National Clergy Renewal Grant Program

National Clergy Renewal Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Lilly Endowment Inc
Amount: Up to US $60,000
Last Updated: December 02, 2025

Summary

The National Clergy Renewal Grant Program, administered by Lilly Endowment, aims to enrich Christian congregations through renewal and reflection. This program allows pastors to temporarily step away from daily parish obligations to engage in intentional exploration, spiritual rejuvenation, and creative ministry renewal. It emphasizes the importance of these periods as opportunities for deep reflection and regaining enthusiasm, rather than mere vacations. This initiative seeks to sustain the quality of ministry in American congregations.

Overview

Seeking to strengthen Christian congregations through renewal and reflection Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs are administered by the Center for Pastoral Excellence at Christian Theological Seminary. Through its religion grantmaking, Lilly Endowment, an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation, seeks to deepen and enrich the lives of American Christians. It does this largely through initiatives to enhance and sustain the quality of ministry in American congregations and parishes. To this end, National and Indiana Clergy Renewal Programs provide an opportunity for pastors to step away briefly from the persistent obligations of daily parish life and engage in a period of renewal and reflection. Renewal periods are not vacations but times for intentional exploration and reflection, for drinking again from God’s life-giving waters, for regaining enthusiasm and creativity for ministry. National and Indiana Clergy Renewal Programs provide opportunities for pastors to step away briefly from the persistent obligations of daily parish life, and to engage in a period of intentional renewal and reflection. Renewal periods are not vacation times. They are spaces created for spiritual exploration and reflection, for drinking again from God’s life-giving waters, for regaining enthusiasm and creativity for ministry.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.

Application Details

CLERGY
2025 Lilly
Endowment
RENEWAL
PROGRAM
National

What Will Make
Your Heart Sing?
3 PURPOSE Welcome to the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program! We are
grateful for your interest in our program and encourage you to read
carefully through this Request for Proposals as you discern whether
7 WRITING
your congregation will submit a proposal to support a renewal leave
for your pastor.
12 SUBMISSION
“What will make your heart sing?” It is a simple question, but one that
14 CHECKLIST holds profound possibilities for renewing the ministries of pastors and
congregations. Drawing on the wisdom of “sabbath” rest traditions
within scripture and the life of the church, Clergy Renewal Programs
15 FORMS
seek to provide opportunities for pastors and congregations to explore
this question together and design programs to help their pastors
reconnect with their deep roots and sources of joy in ministry and in
life. We believe that when pastors have the opportunity to step away
from their congregations and engage in activities that make their
hearts sing, the whole church benefits.
2 2025 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program at Christian Theological Seminary

“It was a spiritual experience—one that leaves me permanently
affected and marked. I can never have that taken away from me. It
has changed who I am: to trust, relax, share, and celebrate more.”
— Past Clergy Renewal Grant Recipient
3 PURPOSE
PROGRAM PURPOSE Renewal leaves can take many forms as each congregation
and pastor uniquely answer the question, “What will make your
heart sing?” One pastor traveled to South Africa to immerse
The Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program at
herself in contemplation of reconciliation and forgiveness in
Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) seeks to strengthen
action. Another pastor remained close to home but spent
Christian congregations by providing opportunities for their
time engaging in art, rekindling creativity in his being. From
pastors to step away briefly from the demands of daily parish
the Holy Land to the holy spaces in pastors’ lives, clergy and
life and engage in a period of renewal and reflection.
their congregations have used these grants to rejuvenate their
hearts’ songs, to the benefit of their shared ministries.
We recognize that clergy take on a variety of pastoral roles
within their congregations: preacher, teacher, spiritual guide,
Together the Endowment and CTS believe in the profound
counselor, friend, confidant. The demands of ministry can feel
importance of pastoral ministry, not only to the people directly
relentless. Keeping pace with these demands can be tiring.
served, but also to the larger community and society. We
Drawing on practices of sabbath rest, we recognize that pastors
celebrate the wonderful diversity of U.S. congregations in terms
occasionally need time to replenish their spiritual reservoirs
of their size, locale, culture, language, and more. And so, we are
and regain energy and strength for their calling. Sabbath rest
committed to offering these programs in ways that make them
includes time for pastors to renew themselves physically,
as accessible as possible to the wide variety of congregations
emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.
as they pursue faithful ministry. We warmly invite proposals
from congregations on behalf of the broad spectrum of
Clergy renewal periods are not vacations; rather, they provide
ordained pastors, whether full-time, part-time, multi-vocational,
opportunities for discovering what will make the pastor’s
senior, associate, and so on.
heart sing through well-planned purposeful activities. Renewal
leaves allow for times of intentional exploration, reflection, and
regaining enthusiasm and creativity for ministry. Life-giving
experiences—strengthening relationships, renewing a sense of
call, meeting and serving the neighbor in a new way, finding
joy and purpose in a simplified life, traveling to new lands and
unfamiliar territories, creating opportunities where members
of the congregation can exercise their gifts for ministry— are
common themes of these renewal times. Profound discoveries
that pastors and their congregations describe as “life-changing
events” occur as they participate in this program.
2025 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program at Christian Theological Seminary 3

