BWC Ministries Grants & Awards

BWC Ministries provides mission and ministry-related grants and awards to Baltimore-Washington United Methodist Churches, organizations, and/or related agencies. These grants are solely for the use of ministries based in the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church and are made possible through apportionment giving, individual giving, grants partnerships and some Sunday offerings. Final grant awards are based on the following:

  • Availability of funds;
  • Ability to further the mission of the United Methodist Church through one or more of our strategic focus areas; and,
  • Adherence to the procedures listed in the Guidelines for Funding Requests (see Guidelines) and alignment with the provided guidelines.

 

Quick Links

Spiritual Leader Development

Spiritual Leader Development supports the development of mature Jesus followers (lay and clergy) who know their purpose and use their gifts to build up the body of Christ for the transformation of the world. 

  • Ministerial Education Fund (MEF) - The MEF grant exists to assist in the education, formation and training of future United Methodist clergy within the Baltimore-Washington Conference by:
    • Alleviating some of the financial strain related to seminary education, where such pressure may well prevent a ministerial candidate from obtaining the necessary education.
    • Reducing the necessity for too much employment while in school, thus allowing more time for study.
    • Alleviating debt during seminary in exchange for five years of full-time service in the United Methodist connection in appointments approved by a United Methodist Bishop (para. 816a).

In order to become eligible for MEF funds, one needs to have become a Certified Candidate in the ordination process. Please visit the BWC Board of Ordained Ministry page for details on how to begin this process, as well as for more details on how to apply for an MEF grant.

New Faith Expressions

New Faith Expressions encourage evangelism and the creation of diverse, multicultural third places with and for people who aren’t currently connected to any faith community.

  • The Harry Denman Evangelism Award honors United Methodists in each annual conference whose exceptional ministry of evangelism - expressed in Word (what), Sign (why), and Deed (how) - brings people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. What distinguishes a Harry Denman Evangelism Award recipient is the commitment to consistently introduce others to the Good News of Jesus Christ in all ministry settings. Their ministry is exceptional for the number of new Christ Followers who credit encounters with this person as critical in helping to start or reignite their faith journey. We will recognize one clergy, one layperson, and one youth. Nominations are due April 1.
  • Congregational Development Grants assist congregations with grants for new ministry, new or renewed congregation development, and leader development.  Applications are due April 1 (Spring Cycle) or October 1 (Fall Cycle).

Young People’s Ministry

Young People’s Ministry invite, inspire and strengthen youth and young adult skilled servant workers in local congregations, campuses, camps, and mission fields of the annual conference. 

  • Camperships are financial scholarships that enable churches to send children and youth to one of the Baltimore-Washington Conference summer camp programs.  These are available on a first-come-first-served basis from March 1-June 15. Apply now.  Increase our ability to ensure every child can afford to go to camp--donate today.
  • The United Methodist Church Scholarship Program provides scholarships to help supplement the financial needs of today. Scholarships are for undergraduate students enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university in the United States. Applications are due March 13. 
  • Missional Innovation Grants for Young People's Ministry. Up to $5,000 awarded to a team of persons, at least one of who is connected to a United Methodist faith community, that helps us make progress on one or more of the goals in our strategic plan. Applications are due November 1.  Learn about previous winners or apply now.

Advocacy & Action

Advocacy & Action partners with communities so that we join in advocating to transform systems that disenfranchise, marginalize, and oppress and to create a BWC presence on urgent policy matters at local, state and national levels.

  • BWC Peace with Justice Grants for up to $2,000 is made possible by the annual Peace with Justice Offering. 50% of this offering is retained for local Peace with Justice ministry and the rest of it is made available for denomination-wide work. Peace with Justice witnesses to God's demand for a faithful, just, disarmed, and secure world. Applications due May 1.
  • Missional Innovation Grants for Advocacy and Action up to $5,000 awarded to a team of persons at least one of whom is connected to a United Methodist faith community that has a tested idea to address an aspect of a system of oppression and/or injustice in collaboration with impoverished, marginalized and disenfranchised communities.  Applications are due November 1. Learn about previous winners or apply now.

Wellness & Mission (formerly Abundant Health)

Wellness and Mission mobilizes individuals and teams to address human need and create abundant health and wholeness for all.

  • Missional Innovation Grants for Abundant Health: up to $5,000 awarded to a team of persons, at least one of whom is connected to a United Methodist faith community, that has a tested idea to educate and support individuals in making it priority to improve health holistically (physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally) for themselves, their congregations, and their communities - including those that are impoverished, marginalized, disenfranchised, and/or recovering from disaster. Applications due November 1. Learn about previous winners or apply now.
  • Hunger and Poverty Grants for Appalachia: Grants must be used for projects within the geographic region of Appalachia and that serve a majority of Appalachian people. Please contact UMAMN if you have questions about the Appalachian region. Grants cannot be used for agency/ministry operating expenses but may be used for non-agency/ministry resource persons. Priority will be given to projects that address causes and barriers related to hunger and poverty. Projects must be church-related – local, district, conference, or ecumenical (must have active United Methodist involvement.

Finance Grants and Loans

The Baltimore-Washington Conference board of trustees can provide financial assistance to congregations with building loans and grants for emergency facility maintenance and for facility renovations to develop a new ministry provided the church/charge/ministry can demonstrate the ability to repay the loan.  Building grants and loans are generally one-time awards.