The New England Conference Board of Trustees, through the Anthony Gardner Fund, awards grants to churches for various building projects as well as some emergency repairs.
The grants, which are awarded in consultation with the Cabinet, are decided six times a year (or when emergencies are presented): the second Saturday of January, March, May, July, September and November. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Grant amounts vary, but requests up to $5,000 will be considered. Receipt of a grant request does not automatically entitle a church to an award. The grant application can be found below or through the Form Finder http://www.neumc.org/forms
Grants support emergencies and handicapped accessibility projects not funded by other agencies and other Committees within the Conference.
Grants potentially cover lead paint, asbestos removal, radon and oil tanks; handicapped accessibility to churches, not parsonages is fundable. (Parsonage handicap accessibility grants are available by request in compliance with Resolution 123.)
Grants can be used to cover general support ordered by code enforcement officials, emergency lighting and sprinklers. Nursery schools are the responsibility of churches that receive donations in exchange for space. Church-run nurseries may be considered under certain conditions.
Emergencies that are the result of neglect or deferred maintenance are not eligible for grant funding. Churches are responsible for maintaining, preventing and planning for emergencies and projects that are related to the age and stage of disrepair of their church items.
Building for growth is not covered because other agencies and committees have funds for such. Loans for such purposes are available through the Foundation and Conference Trustees. (The Trustee Loan Application can be found through the Form Finder http://www.neumc.org/forms). Click here to learn more about the loan program.
Grants do not fund parking lots, land or additions. Grants are not awarded for boilers, roofs, electrical systems, bell towers, stained glass, plumbing and sewage.
Complete the Trustee Grant Application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
The church should then forward the completed application to Nancy Bouchard at
Contact Bouchard via email or 508-328-8839 with questions.