Multiplication Grant

This grant is for up to $75,000 (up to $25,000 per year for up to three years) to cover ministry expenses incurred to start a new congregation. A new congregation can be a satellite congregation or campus of an existing church where worship regularly takes place, or a stand-alone congregation that intends to become a fully constituted (chartered) United Methodist church.

Any Indiana Annual Conference church that meets the eligibility requirements outlined in the application is able to apply.

We’re eager to offer this grant opportunity because a growing percentage of Indiana’s population is unchurched, approximately six out of every ten households. Experience shows that most effective way of reaching these people is by creating new congregations. Experience also shows that churches start new congregations much better than districts or conferences. Therefore, the Indiana Annual Conference is committing significant staff and funds to help its churches establish new congregations with the primary intention of reaching and discipling the unchurched all for the sake of the mission, which is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

Priority will be given to new congregations that are reaching ethnic minorities and the marginalized, as well as areas with a high number of unchurched people. Particular attention will be given to the ability of the planter (project leader) and his/her match with the primary mission field that’s being targeted. The larger the scope of the project the more likely the maximum grant amounts will be approved.

Applications must be received at least two weeks prior to Church Development (CD) Committee meeting in order to be considered at that meeting. The committee will act on it at that time and will inform the applicant soon after as to whether the grant was approved.