BWC Logo

Unified Funding Taskforce


Download the Unified Funding Application.

Download the Unified Funding Application
for New Church Starts.
 

The purpose of the Unified Funding Taskforce of the Baltimore-Washington Conference is to provide grants for new ministries and new church starts; equitable compensation grants; and loans for facilities to congregations that have the potential, capacity, and commitment to reach new people.  The unified funding application is to be used by congregations seeking money for facilities and programs that enable them to grow disciples and build Acts 2 churches.

Those congregations seeking funds should carefully read the policies and procedures listed below before completing the application.  Applications must be accompanied by the recommendation of the congregation’s Discipler Guide, the approval of the pastor and Administrative/Church Council of the local church, and a completed Call to Action Ministry Plan.

Equitable Compensation applications are due September 1.

All other funding applications are due October 1.

Spring applications are due April 30.

NOTE: Do not submit applications directly to the Task Force Committee. Applications need to be signed by your guide and district superintendent before they are turned into the committee for review.

For more information, contact the Unified Funding Taskforce chairperson, the Rev. Dr. Karin Walker at 410-309-3448.

Principles, Process, and People

Principles

  • The taskforce awards grants and loans that support the conference vision and mission to make at least 600 Acts 2 disciple making congregations by 2012 who engage believers in the Discipleship Adventure and bear Acts 2 fruit.
  • The taskforce provides a single location for all conference funding for congregations to maximize effectiveness and provide consistent oversight.  One application will be applicable for all requests.
  • The taskforce processes all requests for funding for congregations including program, personnel and property.
  • The taskforce makes awards in response to requests received and in order to further strategic goals.
  • The taskforce awards grants for one year only.  Applicants may apply for renewal (not guaranteed) for an additional two years.
  • The taskforce reviews requests that are received on time.

Factors that lead to a 'yes' decision

  • Congregations that demonstrate funds requested are tied directly to their Call to Action Ministry Plan and increasing fruit (i.e., reaching new people and cultivating spiritual vitality).
  • Congregations that submit requests with specific benchmarks to mark progress and clear measurable outcomes.
  • Congregations that plan to use funds as a leverage to increase resources.  The congregation has a long-term plan and capacity for funding the ministry/program beyond the grant or loan.
  • Congregations that partner with other congregations, community groups or organizations to build ministry and to accomplish goals.
  • Congregations that have already applied for funding from other sources so that the conference serves as a secondary partner.
  • Congregations that submit well thought out requests that demonstrate vision, discernment, and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
  • Congregations that demonstrate connectionalism by participating in Discipler Groups, attending annual conference, working collaboratively with other congregations, completing conference requests accurately and on time, and paying apportionments.

Factors leading to a 'no' decision:

  • Congregations that do not have Discipler Guide, region, and Administrative/Church Council support.
  • Congregations that do not pay their apportionments, medical and pension benefits, or loans.
  • Congregations that do not meet deadlines.
  • Congregations that cannot demonstrate capacity for the ministry requested.  Capacity includes personnel, space, time, need and congregational involvement.  Outstanding loan balances will be added to new requests.
  • Congregations that do not follow through on required benchmark reporting including an annual audit, annual statistical report, pastor/church evaluation and required charge conference forms;
  • Congregations that do not fully complete the application form.

Process

  • Requests will be submitted to the Discipler Guides. (Do not submit applications directly to the Task Force Committee. Applications need to be signed by your guide and district superintendent before they are turned into the committee for review.)
  • Requests will be addressed by regional teams for strategic input. 
  • Consultation with Conference boards and agencies will take place when appropriate depending on the request.
  • Requests will then be received, reviewed and acted on by the Conference Unified Funding Taskforce. Where funds are restricted, the taskforce will be governed by the restrictions.
  • Notification of awards will be made by the Conference Unified Funding Taskforce. Fall awards become effective January 1 of the upcoming year.  Spring awards become effective July 1 of the same year.

Unified Funding Taskforce Membership

Membership of the taskforce will include the Regional Team Leaders, Director of Grow Congregations, Chair of Loans and Grants Committee, and Chair of Equitable Compensation Commission.