Rev. Dr. Terrill N. Murff, Interim Conference Minister for the Illinois Conference, put this information together beautifully:
Applications for the United Church of Christ’s 2026 Justice and Local Church Ministries grants are now open. These grants are designed to support the mission and ministry of local congregations. The application deadline is September 15, 2026.
One significant update this year is the increased CASA grant award. Grantees will receive $25,000 per year in years one and two and may be eligible for an additional $25,000 per year in years three and four through matching funds.
I encourage congregations with innovative ministry ideas and community-focused initiatives to explore this opportunity and consider applying.
The application for the CASA grant is also integrating the Marks for Faithful and Vital Local Churches from the Manual on Local Church.
HELP FOR UNSEEN EXPENSES
Also available is the Operational Support Grant to a Rapid Response grant for local churches dealing with unforeseen one-time expenses. Grants are limited, but Local Churches can apply for up to $5,000 of support. Churches that are facing unforeseen expenses associated with caring for vulnerable persons will be prioritized. These grants are reviewed monthly, and we hope to support churches as they respond to increasing vulnerability of persons in their communities.
All applications are open now at: UCC Program Grants
PROGRAMS AND FOCUS AREAS
The funding programs available and their focus areas include:
Love of Church Rapid Response Grant
This grant supports Local Churches of the United Church of Christ with standing in an Association or Conference of the United Church of Christ through critical funds that 1) secure their ongoing ministry as they encounter unexpected financial burdens (critical infrastructure needing repair or replacement, or a sudden unforeseen increases in rent or operational costs), or 2) support an urgent specific need in the grantee’s outreach ministries. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000, but the final amount depends on available funding.
The NIN Fund is a special mission offering that supports works of justice and compassion throughout the United States. These grants fund projects whose work ranges from direct service to community organizing and advocacy towards systemic change, to transformative cultural initiatives that can be replicated across the denomination. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000.
(Pension) New and Renewing Churches Grant
(2026 application not live yet)
This grant is provided through the United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance (UCBMA), the philanthropic arm of the Pension Boards. UCBMA’s New and Renewed Churches Grant helps small to mid-size churches create a strong foundation for pastoral leadership and sustainability by providing resources to cover medical, vision, and dental expenses. This grant is designed to assist churches with fully covering essential health, dental, and vision costs for their lead pastor.
CASA New and Rebirthing Church Grants (links are below)
The Church Assessment, Support and Advancement (CASA) Program offers new and renewing ministries grant money to successfully establish transformative faith communities with Local Church standing in the United Church of Christ, and financial sustainability for ongoing ministry. Grants are awarded to ministries working in alignment with the purpose, mission, and vision of the United Church of Christ National Ministries: United in Spirit and inspired by God’s grace, we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all, as well as the Marks for Faithful and Vital Local Churches. The 2026 cycle will begin an updated award amount of $25,000 annually. Grantees in years three and four must submit quarterly financial statements and will receive grant funds only to the extent they have raised matching funds, not to exceed the annual award amount of $25,000. For new funding, please use the application here. For continued funding, please use the application here.