Mission Grants

The Mission Statement of First Congregational United Church of Christ Elgin, Illinois is “To seek God’s truth, practice Christ’s teachings, and love other unconditionally."

 

Through the identification and use of our diverse gifts, we fulfill a mission of reconciliation, love, and service. We strive to serve the church, the community and the world, through education and spiritual growth, fellowship, sharing the Word, social responsibility and stewardship.

 

Through the generosity and thoughtfulness of Paul & Mildred Jehle via the Paul L. Jehle Trust, the Endowment Fund of First Congregational United Church of Christ has some means to help fulfill this mission. In working to be good stewards of this money, we are seeking members and organizations that have programs with a similar philosophy. The Mission Grants Committee will consider programs/projects for grants which are administered by either religious or secular organizations. We ask that the programs/projects relate to our focus issues for the current year.

Guidelines

 

All Applicants must be current 501 (C) (3) certified Non-profits *

 

-  Applications are to be received by the Mission Grant Committee between July 1st and October 1st of 2023. The Committee will review the requests and notification will be made by mail following the church’s Annual Meeting in late Spring. The majority of Grant Awards will be limited to $15,000.00. No requests exceeding $30,000.00 will be considered. Any applications received after 11:59 PM on October 1, 2023 will be automatically rejected.

 

– If a request is submitted by an individual member of First Congregational United Church of Christ, it must have the endorsement of a Ministry or the Church Council of FCC.

 

– Please remember that NO endowment funds may be used to support the church budget except in dire circumstances and by two-thirds vote of the congregation.

 

– The Mission Grant Committee has selected the following areas of focus, which reflect First Congregational United Church of Christ’s Mission and Ministry. These focus areas will be reviewed from year to year. Please Note focus changes from last year.

 

a. Income Inequality/Poverty

b. Mental Health

c. Senior Citizens

d. Children & Family Empowerment and Education (non-school entities)

 

-All requests will be evaluated in the light of FCC's Mission Statement and it's theological understandings of mission.

Application

 

 

Applicants must be IRS 501(C)(3) not-for-profit organizations. New applicants must submit a copy that is less than 3 years old. Repeating applicants do not need to submit a copy if a copy dated within the last 3 years is on file.

 

Applications can be sent via email to office@fcc-elgin.org, or via USPS mail. Please include answers to the numbered list below:

 

  1. Name of Organization/Project
  2. Name and Title of Contact Person
  3. Address
  4. Phone Number
  5. Email Address
  6. Brief history of the organization
  7. Mission statement of the organization
  8. Description and projected budget of the program or project (please submit a complete budget)
  9. Amount requested
  10. Number of people directly and indirectly benefitted by the program or project
  11. The useful life of the program or project
  12. Indicate any revenue from other sources
  13. Indicate how the program or project addresses the focus issues

 

Applications being mailed, please send to the following address:
First Congregational United Church of Christ

Mission & Outreach Committee
256 E. Chicago St.
Elgin, IL 60120
 

Organizations submitting their application by email, please send application information and materials to office@fcc-elgin.org. Applicants must be IRS 501(C)(3) not-for-profit organizations. Applications missing any of the required information will be automatically rejected from consideration.