Grants

This fund grows through the unrestricted bequests and other gifts specifically given to this fund.

The amount that can be allocated each year is 3% to 8% of the fund’s market value. Application for grants may be made by synod congregations, agencies, institutions, or rostered leaders in the Southwestern Pa. Synod. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,500. The grants, in no specific order, are for 1) outreach to the local community, 2) Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod ministry/projects, or 3) extraordinary initiative within the organization. Food and meal programs, educational events, and outreach through worship or youth programing were the type of programs/needs that have received grants in past years. If you have questions, please contact Pr. Jeff Schock mef@swpasynod.org, chair of the board.

Application close January 31, 2024.
Notifications will be made in late February.

Ethel L. Verney Fund

The Ethel L. Verney fund was established in 2014 as a result of a $4 million bequest from Ethel L. Verney for “relief and support of people living in poverty” on the territory of the synod.

Over $250,000 are available each year to fund grants to synod ministries that fulfill the bequest’s criteria. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $40,000, although all requests for any amount will be considered. Applying organizations must be ministries of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod – its congregations, agencies, and institutions. Organizations may apply for grants for up to three years in a row with the consideration of the amount requested/received decreasing in successive years. If you have questions about whether your organization qualifies, please contact Pr. Jeff Schock mef@swpasynod.org chair of the board.

Application close January 31, 2024.
Notifications will be made in late February.

2023 Grant Recipient Reports:

Lutheran Church Extension Society

interest-free loans for congregations

The Lutheran Church Extension Society was incorporated in 1893 for the sole purpose of lending money; interest free, to southwestern Pennsylvania area Lutheran congregations for the construction of buildings in which to house them. Now, 130 years later, the Extension Society is still granting interest-free loans to member congregations for new construction, energy conservation, fire and safety projects, and making buildings handicap accessible.

Loans up to $30,000.00 with repayment for up to five years are available; interest-free to member congregations. (Annual membership: $50.00)

Questions concerning whether your project meets the requirements of new construction, energy conservation, fire and safety projects, or for making your building handicap accessible; can be addressed to:

Apostles in Action

for Hunger ministries

“Apostles in Action" is a matching grant for congregation hunger ministries made possible by the legacy bequest of Apostles Lutheran Church in Verona. Administered by the Synod Hunger Elimination and Advocacy Team, five matching grants of up to $500 will be awarded in 2021, with more grants in the years to come.

Applications are now closed for the 2021 grant cycle.