Lead Forward - Technology Equipment Grant Budget Guide
Midwest Episcopal District · A.M.E. Zion Church · Funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.

This guide helps your congregation choose the right grant tier and build a realistic budget before you apply. Browse the two categories below - Live Streaming Technology and General Church Technology - and use the sample budgets as a starting point. All amounts reflect the grant's dollar-for-dollar matching structure: whatever your church contributes, the district matches up to the tier maximum.

How the three budget levels work

Essential - Tier 1 minimum
$500 total

Your church contributes $250 and the district matches $250. Best for congregations with limited funds addressing one specific, focused gap.

Standard - Tier 1 maximum
$2,000 total

Your church contributes $1,000 and the district matches $1,000. The most common pathway - designed to fully address a single technology need.

Professional - Tier 2 maximum
$5,000 total

Your church contributes $2,500 and the district matches $2,500. Reserved for larger, multi-component upgrades. Only one Tier 2 award is made per year.

Essential Launch

Get your church online using existing devices. Minimal hardware to start streaming this month.

Sample Equipment
ItemQtyCost
Smartphone / tablet mount tripodx1$40
Wired lavalier microphonex1$70
LED ring lightx1$130
USB / HDMI capture cardx1$150
Cables & adapter kitx1$110
Church contributes$250
District matches$250
Total project budget$500

Tier 1 grant : minimum match

Growth Setup

A reliable, dedicated camera-and-audio chain built for consistent weekly streaming.

Sample Equipment
ItemQtyCost
Entry-level HD camcorderx1$500
Wireless handheld microphonex2$400
Basic audio interfacex1$200
Camera tripodx1$100
2-panel LED light kitx1$200
HDMI streaming capture cardx1$150
Cables & accessoriesx1$150
Tech training sessionx1$300
Church contributes$1,000
District matches$1,000
Total project budget$2,000

Tier 1 grant : maximum match

Full Production Suite

A multi-camera hybrid worship system for high-quality broadcast ministry. Requires a strong proposal - only one Tier 2 award is made per year.

Sample Equipment
ItemQtyCost
Mid-level camerax3$2,100
Heavy-duty camera tripodx3$450
Wireless lavalier mic systemx1$350
Streaming encoder / capture cardx2$400
3-panel LED lighting kitx1$250
8-channel audio mixerx1$350
Cables, mounts & accessoriesx1$400
Tech training & setupx1$700
Church contributes$2,500
District matches$2,500
Total project budget$5,000

Tier 2 grant : maximum match

Admin Starter

Replace one outdated computer and add basic accessories to support church administration.

Sample Equipment
ItemQtyCost
Desktop computer (entry-level)x1$330
Wireless keyboard & mouse combox1$60
External backup hard drivex1$80
USB hub & surge protectorx1$30
Church contributes$250
District matches$250
Total project budget$500

Tier 1 grant : minimum match

Audio & Admin Upgrade

Improve worship audio clarity and modernize your church's administrative setup.

Sample Equipment
ItemQtyCost
Desktop computerx1$600
Wireless microphone system (4-ch)x1$400
Powered PA speakerx2$600
8-channel mixing boardx1$200
Cables, stands & accessoriesx1$200
Church contributes$1,000
District matches$1,000
Total project budget$2,000

Tier 1 grant : maximum match

Full Ministry Tech Suite

A complete audio system overhaul plus upgraded admin infrastructure. Requires a strong proposal - only one Tier 2 award is made per year.

Sample Equipment
ItemQtyCost
Desktop computersx2$1,200
16-channel mixing boardx1$800
Wireless microphone system (4-ch)x1$600
Main PA speakersx2$600
Stage monitor speakerx1$300
Mic & speaker stands kitx1$200
Power conditionerx1$150
Cables, adapters & accessoriesx1$450
Tech training & setupx1$700
Church contributes$2,500
District matches$2,500
Total project budget$5,000

Tier 2 grant : maximum match