THE CLERGY Eligibility
Christian congregations that meet the following criteria are
RENEWAL GRANTS
eligible to submit proposals for a clergy renewal leave for
their pastors:
PROGRAM
•
Christian congregations must be in one of the 49 states
(other than Indiana), Washington, DC, or Puerto Rico.
The Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program
•
Clergy must be serving as pastoral leaders in congregation-
at Christian Theological Seminary is a competitive grants
al ministry, whether part-time, full-time, or bi-vocational.
program open to Christian congregations in United States
•
and Puerto Rico that have an ordained pastor who serves Clergy must hold ordination at the time the proposal is
in parish ministry and can envision this program as a means submitted and be a member in good standing with their
of renewing their commitment to the congregation and to denomination or, for congregations independent of denom-
ordained ministry. It is designed for those congregations and inational affiliation, their ordaining ecclesial network.
pastors who have a strong relationship with one another, a •
Clergy must hold Master of Divinity degrees or equivalents
high degree of mutual trust and support, and are eager to see
or, clergy without Master of Divinity degrees must be in
their relationship strengthened and renewed for future ministry
good standing with their ordaining body and demonstrate a
together. Congregations may request a total maximum award
strong record of congregational service and commitment to
of $60,000. Of that amount, up to $20,000 may be allocated
ongoing education/professional development.
to the congregational budget for costs associated with fulfilling
Please note: The Clergy Renewal Program is designed to
pastoral duties during the pastor’s absence and for activities
support pastors serving local congregations and parishes. Thus,
that renew the congregation in its ministry. However, there is no
CTS cannot accept proposals to support renewal programs for
cap on the budget for the pastor’s renewal leave activities. If the
clergy serving on military bases or for chaplains in colleges,
congregation chooses not to budget grant funds for expenses
universities, hospitals, prisons, or with para-church ministries.
it will incur during the pastor’s absence, the full $60,000 may
be applied to the pastor’s budget.
If you have questions about whether your congregation is
eligible for this program, please contact CTS before submitting
Congregational leaders and the pastor should work together to
a proposal.
design the renewal program. They will agree on 1) the structure
of the program, 2) the pastor’s activities during the program, 3)
congregational renewal activities during the pastor’s leave, and
“We believe three to four
4) how the pastor and congregation will share their experiences
and insights with one another when the renewal leave months is a good time period
concludes. The congregation will submit the proposal to CTS.
for a sabbatical. It is long
Clergy Renewal grant proposals are due March 12, 2025.
enough to get into a different
Awards in the National Clergy Renewal Program will be
announced on August 29, 2025. Please wait until after this date rhythm, but not so long as to feel
before inquiring about a decision.
disconnected from the church.”
CTS plans to award as many as 180 grants to congregations
— Past Clergy Renewal Grant Recipient
who submit the most outstanding proposals.
4 2025 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program at Christian Theological Seminary

•
Grant Parameters The Clergy Renewal Program cannot be used as a fellow-
ship program for work toward an academic degree. Some
In preparing proposals for Clergy Renewal grants, CTS
part of the proposed program may include travel for the
encourages congregations to attend to the following:
purpose of research or directed study. However, if plans
• The maximum renewal grant award is $60,000. The Cler- are strictly dedicated to the pursuit of an academic degree,
gy Renewal Program is intended to be flexible. Requests for applicants are advised to find support elsewhere.
any amount up to $60,000 (including the full amount) are
•
Congregations with married co-pastors may submit a
welcome; the key is to give a compelling rationale for the
joint proposal. However, clergy couples serving different
total request. Each congregation is encouraged to request
congregations must submit separate proposals with their
an amount that best fits its unique situation. Congregations
may allocate up to $20,000 of the maximum award to the respective congregations. Each spouse may include the
Congregational Budget to cover expenses for pulpit supply, other, as desired, in their individual renewal program plans.
events related to the pastor’s leave-taking and return, or Congregations with multiple ordained pastors who are not
events designed to renew the congregation in its ministry. spouses may submit a proposal for only one pastor in a
• program year.
A total leave time of at least 3 months, either continuous
or in shorter leaves, is encouraged. Renewal leaves may • Congregations that previously received a Clergy Renewal
be taken all at one time or as multiple shorter leaves of at
grant may submit a proposal for a different pastor. A sub-
least two weeks each. The leave must begin in 2026, no
sequent proposal may be submitted for consideration when
earlier than January 1. However, applicants have through
these three conditions are met:
December 31, 2027, to complete their proposed program.
Whether planned as a single block of time or several, it is 1. After the first pastor and the congregation have com-
encouraged that the pastor’s total time away adds up to at pleted their renewal program and
least 3 months.
2. Three years will have elapsed between the time the
• The congregation must continue the pastor’s salary and previous pastor’s renewal program ended and the next
benefits during the renewal leave. By submitting a proposal, pastor’s renewal program would begin and
the congregation confirms this intent. Similarly, by submit-
3. If all final reporting requirements have been satisfacto-
ting a proposal, the congregation and pastor affirm their
rily met.
intent for the pastor to continue serving the congregation
for at least one year after the renewal program concludes. • Pastors in the National Clergy Renewal program may bene-
• fit from a Clergy Renewal grant only once in their lifetime.
Clergy Renewal grants are made to the congregations,
not the Leave-taking Pastors, and are not portable. If at any
point the pastor intended to benefit from the grant should
“Having a theme to my
leave their staff position with the congregation, all grant
related activities and expenditures must cease, any unspent sabbatical was very helpful; I
funds returned to CTS, and a final financial accounting for all
was able to travel with a sense
expenditures provided to CTS. Similarly, if the Leave-taking
Pastor should receive a call to serve another congregation of integration and purpose.”
or otherwise leave their staff position with the congregation
— Past Clergy Renewal Grant Recipient
after submitting a proposal, the proposal should be with-
drawn.
2025 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program at Christian Theological Seminary 5

