NEMN Synod Micro-Grant Applications
Why Apply for a Micro-Grant
Micro-grants are not just money. They are relationships!
They are forms of companionship, pollinating the care of creation in and beyond our synod. We want to support you. We can meet with you over zoom, or whatever is most helpful. And you will have a story to share! We also want to hear about your project to share your experience with others! Please plan to send pictures and let us know what is happening because of your Micro-Grant . Together we will be companions in this holy work!
Micro-Grant Project Ideas
Grants are available in amounts between $50-$2,000.
Projects in a variety of areas are eligible for funding in pursuit of the following mission goals addressed by EcoFaith Network efforts: worship, education, congregational life, buildings and grounds, community action, and other creation care centered activities.
Sample projects might look like but not be limited to the following:
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Increase community understanding of the relationship between faith in a God of creation and promoting care for creation through worship and biblical/theological reflection;
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Increase community knowledge of specific ways the congregation/organization can honor creation through environmental education;
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Develop and implement “green” ways for people to gather that minimize carbon footprints while nourishing relationships;
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Strengthen congregational/organizational commitment to creation care with policies and practices on their physical site that reflect best practices (e.g. energy audits, recycling, use of solar/wind energy, use of grounds, etc.);
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Nurture congregational/organizational participants to become more engaged with other entities, agencies, and organizations involved in creation care efforts through events, networking, community action, political advocacy, etc.;
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Undertake creation care activities in such areas as:
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Pollinator Projects (including perennial planting, rain gardens, rain barrels)
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Community gardens
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Art that promotes creation care
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Participation in creation care research projects
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Inter-generational creation care ministry with children and youth
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Participation in regional environmental events – e.g. conferences, special events, wilderness encounters and youth ministry creation care efforts.
Micro-Grant Application Questions
Micro-Grant Applications will ask you to provide answers to the following:
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An overall project description and specific goals.
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A description of how the project aligns with the EcoFaith Network’s mission statement and areas of focus as described above: How will the project serve the healing of a wounded creation?
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A brief description of the implementation process and a timeline of the project.
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Tell us how this project will benefit the congregational/organizational community and the wider community.
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If there are environmental impacts to be addressed, tell us how this will occur.
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What are the potential risks or unknowns involved in this project?
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Please provide an itemized description of project expenses and funding sources.
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Briefly describe the congregational/organizational fiscal host responsible for the financial management of grant funds.