Mission Grants

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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 and Outreach 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.

First Congregational Church, UCC of Elgin is a covenantal member of the United Church of Christ, and as such will emphasize international partnerships with church bodies also in covenant with the United Church of Christ. We are an ‘Open and Affirming’ Congregation of the United Church of Christ, accepting and advocating for the full inclusion of people who are LGBTQ+ in church and society. In 2025 we expect to emphasize the support of nonprofit groups working in the greater Elgin, and metropolitan Chicago area.

Guidelines

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

  • Applications are to be received by the Mission and Outreach Committee between July 1st and October 1st of 2024. 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, 2024 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.
  • The Mission and Outreach 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.
      • Food and Housing Insecurity
      • Social Justice (including legal services, the rights and needs of people who are LGBTQ+, immigrants, and more)
      • Mental health (including youth, victims of domestic violence and more)
  • -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.

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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.

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First Congregational

United Church of Christ - Elgin, IL

Ministries

Embraces diversity, social justice, and progressive theology. Open and affirming, promoting love, acceptance, and inclusion.

About Us

Want to know more about our Church that started in Elgin founder, James Gifford's cabin? Meet our Church staff and learn more about the structure of First Congregational Church and the United Church of Christ.

Upcoming Events

Our Sunday services, special musical events, Ministry groups and community outreach offer ways to connect with our congregation regularly. Join us!

How We Give

We believe we are called to touch lives not only in our immediate, local community, but also in the larger world in need.

Welcome From Pastor Jesse

Welcome to First Congregational Church of Elgin! I’m so glad you found our website!

One of the important affirmations in the United Church of Christ is, “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”
Are you craving an authentic connection to God? Are you looking for a progressive message about faith and spirituality?
Are you ready for a sense of belonging and involvement? Are you seeking to find meaning in your unanswered questions?

Then FCC Elgin is the place for you!

We’re a spiritual community with a long, rich, diverse heritage here in Elgin for 184+ years. We’re a church that is proudly progressive, intentionally inclusive, and authentically Christian. We honor many paths to God, encourage questions, seek social justice, care for the planet, and welcome LGBTQ individuals and families.

There are many ways to learn more about us and get involved, so please explore our website and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Peace to you in Jesus Christ,

Pastor Jesse Tanner