Selection Procedures RESOURCES FOR
Because this is a competitive initiative, CTS receives many
APPLICANTS
more proposals than it is able to fund. Clergy Renewal grant
selection procedures are designed so that each proposal
receives full consideration and attention. An impartial panel During the 25 years since the Clergy Renewal Program’s
will review the proposals. The size of the request will not be a inception, both Lilly Endowment and Christian Theological
determining factor unless—in the best judgment of the panel— Seminary have learned a great deal about what congregations
the amount requested is inadequate or unrealistic to fulfill the and pastors value in this program.
renewal program described in the proposal.
CTS encourages applicants to review the documents “What
What are the selection criteria? Makes a High-Quality Proposal?” and “Grace Notes” available
• for download from our website (see below). These documents
Clearly articulated vision for what will make the pastor’s
offer wisdom and advice from previous grant recipients that
heart sing.
can stimulate your creative thinking and provide helpful
•
Leave-taking Pastor’s program balances time for rest and
advice on the practical aspects of designing and submitting
reflection with travel, activities, and time spent connecting
a proposal. The most recent Information Webinar can also be
with others.
found on the Resources page in the Clergy Renewal Playlist
•
Budgets are realistic and well-researched. section. Please note, CTS does not provide examples of
• previously successful Clergy Renewal grant proposals.
Evidence of broad congregational awareness of and sup-
port for submitting the proposal. Congregational approval •
Visit LillyClergyRenewal.org > For Grant Seekers
must be confirmed before submitting the proposal. Such
•
approval may take different forms depending on the con- For a guide to planning clergy renewal programs, prospec-
gregation’s polity, size, etc. The goal is to ensure that, if the tive applicants may be interested in the following print
proposal is selected, the grant will be accepted and well-re- resources:
ceived by the congregation. •
Clergy Renewal: The Alban Guide to Sabbatical
• Proposals will be evaluated in terms of the renewal pro- Planning, published by the Alban Institute.
gram’s feasibility, coherence, creativity, and potential bene- •
Journeying Toward Renewal, also published by
fits to the congregation and pastor.
the Alban Institute.
•
Planning Sabbaticals: A Guide for Congregations
and their Pastors, published by Chalice Press.
“Approach the renewal program slowly and thoughtfully,
incorporating as much of the church family as possible so that
everyone feels a part of the planning and the process. Make
it celebrative. Be clear that it is not added ‘vacation’ time but
renewal time.”
— Past Clergy Renewal Grant Recipient
6 2025 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program at Christian Theological Seminary

7 WRITING
Writing the
Proposal
Preparing a Clergy Renewal grant proposal is intended as an Additional Information Form: Fill out the information
occasion for joyful discernment and collaboration between the requested using the Additional Information Form. If the
congregation and Leave-taking Pastor as they consider what congregation’s exact founding date is unknown, provide your
will make their collective hearts sing. For this reason, CTS does best estimate of the month and year, or year only, if necessary.
not encourage use of professional grant writers from outside For number of members and average number at worship,
the congregation. please use one number and not a number range (ex.: 112, not
110-115).
Please be aware that, where required, signatures must be
provided by signing a printed and completed copy of the form, Outline of Renewal Form: Fill out the information requested
also referred to as ink or “wet” signatures. CTS cannot accept using the Outline of Renewal Form. Provide a chronological
e-signatures, script fonts used as signatures, or image files outline of the pastor’s proposed renewal program as described
pasted into the document. in detail in the Proposal Narrative. In providing the outline,
be sure to include all time intended as renewal leave such
A complete proposal includes the proposal narrative, budget
as time at home, activities, tours, and travels, noting other
narratives, provided forms, and requested documentation.
travel companions as appropriate. Indicate the amount of time
Refer to the Checklist on page 14 for the correct order in which
represented by each row in the Time column. For example, “3w,
to submit the proposal. Fillable versions of the forms are
4d”, or “6d”. Because this form is intended to be an outline, it is
available for download from the Grant Seekers section of our
permissible to indicate date ranges for plans that cover multiple
Resources page.
days or weeks in the Date column. Remember to include the
year since the program can span more than one year.
Proposal Elements
Contacts Form: Fill out the information requested using the
Contacts Form. For the congregation’s general email address,
“I think the most significant
please provide an email different from that of the Leave-taking
Pastor. The Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit thing I have learned from
number issued by the Internal Revenue Service that appears in
my renewal experience is
the following format: XX-XXXXXXX. The dollar amount entered
for the Total Amount Requested should equal the combined how necessary are larger
totals from each of the two budget worksheets. When selecting
blocks of time off in order
a Congregational Representative, please keep the following
to nurture my inner being
criteria in mind:
• so that I feel fit and healthy
Must be a lay leader authorized to represent the congrega-
tion as a contact person during the grant period. inside as well as outside.”
•
Cannot be a relative of the Leave-taking Pastor or other
— Past Clergy Renewal Grant Recipient
pastor or paid staff person from the congregation.
2025 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program at Christian Theological Seminary 7

