A Lead Forward Initiative

Ministry Capacity
Micro-Grants 2026

Seed grants from $2,000 to $5,000 empowering Indiana congregations to strengthen ministry — accessible, streamlined, and focused on real outcomes.

Funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. | Midwest Episcopal District · A.M.E. Zion Church

📋 Start Your Application Learn More ↓

$24KTotal Funding

2Grant Lanes

3Award Tiers

1App Per Church

Program Overview

From "We Want To"
to "We Actually Did It."

Pastors and lay leaders across the Midwest Episcopal District have named the same challenge: congregations carrying great ministry responsibility with limited financial capacity. This program is a direct response.

Chronic underfunding has become one of the most significant barriers to sustained ministry impact. Churches often have vision, willing leaders, and deep commitment to their communities — yet they struggle to access resources that are timely, flexible, and responsive to real needs on the ground.

The Ministry Capacity Micro-Grant provides small seed grants to help Indiana congregations take a meaningful next step in ministry. Whether launching a monthly dinner series, piloting a mentoring program, making a critical facility repair, or closing a curriculum gap — this grant is for the church that has the vision and just needs a modest investment to move forward.

You do not have to stay inside the lines. If you have been sitting on an idea that feels a little unconventional, or unlike anything your church has tried before — this is the grant for that idea.

The Dual Reality Many Congregations Face

Churches want to do more than maintain what has always been done — reaching new people, responding to emerging needs, and trying fresh approaches. At the same time, they face urgent challenges that drain energy and slow momentum. When these needs go unmet, churches can become trapped in survival mode. This grant addresses both realities.

"The need does not have to be large to be real, and the approach does not have to be familiar to be faithful."

— Ministry Capacity Micro-Grants 2026 Program Guide

Project Period

Project Runs Nov 2026 – Oct 2027

Midpoint Check-In April 30, 2027

Final Report Due January 31, 2028

80% Disbursed Upon Grant Agreement

Remaining 20% After Midpoint Check-In

Eligibility

Who Can Apply

These grants are specifically designed for Indiana congregations within the Midwest Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Zion Church.

⛪

Indiana Congregations

Your church must be located in Indiana and be a member congregation of the Midwest Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Zion Church.

✍️

Dual Affirmation Required

Applications must include affirmation from both the pastor and at least one lay leader of the congregation.

1️⃣

One Application Per Church

Each congregation may submit only one application per grant cycle. Choose your lane and tier carefully before applying.

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Reporting Requirements Met

If your church received a prior grant, all reporting requirements from that cycle must be completed before reapplying.

⚠️ Ineligible Activities

Ongoing staff salaries or long-term personnel costs
Technology equipment purchases (see separate Tech Grant)
Capital improvements or major construction projects
Already fully funded activities from other sources
Recurring annual programs not representing something new
Indirect costs, overhead, or individual-benefit expenses

Grant Lanes

Choose Your Path Forward

Every application selects one of two lanes, each designed to serve a distinct type of congregational need.

Lane A

Innovation Micro-Grants

Dare to Dream. Try Something New.

For congregations ready to step beyond what is familiar. These micro-grants support new ministry experiments, fresh approaches, and bold pilots that respond to real needs in your church and community. Strong proposals are shaped by what you are learning from your context — not just good ideas.

Example Projects

Ministry on the Move The Neighbor Table 30-Day Blessing Challenge Mentoring Pods The Listening Campaign Sabbath for the City

Lane B

Stabilization & Relief

Strengthen What's Needed to Sustain Ministry.

For congregations carrying real strain and needing practical support to stabilize core ministry capacity. These grants provide relief for urgent needs that, if left unaddressed, will continue to limit the church's ability to gather, serve, and lead. This lane is not about cosmetic improvements — it's about removing a clear barrier affecting ministry right now.

Example Needs

Critical Facility Repairs Accessibility Improvements Curriculum & Supplies Training & Certifications Ministry Readiness Community Care Resources

Not sure which lane fits? Contact the program team at Email: midwestamez@gmail.com before applying.

Funding Tiers

Select the Right Scope for Your Project

Awards are competitive and made based on clarity, readiness, stewardship, and expected ministry impact. All applications select one tier amount.

$2,000

Focused Spark

Best for a single, well-defined need or a small pilot with a clear plan. Ideal if your project has one primary component and a straightforward timeline.

Most Flexible

$3,500

Strong Build

Supports a moderate project with multiple components, broader reach, or more coordination required. Great for established ideas ready to scale slightly.

$5,000

High Impact Pilot

Intended for the highest-impact proposals with clear readiness, strong community reach, and a well-defined implementation plan from day one.

Key Dates

Program Timeline

Mark these dates on your calendar. The application window closes August 1 — plan ahead to give your proposal the time it deserves.

