Vision Fund

Seed Grants for Innovative Ministry

Innovative, creative, and new youth and young adult ministries are eligible for a grant of up to $5,000. If congregations or groups undertake additional fundraising, they can apply for an additional matching grant of up to $3,000. Consult the program description to learn more about Vision Fund Seed Grants for Innovative Ministry, or download the application form (under Downloads, below). We welcome applications from faith communities in Canada. We encourage groups not connected to a specific congregation to apply (e.g., camps, education centres, campus ministries, community ministries), but a relationship to some accountable United Church of Canada group is required.

Application deadlines are January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15.

Continuing Education Bursaries for First Third Ministry Leaders

Support is available for continuing education events with a focus on First Third Ministry (children, youth, young adults, camp, campus ministry, family ministry). Volunteers and congregational designated ministers (CDMs) can receive up to $500 per person, per year; designated lay ministers (DLMs) and ordered ministers can receive up to $300 per person, per year. Books and association memberships are not funded. There is a cap of $1,000 per pastoral charge per year. Consult the program description to learn more about Vision Fund Continuing Education Bursaries for First Third Ministry Leaders, or download the application form (under Downloads, below).

Application deadlines are January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15.

Grants for Flourishing Ministry Programs

Each triennium, grants of $25,000 per year are available for up to two exemplary, transformative, and ongoing ministry programs. These programs embrace methods for people to enter relationships marked by service and engagement with God’s mission in the world. They must include a theological rationale and strong faith content. Consult the program description to learn more about Vision Fund Grants for Flourishing Ministry Programs, or download the application form (under Downloads, below).

The application deadline is October 15 in years preceding a General Council.

Reporting and Self-Evaluation

Successful applicants must commit to submitting an evaluation of the program or project to the Vision Fund Committee. Evaluations are used as a form of accountability, but more importantly, they help us share stories about the ways that the vision fund helps communities across the country and around the world.

Other Funding Opportunities from The United Church of Canada

If you can’t find what you are looking for here, you may also be eligible for The United Church of Canada’s other funding opportunities:

• Embracing the Spirit grants
• United Church of Canada Foundation grants and bursaries
• United Church Women grants and bursaries
• Indigenous Ministries Healing Fund
• Justice and Reconciliation Fund

For more information, please contact  visionfund@united-church.ca