Proposal Narrative: Write a three-part Proposal Narrative that 6. Tell us how the congregation plans to honor the program’s
provides the information requested in Parts A, B, and C. expectation for minimal contact between the congregation
and pastor during renewal leave periods. Have responsible
Please follow these formatting guidelines: parties been identified? What plans are in place and which
•
10-page limit for Parts A-C leaders have been identified and empowered for deci-
• Number each response with the part and question number, sion-making and leadership during the pastor’s leave time?
example: A1 or B3
7. Give a description of the process by which the congregation
•
1-inch margins made the decision to submit a proposal. Provide a detailed
•
Double spaced description of the process by which the congregation was
•
12 pt. font in Times New Roman or similar serif font made aware of and given opportunity to express support
•
Number pages beginning at 1 for engaging the program.
•
If printing and mailing your proposal, print on only 1 side
8. Is there anything else you would like the readers to know
about the congregation, its ministry, and why this program
will be beneficial? You may be creative in your response.
Part A – Program Rationale and Design
1. Provide a statement that describes how the renewal leave If you would like to provide a video, for instance, please
and its activities will “make the pastor’s heart sing.” In doing include a hyperlink to the video in the body of the email
so, give careful thought to how the proposed activities when submitting the proposal. If the proposal will be sub-
relate to the vision and promote renewal for ministry. mitted using the US Postal Service, please email the video
link to ClergyProposals@cts.edu and include the congre-
2. Provide a detailed description of the pastor’s activities
gation’s and pastor’s names along with the congregation’s
based on the Outline of Renewal Form. Indicate wheth-
er the leave time will be a single, uninterrupted block, or mailing address and phone number so we can match the
several shorter leaves taken over 24 months that are each at emailed link with the mailed proposal. Video clip maximum
least 2 weeks long. Include a brief description and purpose watch time: 5 minutes. If the video is longer than 5 minutes,
for each activity. indicate the timestamp where you would like us to begin
watching the 5-minute section.
3. Provide a statement written by the pastor that explains why
this is the right time in the pastor’s ministry to engage this Part B – Congregational Information
program and what benefits the pastor hopes to receive as a 1. Describe any especially illuminating or distinctive historical
result. events in the life of this church that will help the readers get
4. Provide a statement written by a representative of the con- to know the congregation.
gregation that summarizes the congregation’s views as to 2. List a representative sampling of current ministries, both in-
the intended benefits of the program for both the congre- ternal and external, in which your congregation is engaged.
gation and pastor.
3. Provide the names and tenure of the four pastors who
5. Describe the congregation’s plans for covering the nec- served the congregation prior to the pastor for whom the
essary pastoral functions during the pastor’s absence, for congregation is submitting this proposal.
celebrating the pastor’s leave-taking and/or return, and for
programs or activities that will serve to renew the congregation. Part C – Pastoral Information
1. Tell us about the pastor’s educational experience after high
school. Provide the names of colleges, seminaries, Bible
“While I returned rested and institutes, and certificate programs, as well as degrees or
certificates earned and the years they were granted.
refreshed, I also returned highly
2. Provide the pastor’s date of ordination, name of the or-
charged and somehow more
daining body, and tenure and places of previous pastoral
resolved. It has been an amazing positions.
and life-changing journey.” 3. Provide the readers with any additional information about the
pastor and their ministry, career, and community involvement
— Past Clergy Renewal Grant Recipient you believe will be helpful in the evaluation process.
8 2025 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program at Christian Theological Seminary

