Applying for a Chalice Lighter Grant — FAQs
- Purpose of the Grants
- Grant Process
- Preferences given for certain types of grant requests
- Limits on the number of grants Grants Amounts Congregational Requirements Grant Application Form Getting additional information
[ return to top]
Purpose of the Grants
Congregations in the TJ District may apply for assistance in growing and strengthening Unitarian Universalism in their areas. In an effort to encourage congregations to intentionally plan for growth and to experiment with new, modern ways of doing that, the criteria for receiving Chalice Lighter grants have been made extremely flexible. Rather than specific criteria, which congregations must adhere to, the Committee encourages congregations to be creative in their plans for growth.Examples of projects for which grants may be awarded are listed, but they should not be considered proscriptive. Rather, congregations are encouraged to present well planned and creative projects. Congregations must ask for a set amount of money for the proposed projects and demonstrate how such projects are expected to grow and strengthen Unitarian Universalism.
Grants may be made for traditional projects such as: Calling a minister, hiring RE professional, volunteer coordinator, music director, other staff; buying building or land; leasing building or land; constructing new building or renovating existing one; or establishing a campus ministry.
Innovative growth plan examples include: New signage or other ways to increase visibility; innovative adult or youth programming; video broadcasting of program(s); innovative advertising or community relations, including new web sites; satellite or branch church startup; outreach program to enhance diversity in congregation; two or more congregations working together.
The above two lists are meant to serve as examples. The responsibility lies with the congregation to show how its project will enhance Unitarian Universalism.
[ return to top]
Grant Process
During the district’s fiscal year (July 1 through June 30), up to three applications are accepted from congregations followed by calls for funds and the presentation of grants. Over the years the demand for grants has greatly increased and so a congregation’s application may compete with others.Requesting and Submitting a Grant
The congregation recognizes a need, determines if they meet the Chalice Lighter criteria and prepares an application, which they submit to the District office.Selecting a Grant candidate
TJD’s District Executive and Chalice Lighter Committee review the applications with the Chalice Lighter Committee making the final decision.Calling for the Chalice Lighter Pledges
The committee sends Chalice Lighters a self-addressed envelope, a description of the grant request and a deadline date for returning their pledge to the District Office.Awarding the Grant
The Chalice Lighter Committee notifies the congregation that it will receive a grant, the amount and the date the Committee will award the Grant.[ return to top]
Preferences given for certain types of grants
The Committee gives priority to congregations who are:[ return to top]
Limits on the number of grants
Congregations can receive as many as three (3) Chalice Lighter Grants. After receiving a grant, a congregation must wait one year before submitting another application.Grant Amounts
Between 2004 and 2005, TJD Chalice Lighter grants have averaged more than $20,000. No congregation should expect a specific amount because TJD Chalice Lighters are free to choose the calls to which they contribute and how much they contribute.Congregational Requirements
Your congregation must:Grant Application Form
To view and download, click on: Chalice Lighter Grant Application (PDF)
or request a form from the TJD office tjd@uua.org (800) 549-0751