Mission Grants

Synod mission grants assist congregations and UCA entities to fund mission and ministry programs, and capital works projects. These grants come from a combination of bequests, specific purpose funds and general Synod funds (Mission and Service Giving and interest on investments).

Each approved program is carefully matched to funding sources according to specific parameters. Great care is taken to ensure the money adheres to the approved purpose and fund criteria. Any part of a grant which is not used for the approved purpose is returned for redistribution.

Grant programs are generally held annually, unless advised otherwise, and approved through the Mission Grants Executive committee.

Application forms and supporting material are available at the bottom of this page to assist UCA congregations, regional clusters and presbyteries in discussing relevant projects and funding applications.

 

Grants for Mission or Ministry Programs

Each year, grants may be offered to support specific ministry or mission programs. These are available for a period of up to five years, as nominated, to be paid in monthly instalments. The program is applicable to congregations, parish missions, regional clusters and presbyteries.

The grants are funding from the following sources:

• Mission Grant Fund
• Trusts, Bequests and Designated Funds

Application forms will be available in March each year. Completed applications are submitted via presbytery in June and to the Grants Coordinator in July.

A Grants Panel formed by the Mission Grants Executive will consider the proposals in August, and applicants will be advised of the outcome in October before the grant takes effect the following January.

For congregations and parish missions, please note applications must be reviewed and endorsed by the relevant presbytery before submission. Applicants are strongly encouraged to work closely with their presbytery from the early stages of the application so that the relevant Presbytery committee has a comprehensive understanding of the proposal. Presbyteries generally require applications be submitted in June to allow sufficient time for endorsement.

Successful applicants will be required to provide annual program evaluations to keep the Mission Grants Executive informed of the program’s progress and continuing viability, so that any learnings may be applied to future grant programs.  Evaluation reports are also required for compliance purposes for several funding Trusts and Bequests.

For this grant, complete either the following

• Mission Grant Form (Ministry or Mission Program) – Mission Grant Fund
• Mission Grant Form (Ministry or Mission Program) – Trusts and Bequests

 

Grants for Capital Works Programs

Each year, grants are offered to assist mission-focused building projects and are available to be accessed for a period of up to 2 years only, beginning the January after approval. Funds are drawn down as required to either pay the service provider directly or reimburse the UCA entity. The program is applicable to congregations, parish missions, regional clusters and presbyteries.

The grants are funded from the following sources:

• Capital Works Fund
• Heritage Building Fund

Application forms will be available in March each year. Completed applications are submitted via presbytery in June, and are due to the Grants Coordinator in July.

A Grants Panel appointed by the Mission Grants Executive will consider the proposals in August, and applicants will be advised of the outcome in October before the grant takes effect the following January.

For congregations and parish missions, please note applications must be reviewed and endorsed by the relevant presbytery before submission. Applicants are strongly encouraged to work closely with their presbytery from the early stages of the application so that the relevant Presbytery committee has a comprehensive understanding of the proposal. Presbyteries generally require applications be submitted in June to allow sufficient time for endorsement.

It is essential that applicants also work closely with Synod Property Services when developing the project scope and costings before applying. All projects require separate approval of the details of the building project by the Property and Operations Committee or its delegated authority, the Property Applications Review Team (PART). It is recommended that the Property Services form, Form 1 Getting Started is completed and submitted prior to seeking a grant.

For more information on the property approval process, go to our Property page.

Successful applicants will be required to provide annual program evaluations to keep the Mission Grants Executive informed of the project’s progress and continuing viability, so that any learnings may be applied to future grant programs.  Evaluation reports are also required for compliance purposes for several funding Trusts and Bequests.

All approved programs are carefully matched to funding sources according to specific parameters so it is imperative the grant adheres to the approved purpose and criteria.

For this grant, completed the Mission Grant Form (Capital Works)

 

Grants for Small Mission Projects

Grants of up to $5,000 may be available to UCA congregations, to assist small mission projects that will be an outreach to or build community, provide educational opportunities, or are an innovative expression of worship. Grants may be considered for start-up funding for short to medium term mission projects.
Application forms will be available in March each year. Completed applications are submitted via presbytery in June and to the Grants Coordinator in July.
A Grants Panel appointed by the Mission Grants Executive will consider the proposals in August, and applicants will be advised of the outcome in October. Successful grants will be paid by November.
For this grant, complete the Small Grants for Small Mission Projects Form

 

Grants for Camping Events

Grants may be available from the Camping Fund, to assist a congregation, UCA entity or individual with up to half the cost of holding or participating in a camping event that fosters hospitality, refreshment, wonder, a connection with nature, and is an intentional expression of temporary community. Applications are to be considered regularly throughout the year by the Mission Grants Executive.
Completed applications are to be submitted directly to the Grants Coordinator. The proposals are considered by the Mission Grants Executive.
This is a new grant program, and as such the Mission Grants Executive may require additional information in addition to that provided with the initial form. Applications will be available from April.
For this grant, complete the Camping Fund Grant Form

 

Need help

Contact our grants coordinator, Natalie Brown, on (03) 9116 1960 or grants@victas.uca.org.au
Please refer to the appendix of each application for further details regarding the eligibility criteria and implementation processes for the related grant type.

 

Related Documents

Application forms for 2025 will be available here in March.