COVID-19 Financial Resources for Churches

LOANS

From the National Setting and participating Conferences of the United Church of Christ, in partnership with the United Church of Christ Cornerstone Fund:
Low-Interest Sustainability Loans
Administered by the United Church of Christ Cornerstone Fund, this loan program is in response to the adverse impact COVID-19 is having on UCC churches. These loans assist UCC Churches that are experiencing cash flow problems due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Loans of $5,000 to $20,000 at 2.5 percent interest rates are being made available.

From the United Church of Christ Cornerstone Fund:
Mortgage Loans and Lines of Credit
The Cornerstone Fund offers competitively priced and low-fee borrowing options that are specifically designed to meet the unique need of churches and nonprofit organizations. Loans provide short-term financing to fill the gap between needed funding and availability of collected funds. More information can be found here.

GRANTS

From the National Setting of the United Church of Christ:
Operational Grants for Churches that Perform Direct Service
These funds are for general operating support, directed to support churches’ ability to carry out their mission rather than specific projects or programs. General operating support is intended to grant the working capital needed to sustain day-to-day operations. This fund can be applied for by congregations as well as Conferences who are applying on behalf of congregations. All applications require Conference endorsement. For questions concerning this grant, please contact Rev. Aaron Wade at: wadea@ucc.org. Churches can learn more and apply here (beginning June 1, 2020).


From the National Setting of the United Church of Christ:
Operational Grants for Congregations of Color and Ethnic Minority Congregations in the UCC
These funds are intended for general operating support that has been allocated specifically for Congregations of Color and Ethnic Minorities in the United Church of Christ: non-dominant racial/ethnic churches, indigenous churches and African-American churches. This fund can be applied for by congregations as well as Conferences who are applying on behalf of congregations. All applications require Conference endorsement. For questions concerning this grant, please contact Rev. Aaron Wade at: wadea@ucc.org. Churches can learn more and apply here (beginning June 1, 2020).


From the National Setting of the United Church of Christ:
Community Garden Grants
These funds are direct service funds set aside for churches to support community garden programs. These funds are intended to be seed monies to maintain or establish sustainable urban and community gardens to improve the public's health, well-being, economic vitality, and create resilient ecosystems for present and future generations. All applications require Conference endorsement. For questions concerning this grant, please contact Rev. Aaron Wade at: wadea@ucc.org. Churches can learn more and apply here (beginning June 1, 2020).

From the National Setting of the United Church of Christ:
UCC COVID-19 Conference Recovery Grant 
In response to COVID-19, this grant will provide support to Conferences to meet needs created or worsened due to COVID-19. The funds are earmarked for community support in areas hardest hit by the pandemic. Conference Ministers may apply on behalf of their Conference. For questions concerning this grant, please contact Rev. Monica Dawkins-Smith at: dawkins-smithm@ucc.org. Churches can learn more and apply here (beginning June 1, 2020).

From the National Setting of the United Church of Christ:
Make a Difference! Caring for Authorized Clergy Fund Grant
These grants are available to persons authorized for ministry in the United Church of Christ (ordained, licensed and commissioned) who are experiencing crisis in their vocational and/or personal lives (e.g. counseling, immediate intervention, early intervention and referral assessment, psychological testing). Funds are not meant for long-term support, salaries or other income.Conference staff must apply for this grant on behalf of an authorized minister. For questions concerning this grant, please contact scholarships@ucc.org. Churches can learn more and apply here (beginning June 1, 2020).


From the Pension Boards of the United Church of Christ:
Pension Board Ministerial Assistance Emergency Grant
Funds provide direct financial support to those who serve the church and are facing financial difficulties. Active and retired clergy, lay employees, and their surviving spouses may be eligible. To apply for an emergency grant, contact the Conference office where you have authorization for ministry and speak with a member of the Conference staff. Explain your situation and ask them to forward your request for an emergency grant. If the Conference supports your request, conference staff may call or email the Director of Ministerial Assistance. More information can be found here.

LEARNING