Spring 2026

Info Session

Date to be announced. Program team will walk through requirements and answer questions.

April 1, 2026

Applications Open

The application window opens. Begin preparing your narrative, budget, and appendices.

August 1, 2026

Applications Close

Final deadline for all submissions. No late applications will be accepted.

October 17, 2026

Award Announcements

Selected churches notified. Non-selected applicants may request feedback within 30 days.

November 1, 2026

Grant Agreement Due

Signed grant agreements returned. 80% disbursement initiated upon execution.

March 30, 2027

Midpoint Check-In

Short progress update. Remaining 20% disbursed after acceptance.

October 2027

Learning Exchange

Grantees share stories at the Midwest Refresh Conference.

January 31, 2028

Final Report Due

Completion report with outcomes, photos, testimonials, and lessons learned.

Application Requirements

What to Submit

The main application narrative (excluding appendices) should not exceed five pages. Minimum 12-point font, one-inch margins, paginated.

1
Completed Application Form
Download the form below and complete all sections.
2
Lane Selection
Choose Innovation (A) or Stabilization (B). One lane only.
3
Tier Selection
Select $2,000, $3,500, or $5,000 based on project scope.
4
Project Summary
Clear description of what you will do and why it matters.
5
People Plan
Who will lead and implement the project and their roles.
6
Work Plan
Three to five steps with a simple, realistic timeline.
7
Budget
Line items and amounts. Must use the provided budget template.
8
Outcomes
Two to four measurable indicators of success.
9
Sustainability
What continues after the grant period ends.
10
Learning Plan
How you will share what you learn with the district.

Required Appendices

Appendix A

Church Profile (1 page max): year established, address, average Sunday attendance, annual operating budget, paid staff count, pastor tenure.

Appendix B

Key Personnel Biographies: project lead and named team members with defined roles. 150 words each maximum.

Appendix C

Organizational Chart: key leadership with names and roles. One page maximum.

Appendix D (Lane A Only)

Community Engagement Evidence: narrative of surveys, conversations, or data that shaped your idea. One to two pages.

Selection Rubric

Applications reviewed on 100-point scale. Ministry Impact carries the greatest weight.

Need & Ministry Impact

Clarity & Feasibility

Budget Realism

Community Engagement

Leadership Readiness

Learning & Replicability

Resources

Download & Apply

Everything you need to understand the program and submit a strong application.

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Program Guide PDF

Complete program details including grant lanes, tiers, eligibility, selection criteria, timeline, and FAQ. Read this thoroughly before applying.

⬇ Download PDF Guide

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Budget Template

Required Excel budget template for your application. Complete all line items with realistic cost estimates. This must be submitted with your application.

⬇ Download Budget Template

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Online Application

Submit your completed application through our Google Form. Have all your documents and budget template ready before starting. Applications open April 1, 2026.

🔗 Open Application Form

💡 Pro Tip: Download and read the full Program Guide and budget template before beginning your application. Strong applications are clear, specific, and realistic. Contact the program team at Email: midwestamez@gmail.com with questions before the deadline.

Our Team

Staff of the LeadForward Program

Dedicated professionals serving Indiana congregations through the Midwest Episcopal District's Lead Forward initiative.

Rev. Austin J. Young

Program Director

LaTascha Moses

Administrative Assistant

Rev. Dr. Lori K. Holmes

Program Manager, Women

Rev. L. Samuel Brown

Program Manager, Next Gen

Miah Powell

Financial Assistant

Under the leadership of Bishop Daran H. Mitchell, Presiding Bishop, Midwest Episcopal District

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions we hear most often from applicants.

Can a church apply for both lanes?

No. Each church must choose one lane and one tier per application cycle. Carefully review both lanes before submitting.

Can we use funds for ongoing salaries?

Generally no. Short-term stipends tied to a defined, time-limited role within the project may be considered if clearly justified in your application.

How many churches will receive funding?

With $24,000 available, the program expects to fund multiple churches at varying tier amounts, depending on tier selections and overall application strength.

Can we change the budget once approved?

Minor adjustments are allowed. Major changes should be requested and approved by the program team before funds are reallocated.

Can a church apply again in a future cycle?

Yes, as long as all prior reporting requirements have been completed and the new proposal represents a clear next step in ministry.

What happens to leftover money?

The district may fund additional applications at a lower funding level or carry remaining funds forward to the next grant cycle.

Can I request my score if not selected?

Yes. Contact the program team within 30 days of the award announcement at Email: midwestamez@gmail.com to request your score and reviewer feedback.

When is the midpoint check-in?

The midpoint check-in is due March 30, 2027. It is a short update on progress, challenges, and any budget adjustments. The remaining 20% is disbursed after acceptance.

Ministry CapacityMicro-Grants 2026

From "We Want To"to "We Actually Did It."