If you're just sitting in the pew one day and you think that maybe we need a new program at Grace, or you know of a community project fits within the scope of the  mission statement below and you'd like to have Grace provide some financial support than you can submit an application.  On this site you'll find information on how each application will be evaluated, information on where and to whom an application will be submitted along with an application to download.

Anyone can submit an application, even if you're not a member at Grace.  Our goal is to be as open as possible, this money is for doing something new and different!

I. Getting and Submitting an Application

You can download an application below, or you can pick one up in the Narthex at Grace.  Grace Lutheran Church Grace Ministries Grant Application Form deadlines are March 1 for Group 1, proposals and September 1 for Group 2 proposals.  All Applications must be filled out completely and submitted either to a member of the Ministry Team or through e-mail.

If You are submitting your application by e-mail please make sure that everything is included in either a Microsoft Word file (.doc) or a Text File (.txt) or included in the text of the e-mail.  You may submit all e-mail application to: office@graceniska.org

Each application should include a written proposal detailing the following information:
(this information is included on the downloadable application below)

• Mission and goals of the proposing organization
• History of the organization
• Reasons for the request (specific need) and the plan to be put in place to achieve the project’s goals
• Any relationship of the project to anyone in the Grace Lutheran Church community
• A plan for evaluating the project within one year of funding
• Enclose a copy of the organization’s most current budget and the names of the officers and members of the organization’s board of directors.

II. Application and Proposal Evaluation

Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of the criteria listed below. Level 1 criteria are mandatory, but it is advisable to present a proposal and plan that clearly identifies responsiveness to Levels 2 & 3 criteria where pertinent.

• Level 1 Projects must meet the following criteria to be considered for funding:

• The application must be complete, clear and well-defined. (The team may return applications that do not met these standards and invite either clarification or resubmission during the next project cycle.)
• Projects must clearly fall outside the scope of the Grace Lutheran Church Annual Budget.

• Level 2 Projects should meet these criteria:

• The project is consistent with the mission statement as defined on the Grant Application Form
• The project meets a specific, compelling and/or immediate need
• The proposal clearly defines how the grant money will be expended
• The proposal plan has reasonable potential for success
• The proposal cannot be indefinitely open-ended with regard to Grace Ministry Team Support
  (Related follow-on proposals may be entertained, but project goals should be distinct from past proposals. If the proposal is for an ongoing project, a plan for self-sufficiency should be apparent)

• Level 3 In making their final decision, the committee will also consider the following characteristics:

• Origination or involvement of Grace Lutheran Church members in the proposal and project will be viewed favorably.
• Unique projects will be viewed favorably
• Projects with an enduring nature will be viewed favorably
• Worthy projects that might be difficult to fund though other means will be viewed favorably

III. Grant Award Dates

You will be notified if any additional information is needed to complete the evaluation process.  Group 1 grant winners will be announced to the Church Council and to the Congregation in April, Group 2 in October.