Ministry Exploration and Mentoring Projects for Young Adults

FTE provides support to young leaders interested in exploring ministry as a vocation and connects them with congregations within communities they want to serve. Young adults are given the chance to expand their view of what they might do through the church, learn more about innovative ecclesial models of ministry, and create a meaningful mentoring relationship.

Award Amount: $1,000 grant per person to develop a Ministry Exploration and Mentoring Project

Geographic Scope: US and Canada

Eligibility:

• Must be between ages 18-30
• Must be exploring Christian ministry
• Must have either:
  • Attended an FTE Young Adult event or retreat, OR
  • Completed an FTE online course for young adults
• Must be a US citizen, Canadian citizen, or permanent resident of either country

Project Requirements:

• Project must be carried out and completed within 13 months of application
• Must identify a mentor/sponsoring organization to assist in exploration
• Can collaborate with other discernment retreat and Christian Leadership Forum participants

Eligible Uses of Funds:

• Travel expenses
• Books and materials
• Registration fees
• Related expenses
• Virtual meal expenses (e.g., e-gift cards for food delivery)

Ineligible Uses:

• Equipment purchases
• Philanthropic purposes

Project Types:

1. The Pilgrimage: Visit several pastoral leaders and/or communities doing the type of ministry of interest
2. The Mini-Internship: Explore ministry alongside one pastoral leader/community
3. Connecting with Ministry Networks: Participate in network gatherings or training focused on specific ministry aspects
4. Learning More About a Topic: Explore a cause or specific intervention congregations could use

Post-Award Requirements:

• Submit brief report form questionnaire within one month of project completion
• Submit budget/expense statement detailing fund usage

Physical Address: WeWork Decatur, Floor 4, 120 West Trinity Place, Decatur, GA 30030

Mailing Address: 2870 Peachtree Rd NW Suite 915 #7080, Atlanta, GA 30305

Application Process

Application Opening: May 1, 2026

Application Deadline: November 2, 2026

Award Notification: Recipients will be notified within 40 days of the application deadline

Required Application Materials

A complete application includes:

1. Identified Mentor/Sponsoring Organization
   • Must be identified and contacted before application
   • Organization will assist in applicant's exploration of ministry
2. Grant Application Form
   • Answers to provided questions
   • Explanation of ministry exploration and mentoring project idea
   • Explanation of how the $1,000 will support project implementation
3. Budget Items
   • Itemized budget for the project
   • Limited to travel expenses, books, materials, registration fees, and related expenses
   • Cannot include equipment purchases or philanthropic purposes
4. Photograph
   • High-resolution photograph of applicant
   • No selfies
5. Optional Supporting Materials
   • Additional documentation, photos, or videos to assist selection committee

Application Notes

• Applicants can save and return the application before submission
• If awarded, changes to project budget and proposal plan can be made with FTE approval
• FTE is flexible and willing to partner to revise plans if circumstances change (e.g., COVID-19)
• FTE staff encourages applicants to discuss ideas before completing application