If you could fund one project this year to elevate the future sustainability and impact of your camp/retreat ministry, what would it be? 

All United Methodist camp and/or retreat ministry organizations are invited to submit a grant proposal for funding through the new 2022 Ministry Impact Grant. Secured by UMCRM, this $1,000,000 in foundation grant funding is to be used to move our ministries toward lasting missional impact. Knowing that each of our ministries is different and the needs at each site are unique, grant proposals are not limited by amount requested nor for what purpose. One site may need funding for leadership development, while another may need a capital improvement project, consultation on a master site plan, etc. 

For help discerning the type of project that might bring the most value to your organization, join next week's 2-hour UMCRM Community Conversation on Monday, February 14th. Kathy Trotter, former camp/retreat and nonprofit consultant and strategic visioning specialist, will help us think through project possibilities by determining how to measure sustainability for continued impact.

While project types are not limited, there are a few requirements to keep in mind as you consider applying for a 2022 Ministry Impact Grant:

• All grant funded projects must be completed during this calendar year. Any funding that is not spent by December 31st, 2022 must be returned to the Association. 

• All proposals are due by midnight on Tuesday, March 8th. 

• Proposals must be no longer than one page and submitted as a pdf through the Proposal Submission Link. Proposals longer than one page will not be considered.

• A Project Report will be required at the completion of all grant funded projects.

In order to remove bias from the selection process, the selection of approved proposals will be done by a small group of United Methodist camp/retreat ministry advocates and representatives from the granting foundation. This group’s priority is to ensure the funding makes as broad of an impact as possible. They will be looking for the following information in the proposals:

• A summary and timeline of the project.

• Amount required to complete the project and the total amount being requested.

• The outcomes or impact that this project will have on the long-term effectiveness of your organization.

While UMCRM cannot guarantee that all project proposals will be funded, this opportunity comes as a blessing to our whole community. When any of our ministry organizations are strengthened, we are all strengthened. When our ministries thrive, camps and retreats will be able to continue to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We are excited to see what will grow from this investment in the future of these ministries entrusted to our care.

Please direct questions about the grant to UMCRM Association Director Jessica Gamaché.