•
“Start planning and communicating About Tuition & Coursework Fees: The budget may also in-
clude costs associated with fees for tuition or other course-
early. We started our planning almost
work costs, whether for credit or personal enrichment. This
a year in advance; we needed the time. line is strictly for academic or continuing education oppor-
tunities. Costs for classes like woodworking, instrument
And have fun!”
lessons, cooking, art, and other similar opportunities should
be included as part of the Other budget.
– Past Clergy Renewal Grant Recipient
•
About Tax Liability Offset: The budget may include funds
meant to offset any increase to the pastor’s personal in-
come tax liability that accrues because of this grant. There
Budget Worksheets & Narratives
are many factors at both the state and federal levels that
The total budget must not exceed $60,000. Of that amount, can impact whether a grant affects the pastor’s person-
up to $20,000 may be budgeted for congregational expenses al income tax liability. Because of these complexities, we
and renewal activities. However, there is no cap on the pastor’s cannot offer tax advice related to these grants. We highly
recommend consulting with a trusted financial/tax advisor
budget. If the congregation chooses not to budget grant funds
and discussing the details of the grant, the pastor’s personal
for expenses it will incur during the pastor’s absence, the full
finances, and the church’s best practices with respect to
$60,000 may be applied to the budget for the pastor’s renewal
how reimbursements are managed, and then following that
leave activities.
advisor’s recommendations as to whether to budget funds
toward the Tax Liability Off-set line. When determining any
The worksheets should only include the budgets for grant
potential impact to the pastor, it may be helpful to under-
funds. If other financial sources will be used to cover some
stand that all grant funds are disbursed to the congregation
costs, explain this in the corresponding budget narrative
and not the individual pastor. In addition, neither CTS nor
(pastor or congregation). Keep in mind that grant funds may
Lilly Endowment Incorporated (LEI) will issue 1099 forms
not be used for building improvements, additions, repairs, or
related to these grants.
other capital or equipment/technology expenses.
Congregational Budget Worksheet: Fill out the information
Pastoral Budget Worksheet: Fill out the information requested requested using the budget worksheet provided. Ensure that
using the budget worksheet provided. Include costs for all- amounts entered for each line equal the total entered at the
inclusive travel in the Meals & Lodging budget line. Ensure that bottom of the worksheet. Be sure the Leave-taking Pastor and
amounts entered for each line equal the total entered at the treasurer ink sign the worksheet.
bottom of the worksheet. Be sure the Leave-taking Pastor and
•
About Congregational Renewal Activities: Provide de-
treasurer ink sign the worksheet.
tailed information about how you calculated this budget
• About Equipment & Supplies Expenses: Equipment & line in your budget narrative for the congregation’s budget.
supplies expenses should be no more than 10 percent of In Part A, question 5 of the Proposal Narrative, describe in
the pastor’s budget. The budget narrative should list the detail the congregation’s renewal activity plans.
items requested and describe why they are essential to the
renewal experience. Applicants are encouraged to make
sure that the cost of such items is appropriate to their
significance for the program and proportional in relation
to the overall budget. Refer to the Grace Notes document
on the CTS website for further information and guidance.
Excessive requests for equipment will not receive favorable
consideration. The congregation and pastor should deter-
mine as part of their preparation of the grant proposal to
whom equipment and supplies purchased will belong (i.e.,
the pastor or the congregation) once the renewal program
concludes.
2025 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program at Christian Theological Seminary 9

Budget Narratives: Write a Budget Narrative that provides a Tax Status & Signatures Form: Complete this form, providing
detailed breakdown of the expenses for the renewal plan in the requested information concerning your congregation’s tax-
date order. Include one for the pastor’s budget and one for the exempt status under federal law. Christian Theological Seminary
congregation’s budget. The budget narratives should provide is required by federal tax law to determine the exempt status
clear explanation for how costs were determined. They should of each organization to which it makes a grant. Therefore, it
also identify specific activities, the number of people, and the is necessary that you supply this information to establish that
amount of time covered by each budgeted item. your congregation is exempt from the payment of federal
income taxes under the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”) section
You may include any sources used to determine costs such
501(c)(3) and is a church as described in Code section 170(b)
as travel guides, company websites, government websites, or
(1)(A)(i). The Responsible Officer who signs this form may not
quotes from a travel agent. You may note the name of the site
be a paid church staff person or relative of the Leave-taking
or source but do not need to include website URLs or links.
Pastor. The Responsible Officer must be a lay leader of the
congregation authorized to sign financial documents on the
When researching and determining the budgets, keep in mind
congregation’s behalf.
that CTS cannot accommodate requests for additional funding
after the proposal is submitted. Ensure the budget includes
Please carefully review the Acknowledgments and provide ink
sufficient grant funds to support the various renewal leave
signatures as noted on the form indicating that you understand
related expenses for pastor and congregation. If you anticipate
and agree with the statement.
using funds from other sources, provide an explanation in the
corresponding Budget Narrative (pastor or congregation) Federal Tax-Exempt Status Documents: Gather the
describing how these other funds will be used. appropriate documents as noted below and place in the order
indicated in the Checklist on page 14. Internal Revenue Service
Please follow these guidelines for preparing the budget
(IRS) determination letters are reissued periodically, especially
narratives:
in the case of group exemptions. Include only the most recent
• version of the letter. State issued sales and use tax exemption
Average: 3-7 pages, but no page limit
• certificates are not acceptable forms of documentation. Do not
1-inch margins
• include these with your proposal. No grants will be awarded, or
Double spaced
• funds dispersed, until acceptable federal tax status is confirmed
12 pt. font in Times New Roman or similar serif font
• by one of the following options:
Number pages beginning at 1
•
If printing and mailing your proposal, print on only 1 side 1. IRS determination letter: The IRS issues a determination
letter which states that, according to the description of
1-Page Church Operating Budget Summary: Provide a
federally tax-exempt organizations, the named church has
one-page summary of the church’s current year operating
been determined to qualify under the statute as a church
budget. You may include either a single page spreadsheet
and is therefore exempt from federal income tax.
or typewritten page. This should include a financial overview
of the church’s current year income and expenses. It should 2. Denomination’s Group Exemption Ruling determination
summarize major categories of income and expenditures letter: Like the determination letter described above, this
letter is issued to the denomination either regionally or na-
within the congregation. For example, it may include staff
tionally. If you include a group exemption ruling letter of de-
compensation, building costs, benevolence, mission giving, and
termination with your proposal, you will need to also include
income from offerings to name a few.
evidence of your active participation with the denomination
mentioned in the group ruling letter. Choose from one of
the following three options:
A. a photocopy or scan of the denomination’s yearbook
cover page and the page on which your church is listed
or
B. a screenshot of the church’s listing from the denomina-
tion’s website or
10 2025 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program at Christian Theological Seminary

