Policy for Matching Funds Grant
For Expansion Ministries in the USA and Puerto Rico
(This policy effective as of October 1, 2009)
The purpose of the Matching Fund Grant is to support new ministries during their formation phase. This grant consists of an initial contribution, upon approval, in the amount of $1,000 by the Association of Unity Churches International for the start-up of the ministry. In addition the ministry will receive $750 a month, consisting of contributions from three parties agreeing to contribute $250 a month to the ministry. These consist of:
- The sponsoring ministry(s)
- The region or second sponsoring ministry
- The Association's Expansion Grant Fund
- A credentialed Unity leader
- A spiritual leader under special dispensation
The ministry must have been active for at least six (6) months after approval and be able to provide the required monthly reports for those six (6) months. Additionally, a ministry has to be in operation less than sixty (60) months to be eligible. This is a one (1) time only grant.
Procedures for Applying/Receiving a Matching Grant
- Find a sponsoring ministry willing to contribute the $250 monthly
- Contact the region and submit request, understanding that the region may have different deadlines for their submissions.
- Insure that both the sponsor and the region are equipped with the latest version of Procedures for Applying for and Receiving a Matching Grant
- Present the completed application form to the Association of Unity Churches International Ministry Expansion Office by December 1 for January consideration or May 1 for June consideration
Requirements for Funding
- Each of the parties signs a written contractual arrangement making the commitment to contribute $250 per month for a period of one (1) year. The parties agree to send this amount directly to the church on a monthly basis.
Step 1: The applicant forwards the Letter of Agreement, signed by the Leader and Steering Team/Board, along with the completed application to the sponsoring ministry.
Step 2: The minister of the sponsoring ministry signs the Letter of Agreement and sends it with completed application to regional president, or on to the second sponsoring ministry if applicable.
Step 3: Upon approval, the regional president, or second sponsoring minister, signs the Letter of Agreement and forwards it with the application to the Ministry Expansion Office.
Step 4: The application is reviewed by the Pioneering Support Ministry Team in January or June. Applicants will be notified within two (2) weeks of review.
Step 5: Upon approval, a representative of the Ministry Expansion Office signs the Letter of Agreement and the funds are dispersed. - The funded ministry must send monthly financial reports, records of attendance and copies of steering committee meeting minutes to the Ministry Expansion Office. Failure to comply with this requirement is grounds for suspension of funding.
- The ministry must demonstrate their intention for prosperity by participating in the practice of tithing. Tithing as defined by the Association's practice for an organization as the giving to an organization or individuals that provides inspiration or support for that organization to accomplish its mission.
- In order to support future Expansion Ministries and the growth of our movement, we require 5% of your monthly income be pledged to the Association. This can be considered a portion of your tithe, if you choose.
- If the minister of the sponsoring church leaves, the agreement for matching funds will be maintained by the Steering Team/Board of Trustees of the sponsoring church.
- Upon approval of the matching grant, the steering committee is to record a motion in their minutes that in the event of dissolution, any remaining funds from the matching grant would be returned in the following manner:
1/3 to the sponsoring church
1/3 to the Region or second sponsoring church
1/3 to the Association
Specifics of Grant Approval
Up to ten (10) grants may be approved for a period of one (1) year by the Association of Unity Churches International. Five (5) grants may be approved in January and five (5), or the remaining grants, in June.
Note: These grants are intended for USA and Puerto Rico only, with consideration given to Canadian ministries on a case-by-case basis.
Grounds for Suspension of Funding
Should the minister serving a funded ministry leave the ministry, the Association of Unity Churches International will contact the minister of the sponsoring ministry for information about the viability of this ministry and its ability to attract another Unity minister. If it is determined that this ministry is viable, funding will continue until the next meeting of the Pioneering Support Ministry Team at which point, the ministry's eligibility for funding will be reviewed. If the Association and sponsoring minister determine that the ministry is not viable, funding will cease immediately.
Failure to comply with Item 2 under the Requirements for Funding is also grounds for suspension of funding.
Matching Funds Application
Please submit an application with the following information included. Please type all answers. Hand-written or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
- Date of application
- Name of Expansion Ministry
- Minister or Spiritual Leader
- Phone and E-mail
- Mailing Address
- Location of Expansion Ministry (if different from mailing address)
- Sponsoring Minister
- Sponsoring Ministry Information
- Region
- How long has ministry been in existence?
- How long has the applicant been serving this ministry?
- Was there a prior ministry? If so, when?
- Has the Minister/Spiritual Leader of ministry received matching funds before?
- Describe the core ministry (size, studies, etc.)
- Describe the meeting facilities
- Describe promotion and publicity strategy
- If you are approved for this funding, how will the grant be utilized?
- Attach a Statement of Income for the past six (6) months
- Attach a balance sheet as of March 31 or October 31
- Attach an initial operating budget
- Attach a detailed vision statement. (Where are you now? Where are you going?)
- Attach anticipated calendar of events and activities
- Attach the Letter of Agreement with signatures of all participating parties except the Association of Unity Churches International
- Attach a signed copy of the Matching Fund Grant Policy
