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What this grant supports
Foundational technology such as audio equipment, microphones, cameras, lighting, computers, and the accessories needed for those systems to function well.
Lead Forward • Building Stronger Leaders. Empowering Stronger Churches.
Practical Technology Support for Indiana Churches of the Midwest AME Zion Church
The Technology Equipment Matching Grant helps the Indiana Churches of the Midwest AME Zion Church strengthen worship, communication, administration, and outreach through focused technology improvements. Churches can review the full program details on this page, download the application materials, and submit the official Application when the application period opens.
$20,000
Total district matching funds available for the 2026 cycle
Up to 9
Expected awards across the Midwest AME Zion Indiana congregations
2 Tiers
Funding options to support both focused and expanded tech improvements
Lead Forward Program: Building stronger leaders and empowering stronger churches through technology and faithful stewardship.
Start ApplicationProgram Overview
Technology is no longer optional for ministry. Churches depend on clear audio, dependable livestreams, strong communication tools, and basic administrative systems to serve members well and reach people beyond the building. This grant supports practical, sustainable technology investments that improve ministry effectiveness.
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Why this matters
When church technology works well, worship is easier to hear and follow, online ministry is more reliable, and administrative work becomes more effective and sustainable.
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How funding works
The district matches the church’s contribution dollar-for-dollar up to the approved tier maximum, encouraging stewardship and shared investment in ministry capacity.
$250
Minimum church contribution
$1,000
Maximum district match for Tier 1
$2,500
Maximum district match for Tier 2
30 Days
Window to confirm matching funds after award
Grant Tiers
Two funding levels are available so churches can request support appropriate to the scale of their need. In both tiers, the district match cannot exceed the tier maximum and must equal the church’s contribution.
Tier 1
Matching Grant up to $1,000
Designed for most applicants addressing one clear and manageable technology improvement.
$2,000 Max Total Project
- Ideal for a focused ministry need
- Appropriate for audio, camera, or basic computer upgrades
- Minimum church investment: $250
Tier 2
Matching Grant up to $2,500
Reserved for larger projects where multiple technology components must work together to create meaningful ministry improvement.
$5,000 Max Total Project
- Best for coordinated system upgrades
- Appropriate when several pieces of equipment must function together
- Minimum church investment: $250
Technology Equipment Budget Guide
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.
Eligibility & Program Commitments
The grant is open to The Indiana Churches of the Midwest A.M.E. Zion Church that can provide a matching contribution and complete the required post-award documentation.
Who can apply
- Any Indiana Church of the A.M.E. Zion congregation physically located in Indiana
- Churches able to match the amount requested from the district
- Applicants prepared to submit all required narrative and budget materials
- Churches with Trustee Board approval for matching funds
What applicants agree to
- Provide match confirmation and approved item list before purchase
- Submit delivery confirmation and photos of received equipment
- Share installation photos and a brief impact update
- Allow project information to be used for district communications and reporting
Application Requirements
Strong applications explain the ministry challenge clearly, present a realistic equipment and budget plan, and identify measurable outcomes the church expects to see after installation.
Main application components
- Application form with church and leadership contact details
- Tier selection and funding request
- Ministry need statement
- Equipment and use plan
- Two to four measurable outcomes
- Sustainability plan
Required uploads and attachments
- Itemized budget
- Vendor pricing documentation or screenshots
- Match funding plan
- Trustee Board authorization letter or resolution
- Current-state photos of the church’s technology setup
- Supporting church profile and personnel details as required
A
Start with ministry need
Connect the request to a real ministry challenge such as unclear audio, weak livestream quality, or insufficient administrative technology.
B
Build a sustainable plan
Request equipment that works together as a complete system and can be supported locally after the grant period.
C
Name measurable outcomes
Identify what improvement should be visible within 30 to 90 days, such as better audio clarity, more dependable livestreaming, or stronger administration.
Key Program Dates
Churches should review these dates carefully and prepare their documentation early so they can submit a complete application on time.
April 1, 2026 — Applications Open
The application process opens and churches may begin submitting materials.
August 1, 2026 — Applications Close
All required materials should be submitted by the application deadline.
October 17, 2026 — Awards Announced
Selected churches are expected to be announced during the Midwest Refresh Conference.
December 17, 2026 — Equipment Purchase Deadline
Approved equipment should be purchased within the designated post-award window.
January 15, 2027 — Final Documentation Due
All delivery confirmation, installation photos, and impact updates must be submitted.
Download materials and prepare to apply
This page is designed as the central hub for the grant. Churches can download the application packet, review the grant guide, and then complete submission through the official Application.
How to Apply
The webpage provides the information and downloadable materials. The official Application will handle submission of the church’s information and required file uploads.
Before opening the Grant Application
- Select Tier 1 or Tier 2
- Confirm the church’s matching funds
- Gather vendor pricing documents
- Prepare the ministry need statement
- Collect one to three photos of the current setup
- Secure Trustee Board approval documentation
Submission method
Once all materials are ready, use the official Application to submit and upload supporting documents.
Don't forget to attach ALL documents before submitting.
Staff of the LeadForward Program
This is the program leaders and staff supporting the Technology Equipment Matching Grant.
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
Applicants are encouraged to reach out early with questions about documentation, equipment planning, or program expectations. This committee section can also be expanded later with individual bios, contact links, or short role descriptions if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
A few common questions churches may have as they prepare to apply.
What does “matching” mean?
The church and the district contribute the same amount toward the approved equipment plan, dollar-for-dollar, up to the tier maximum.
Do we need Trustee Board approval?
Yes. Applications should include written authorization from the Trustee Board confirming that matching funds have been approved and will be available within the required period.
Do we have to buy from a certain vendor?
The district will purchase approved items on the church’s behalf from reputable vendors. Applicants should provide quotes or screenshots so pricing is clear.
Can a church apply again next year?
Yes. However, repeat awards may be limited so that this grant opportunity can provide broad access across The Midwest.
Will our application score be shared publicly?
No. Scores are not published publicly, but churches not selected may request their score and brief reviewer feedback within the allowed time period after awards are announced.
Questions and Support
Churches are encouraged to reach out early for help shaping an equipment plan, confirming documentation, or understanding the application process.
Program Contact
Email: Email: midwestamez@gmail.com
Program Team:
Rev. Austin J. Young, Program Director
LaTascha Moses, Administrative Assistant
Miah Powell, Financial Assistant
Bishop Daran H. Mitchell, Presiding Bishop
About Lead Forward
Lead Forward is an initiative of the Midwest Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Zion Church focused on building stronger leaders and empowering stronger Indiana churches. Funding for this grant opportunity is provided through the Lead Forward initiative.
View Staff of the LeadForward Program