C. a letter from the denomination that states the congre-
gation is covered under the group ruling, is an active
part of the denomination, and includes the church
name and physical address.
3. Letter from Legal Counsel: If the congregation does not
have an individual or group exemption ruling determination
letter from the IRS, include a letter written and ink signed by
legal counsel that verifies that the congregation is a church
“Nobody had to spend a lot of
according to the description given in IRS Code sections
501(c)(3) and 170(b) (1)(A)(i). time making decisions about
Leave-taking Pastor’s Letter of Standing: Enclose an ink
how we were going to spend the
signed letter printed on letterhead from the congregation’s
[grant] money or provide ministry
judicatory indicating the pastor’s good standing as a minister
in their denomination. Judicatory officials should be advised of in my absence—it was all there
the expectation that, if the congregation’s proposal is selected,
in black and white. A detailed
the pastor will continue to serve the congregation that receives
the grant for at least one year after the end of the renewal plan provides a lot of freedom for
program. If the applying congregation is independent and not
people not to worry.”
a member of any denominational body, we require one of the
following options in place of a judicatory letter:
— Past Clergy Renewal Grant Recipient
•
If the congregation belongs to a fellowship of churches,
provide an ink signed letter printed on letterhead from an
officer of the fellowship that attests to the congregation’s
participation in the fellowship and the pastor’s good standing.
•
If the congregation is independent and not a member of
any denominational body or fellowship, the governing
board of the church must provide an ink signed a letter
attesting to the pastor’s standing as an ordained minister in
the congregation.
“The most prevalent impact on the congregation was that we bonded
beyond any expectations we could have had. By working together and
intentionally putting God and the church first, we grew as one and
accomplished things that we were not sure were possible.”
— Past Clergy Renewal Grant Recipient
2025 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program at Christian Theological Seminary 11

Submitting
the Proposal
CTS offers two options for submitting Clergy Renewal
proposals. All proposals submitted by eligible congregations,
12 SUBMISSION
regardless of submission method, receive equal consideration
in the review process. Please select one method and send only
one copy of the proposal. Refer to the Checklist on page 14 for
the correct order in which to arrange the proposal.
We welcome and encourage you to contact the Clergy Renewal
“The renewal program was
staff if, 5 weeks after the deadline, you have not received a
life-changing. It will give shape confirmation notification. Contact details are on page 13.
to the next 10 years of my
Email proposals: Create a single PDF document no larger
ministry at the church and in than 25 MB and send it as an emailed attachment to
ClergyProposals@cts.edu time stamped no later than 11:59 pm
the community. It has enlarged
Eastern time Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
my vision and renewed my call
•
Title the document as follows: Current year, Leave-taking
and commitment.” Pastor’s first and last name, then “Proposal.” Example: 2025
Elizabeth Bennett Proposal
— Past Clergy Renewal Grant Recipient
•
CTS encourages the Leave-taking Pastor, Congregational
Representative, and Responsible Officer to add the follow-
ing email addresses to their “safe sender” list: ClergyPro-
posals@cts.edu and ClergyRenewal@cts.edu.
•
Congregations who submit their proposals by email will
receive three follow up emails:
1. An automated response confirming their email was
delivered to the Clergy Proposals inbox.
2. An email confirmation of their submission within three
business days after the automated response email.
3. A system-generated confirmation email once the
proposal is processed into our database.
12 2025 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program at Christian Theological Seminary

