ministries.

“The expansion of the Young Adult program is a recognition by the United Thank Offering board of this important ministry, and an indication of the board’s support of their work,” remarked the Rev. Heather Melton, the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society’s Missioner for the United Thank Offering.

Samuel McDonald, Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Director of Mission, agreed. “The United Thank Offering grants for young adults and seminarians are an avenue for mission and ministry as well as leadership development for The Episcopal Church.”

Known worldwide as UTO, the United Thank Offering grants are awarded for projects that address human needs and help alleviate poverty, both domestically and internationally in The Episcopal Church.

Young Adult Grant Process

• Young Adult grant applications must be written by and the subsequent project (if awarded) led by someone aged 21-30.
• Young Adults should submit their applications to their diocese by the deadline set by the diocese.
• The bishop will select one application per diocese. The diocesan office will submit its choice by Friday, January 29, 2016 at 5 pm Eastern to utoapps@episcopalchurch.org
• A bishop’s signature is required on the application. Applications without a bishop’s signature will not be accepted.
• Young Adult Grant applicants will be notified of the status of their application on March 1, 2016.  Grants will be paid to the Diocese at that time, unless the diocese has outstanding grant reports.
• Information available here

Seminarian Grant Process

• Seminarian grant applications must be written by and the subsequent project (if awarded) led by someone currently enrolled in one of the ten accredited seminaries of The Episcopal Church
• Seminarians should submit their applications to their dean by the deadline set by the dean of the seminary.
• The dean will select two applications per seminary. The dean’s office will submit its choice by Friday, January 29, 5 pm Eastern to utoapps@episcopalchurch.org
• The dean’s signature is required on the application. Applications without a dean’s signature will not be accepted.
• Seminarian Grant applicants will be notified of the status of their application on March 1, 2016. Grants will be paid to the seminary at that time.
• Information available here

Webinars

United Thank Offering will offer two sets of webinars to answer questions.

The first set is for those interested in applying who might have questions about the process or their specific project: December 9 and 10 at 8 pm Eastern.

The second set is to help screening committees with their questions and will be held on January 13 and 14, 2016 at 8 pm Eastern.

To join: https://zoom.us/j/8140408194 (link is external) or call 415.762.9988, Meeting ID: 814 040 8194.

Spanish materials

United Thank Offering materials are available in Spanish and are available for download here.  Included are both Blue Box designs which can be printed out on cardstock, cut and folded.

“The hope is that offering the materials for download will allow our dioceses that would have had to pay a high fee for shipping or import into their country to have access to United Thank Offering materials for just the cost of printing in their diocese or parish,” Melton added.

More information

For more information contact Melton.