COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grants (Historic/Concluded)

COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grants

Funder: Partnership between Florida United Methodist Foundation ($250,000) and Florida Conference ($350,000), totaling $600,000

Program Period: 2020-2021 (during COVID-19 pandemic)

Geographic Scope: Florida United Methodist Conference churches

Award Details:

• Total program funding: $600,000
• Individual grants ranged from $3,000 to $40,000
• 36 churches received grants

Eligible Applicants:

• Churches within the Florida United Methodist Conference
• Churches experiencing specific needs triggered by the pandemic

Allowable Uses:

• Technology infrastructure and upgrades
• Hybrid worship capabilities (cameras, soundboards, computers, live-streaming equipment)
• Website updates
• Online giving infrastructure
• Outreach and mission programs
• Benevolence programs
• Support for children, youth, and family ministries
• Emergency assistance programs (food, rent assistance, transportation)

Application Process:

• Churches applied for grants and explained intended use
• District superintendents reviewed and recommended recipients
• Funds distributed based on demonstrated pandemic-related needs

Background:

• Established to ease financial stress for churches during COVID-19 pandemic
• Part of broader strategy to help churches survive pandemic and emerge stronger
• Foundation commitment to support churches when facing overwhelming circumstances

Contact Information:

• Florida United Methodist Foundation Inc
• 450 Martin L. King Jr. Ave.
• Lakeland, FL 33815
• Toll Free: 866.363.9673
• Local: 863.904.2970
• Website: fumf.org

Application Process (Historic - No Longer Available)

1. Application Submission
   • Churches submitted grant applications
   • Applications included explanation of how funds would be used
   • Described pandemic-related needs and challenges
2. Review and Recommendation
   • District superintendents reviewed applications
   • Made recommendations for grant recipients
3. Award Notification
   • Grant amounts distributed based on demonstrated needs
   • Ranged from $3,000 to $40,000 per church

Note: This was a one-time emergency program concluded in 2021. No longer accepting applications.