Program Grants

Program Grants fund the work of the church.

Program Grant Timelines
Grant application portals will open on June 15th and will close on September 15th for the review and granting process. Notification of awards go out in November and payments are made in December. Programs and projects to begin after January 1st.
Please direct questions to the emails below.
Applicants can apply for four grant offerings:

Love of Church Rapid Response Grants
(Direct inquiries to: scholarships@ucc.org)
Love of Church Rapid Response Grants support Local Churches of  the United Church of Christ with standing in an Association or Conference of the United Church of Christ through critical funds that 1) secure their ongoing ministry as they encounter unexpected financial burdens (critical infrastructure needing repair or replacement, or a sudden unforeseen increases in rent or operational costs), or 2) support an urgent specific need in the grantee’s outreach ministries. Grant applications are reviewed the first week of every month and notification and payment made by the end of that same month.  
Interested individuals and churches can find out more information and apply for the grant here: Application

CASA New and Rebirthing Church Grant
(Direct inquiries to: CASAGrants@UCC.org)
The New and ReNewing Churches grant program of the United Church of Christ seeks to enact the Purpose, Mission, and Vision of the United Church of Christ by investing in ministries which embody these as well as the Marks for Faithful and Vital Local Churches. The Church Assessment, Support and Advancement (CASA) Program offers new and renewing ministries grant money to successfully establish transformative faith communities with Local Church standing in the United Church of Christ, and financial sustainability for ongoing ministry. Grants are awarded to ministries working in alignment with the purpose, mission, and vision of the United Church of Christ National Ministries: United in Spirit and inspired by God’s grace, we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all, as well as the Marks for Faithful and Vital Local.
New CASA Applicants – find out more information and apply for the grant here: Application
Current/Previous CASA Applicants – find out more information and apply for the grant here: Application


Neighbors in Need Grant
(Direct inquiries to: nin@ucc.org)
Neighbors in Need is a special mission offering that supports works of justice and compassion throughout the United States. The Neighbors in Need grant is a program supported by this offering as well as other National Ministries funding sources. Grants are awarded to churches and organizations working in alignment with the purpose, mission, and vision of the United Church of Christ National Ministries: United in Spirit and inspired by God’s grace, we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all. These grants fund projects whose work ranges from direct service to community organizing and advocacy towards systemic change, to transformative cultural initiatives that can be replicated across the denomination. These requests must relate to work supported by General Synod actions in one of the following programmatic areas:
• The Rights and Freedoms of all Persons • Environmental Justice • Economic Justice
Interested individuals and churches can find out more information and apply for the grant here: Application

The New and Renewed Churches Grant 
(Direct inquiries to: ministerialassistance@pbucc.org)
The New and Renewed Churches Grant provides financial support for new and re-visioning congregations, helping them create a strong foundation for pastoral leadership and sustainability.  This grant is designed to assist churches with fully covering essential health, dental, and vision costs for their lead pastor. 
Interested individuals and churches can find out more information and apply for the grant here: Application

Make a Difference! The Genesis Fund Grants for Domestic and International Programs and Projects

Make a Difference! The Genesis Fund Grant, established in 1996 from funds raised through the Make a Difference Campaign, provides seed money for faith-based projects that are innovative or experimental, represent a new initiative in Christian mission, or that may be deemed controversial. Funds are available for domestic and international projects. For domestic projects, please complete the Domestic application.  For international projects, please complete the International application.
(Direct inquiries to: scholarships@ucc.org)
The online application portal for The Genesis Fund will open on December 1st and will close on March 15th for the review and granting process. Notification of awards go out in May and payments are made by July 1st.

Make A Difference! The Genesis Fund – Domestic
Interested individuals and churches can find out more information and apply for the grant here: Application

Make A Difference! The Genesis Fund – International
Interested individuals and churches can find out more information and apply for the grant here: Application

Make A Difference: The Genesis Fund Report 2025 (for grants received in 2024) Due June 30, 2025 Report Portal

Adese Fellowship
The Adese Fellowship is a catalytic experience for emerging entrepreneurs who renew the Church’s mission to create a just world for all. 

Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program (not administered by the UCC)