•
If you do not receive the first automated follow up email, we
did not receive your emailed proposal. If you do not receive
CONTACT US
the confirmation email within three (3) business days after
submitting your emailed proposal, send the Clergy Renew-
al Staff an email: ClergyRenewal@cts.edu. If you do not
Please reach out to us with any questions not
receive the system-generated email by 5 weeks after the
answered in this document or on the website.
proposal deadline, send the Clergy Renewal staff an email
Christian Theological Seminary is in Indianapolis,
to ensure your proposal was processed: ClergyRenewal@
IN, which is in the Eastern time zone. Please keep
cts.edu.
that in mind when calling. If you leave a voice
•
If you do not have a scanner, your local office supply or
message, please include details regarding your
print/ship store can create a PDF of your proposal for a
inquiry.
per page fee. You can have them scan it to a USB storage
device or email it to you. Please do not have them email it We will gladly schedule time for a phone call.
directly to CTS. The automated response and first confirma-
Please email us at the address below with your
tion emails go to the email address from which the proposal
availability and include the questions for which
is sent.
you’re seeking answers.
Print proposals: Print a single sided copy of the complete
Office hours: M – F, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
proposal on standard letter-size paper and secure the pages
Email: ClergyRenewal@cts.edu
with a single paper clip. Mail the proposal using the US Postal
Phone: (317) 931-4225
Service with a postmark no later than Wednesday, March 12,
2025. CTS does not recommend using shipping options other
than USPS First Class Mail. Some shipping options require the
shipper to attempt delivery after business hours when CTS is
closed, and others require a signature for delivery. CTS does not
have dedicated Receiving staff. As such, mail carriers and other
shipper delivery personnel cannot always acquire a signature
at the time of delivery. Proposals should be mailed to the
following address:
“It is crucial for the pastor
Dr. Robert Saler
to consider what he or she
Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs
Christian Theological Seminary hopes to achieve by this
1000 West 42nd Street
experience. The proposal
Indianapolis, Indiana 46208
process helped me to think
If you do not receive the system-generated email within 5
this through.”
weeks after the proposal deadline, send the Clergy Renewal
staff an email to ensure your proposal was processed: – Past Clergy Renewal Grant Recipient
ClergyRenewal@cts.edu.
•
Do not use staples, binder clips, or any other kind of cover-
ing or binding. If missed, staples can damage our scanner.
•
Applicants who mail a printed copy of their proposal will
receive a single, system generated email confirmation after
the proposal has been processed into our database. CTS
encourages the Leave-taking Pastor, Congregational Rep-
resentative, and Responsible Officer to add the following
email address to their “safe sender” list: ClergyRenewal@
cts.edu.
2025 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program at Christian Theological Seminary 13

14 CHECKLIST
Guidelines
“If you think you’re too busy to
get away, you’re busier than you
need to be. The renewal program
Christian Theological Seminary strives to give fair and thoughtful
can help you understand that.”
attention to each proposal submitted for this program. In order
–
to do so, the proposals must be legible and comparable in length Past Clergy Renewal Grant Recipient
and sequence. For these reasons, CTS reminds pastors and
congregations to be sure that their proposals meet the minimum
requirements noted below and in the checklist.
This list summarizes information shared throughout this Checklist
Request for Proposals. Only proposals that meet the following
standards will be considered:
1. The complete Proposal Narrative includes numbered re-
sponses to Parts A, B, and C where the numbered response This checklist is for your convenience and helps ensure that
corresponds with the section and number of the prompt. the proposal we receive is complete. Please do not include
For example A1 or C2. it with the proposal. Place the proposal elements in the
following order before submitting:
2. For ease of readability, both the Budget and Proposal Nar-
rative portions of the proposal must use 12-pt. Times New
1. Contacts Form
Roman font (for detailed information, refer to the Budget
Narratives or Proposal Narrative section). 2. Additional Information Form
3. Budget and Proposal Narratives must use 1-inch margins, be
3. Outline of Renewal Form
double-spaced and printed on only one side of the paper.
4. Proposal Narrative
4. The Proposal Narrative may be a maximum of 10 pages.
(pages numbered 1-10)
5. All forms must be those provided in the Grant Seekers
section on our website and must be those for the National 5. Pastoral Budget Worksheet
Clergy Renewal Program. Proposals that include forms other (ensure both ink signatures are present)
than the ones provided may be deemed ineligible. Be sure
6. Congregational Budget Worksheet
the forms you use are for the current program year.
(ensure both ink signatures are present)
6. Print applicants: No binders, staples, plastic folders, or any
other kind of covering are included. The proposal and its 7. Pastor and Congregation Budget Narratives
attachments have been secured with a paper clip. (pages numbered beginning with 1)
7. Email applicants: Ensure your single PDF file is no larger than 8. 1-page Church Operating Budget Summary
25 MBs. Our database will not accept larger file uploads.
9. Tax Status & Signatures Form
8. Do not include with your proposal any photographs, bro-
(ensure ink signatures are present)
chures, articles, or other items not expressly requested in
this Request for Proposals document. Proposals that include 10. Federal Tax-Exempt documentation
such items may be considered ineligible.
11. Pastor’s Letter of Standing
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PROPOSAL
15 FORMS
Required Forms
15 FORMS
These form pages represent only part of a complete proposal. Refer to the National Request for Proposals (RFP)
for full details on how to submit a Clergy Renewal Program grant proposal. The online fillable version of these
forms can be completed from your web browser and saved to your computer.
Contacts Form
Congregation legal name
Congregation common name (if different)
Website URL (if any) Congregation’s phone number
Congregation’s general email address Employer identification number (EIN)
Congregation’s street address
City State ZIP Code
Congregation’s mailing address
Leave-taking Pastor’s title and full name (ex. Rev. Dr. Mari Lloyd) Leave-taking Pastor’s role (ex. Worship Pastor)
Preferred phone number Preferred email address
Congregational representative’s title and full name Congregational representative’s role (ex. deacon)
Preferred phone number Preferred email address
Responsible officer of the congregation title and full name Responsible officer’s role (ex. congregation’s president)
Preferred phone number Preferred email address
Senior pastor’s title and full name (only needed if different than Leave-taking Pastor)
Preferred phone number Preferred email address
$
Amount of grant request
2025 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program at Christian Theological Seminary 15

