Last year, the UMCRM community was blessed with a $2.5 million dollar grant to fund 85 projects at United Methodist camp and retreat sites across our network. At the time it was understood to be a one-time grant opportunity. But we have received a very exciting piece of news: Because of the excellence and integrity of this community’s ability to steward last year’s grant, the granting foundation has decided to expand its support of UM camping and retreats with an additional $1,000,000 for distribution this year. Together, the UMCRM community will once again leverage this generous gift to strengthen the long-term ministry impact of our individual sites. 

Any United Methodist camp and/or retreat ministry organization is invited to submit a grant proposal for funding a project at its location(s). The goal of this funding is to move our ministries toward lasting missional impact. Knowing that all of our ministries are different and the needs at each site are unique, grant proposals are not limited by the amount requested nor for what purpose. However, it is important to note that the grantor's goal is to fund as many projects as possible. While project types are not limited, there are a few requirements to keep in mind as you consider applying for a 2023 Ministry Impact Grant. 

• All grant-funded projects must be completed by May 31st, 2024. Any funding that is not spent by May 31st, 2024 must be returned to the Association. 

• All proposals are due by midnight on Friday, April 28th. 

• 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.

The selection group’s priority is to ensure the funding makes as broad of an impact as possible. Projects should be summer camp- or retreat ministry- specific; after school programs were not funded last year. Proposals should also be written for specific projects or initiatives; camperships and general budget needs were also not funded last year. The selection group will be looking for the following information in the proposals:

• A summary and timeline of the project.

• The dollar 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 not required for funding, the grantor is encouraging applicants to use this grant as a way to engage additional donors through matching challenges for the proposed project.

As we learned last year, not all project proposals will be funded; however, this opportunity comes as a renewed blessing to our whole community. When any of our ministry organizations are strengthened, we are all strengthened. 

Proposal Submission Link

Please direct grant related questions to Jessica Gamaché.