Trinity Lutheran Church of Chelmsford is pleased to offer its members, its local and global communities the opportunity to receive micro-grants to help fund initiatives intended to care for the world and its inhabitants. Our faith calls us to share the grace and blessings given by God with others.
Award Categories
The Endowment Fund can be used to support four categories as defined in the church’s governing documents. Your request must identify the specific category. Broadly, these are:
Community Outreach is the church’s public expression of God’s grace turned outward to respond to local needs while respecting the humanity and agency of every person. For outreach into the community including, but not limited to, grants to ELCA colleges, seminaries, social service agencies, institutions and agencies to which this congregation relates, and to special programs designed for those persons in our parish area who are in spiritual and/or economic need. Examples include food ministries, clothing programs, community meal programs, and advocacy for housing, hunger relief, racial equity, environmental stewardship, and other systemic concerns.
Missions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America at home and overseas, including, but not limited to, grants to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for new mission development in North America, professional leadership, educational ministries, world mission, the World Hunger Appeal, and ecumenism, TV evangelism, and capital financing. These missions share the gospel through service, justice, and accompaniment, working alongside communities to address hunger, poverty, disaster, and systemic injustice while supporting congregations, leaders, and ministries that foster spiritual growth and community well‑being. Examples include programs like “God’s Work. Our Hands.”, ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), AMMPARO (Accompanying Migrants with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities) and Mission Support.
Capital improvements, debt reduction, or a building program of Trinity Lutheran Church are investments that strengthen the long‑term infrastructure and sustainability of the physical ministry space so that we have a safe, functional, and welcoming space to live out our response to God’s gift of grace. This can include renovating or expanding worship areas, upgrading accessibility features, repairing or replacing essential systems like roofing, heating, or electrical work, or constructing new facilities that support community ministries such as kitchens, classrooms, or fellowship spaces. Debt reduction efforts fall into this category when they free the congregation from financial burdens tied to past construction or major repairs, allowing more resources to be directed toward mission and ministry.
Scholarships or grants to members of Trinity Lutheran Church provide support to individuals in their educational, vocational, or ministry‑related pursuits, helping remove financial barriers that might limit personal or professional growth. Examples include tuition assistance for adults with college or seminary, continuing education, certification programs, School of Lay Ministry, participation in mission trips, leadership training, or other.
Timing
The Endowment Committee will meet quarterly to review grant requests. Grant requests are due in January, May, August, and October. Award decisions will be made in February, June, September, and November and communicated to applicants thereafter.
Complete the online form: https://forms.gle/TvKchemk5cpdbFDKA
How much can your organization expect to receive?
As it is said: “Many small streams make a mighty river.” At this point in time the total award available for each of the four categories is approximately $1,000 each year (across all quarters). As the Endowment Fund grows, grant amounts should also grow.
What to expect after you apply
Once your request has been submitted, the email used on the application should receive a copy of your submission. A copy will also be sent to the Endowment Committee. If the committee members have questions, one may reach out via email or telephone. Otherwise your request will be considered in the appropriate quarter. The committee usually meets in February, June, September, and November. Once a decision is made, one of the committee members will let you know the outcome.
For more information, please contact Pastor Erica Kennedy at pastor@trinity-chelmsford.org