Private Grants
New Campus/Off-site Congregation
New Site Grants help to start new campuses or off-site congregations of established United Methodist churches. Any United Methodist church in Indiana is eligible to apply.
The amount of the grant will depend upon the size of the congregation being started. For example, a church starting an off-site congregation that will average fewer than 100 people in worship might apply for $10,000 to $30,000; whereas, a church establishing an off-site congregation that will average over 300 people in weekly worship may require a grant of up to $75,000, paid out over a period of up to three years.
The conference’s Church Development Committee approves these grants, based on the information provided in the application, as well as the overall planting priorities of the conference. Ongoing payment of this grant is contingent upon the applicant providing the Church Development Committee with monthly reports that show progress toward meeting the project’s benchmarks. The Church Development Committee will evaluate the project every three months. As long as benchmarks are being met, the grant will be paid out according to the agreed-upon payment plan.
Please note that in order to apply for this grant, applicant churches must participate in Church Development Pre-Plant Training, to provide church leaders with a strong foundation for launching new sites. Contact the Church Development staff person for your district for more information about the training.
To apply for this grant, churches need to complete the following application materials:
- Grant Readiness Assessment
- New Site Grant Application