PROPOSAL
Additional Information: Congregation & Pastor Form
Official Name of denomination or indicate if congregation is nondenominational or independent
Date congregation founded Annual operating budget Number of members
Average number at worship Years pastor has served this congregation
How did you hear about the program?
Friend/colleague News story CTS website Other website Social media Other (explain below)
Is the pastor bi-vocational? Yes No
If yes, what are the average number of hours per week devoted to serving this congregation?
Has this pastor’s spouse’s congregation received a Clergy Renewal grant? Yes No
If yes, provide congregation’s name and date grant was received:
Is this pastor’s spouse also submitting a proposal for a Clergy Renewal grant this year? Yes No
If yes, please provide the congregation’s name:
First day of proposed renewal leave: Last day of proposed renewal leave:
Is the renewal leave planned as a: single time span multiple spans
How many total weeks is the proposed renewal leave:
16 2025 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program at Christian Theological Seminary

PROPOSAL
Outline of Renewal Program
Refer to page 7 in the National Request for Proposals document for detailed instructions on completing this form.
Present a chronological outline of the proposed events and activities using date ranges, including the year, for any event or activity
that encompasses multiple days, weeks, or months. Visit our Resources for Grant Seekers webpage to download additional copies of
this form as needed. Account for all time intended as renewal leave, including time at home.
Dates Time Traveling Companions
Events or Activities
Month/Day/Year (weeks + days) whose expenses are included
2025 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program at Christian Theological Seminary 17

PROPOSAL
Expenses & Budget: Pastoral Budget Worksheet
The online fillable version of this form will calculate the total for you.
For each budget category, please round to the nearest dollar, do not include amounts with cents.
Include only those expenses related to the pastor’s renewal program that will be covered by Clergy Renewal Program grant funds. If you
anticipate using funds from other sources in addition to CRP grant funds, provide explanation of those funds in the pastor’s Budget Narrative.
Enter amounts without commas or cents
Only enter amounts covered by CRP grant funds
Travel
Airfare $
Automobile expenses:
Personal car mileage
Car rental costs and gasoline
Other ground transportation
Meals and lodging
Tuition or coursework fees
Books
Telephone
Postage
Equipment and supplies (max amt 10% of pastor’s budget)
Other (passports, inoculations, entrance fees, etc.)
Estimated increase in tax liability as a result of
receiving grant (optional; explain how this amt
was calculated in the pastor’s budget narrative*)
Total $
Leave-taking Pastor’s signature Signature of treasurer
* Pastors should work with the congregation’s treasurer and/or personal tax adviser to determine the potential impact of this grant on the pastor’s personal
income tax. When determining the potential tax impact, note that the grant will be paid by Christian Theological Seminary to the congregation, not directly to
the pastor. Please note that CTS and LEI will not provide advice about the tax implications of grant awards.
18 2025 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program at Christian Theological Seminary

PROPOSAL
Expenses & Budget: Congregational Budget Worksheet
The online fillable version of this form will calculate the total for you.
For each budget category, please round to the nearest dollar, do not include amounts with cents.
Include only budgeted amounts related to the congregation’s expenses for fulfilling pastoral responsibilities, events related to the the pastor’s
leave-taking and return, and congregational renewal activities that will be covered by Clergy Renewal Program grant funds. If you anticipate using
funds from other sources in addition to the CRP grant funds, provide explanation of those budgeted funds in the congregation’s Budget Narrative.
Maximum Congregational Budget: $20,000
Enter amounts without commas or cents
Only enter amounts covered by CRP grant funds
Pulpit supply and / or interim staff
Honoraria $
Travel and lodging
Benefits
Congregational events relating to pastor’s
leave-taking and return
Congregational renewal activities
Please explain fully in Proposal Narrative,
Part A, and in budget narrative.
Other
Total $
Leave-taking Pastor’s signature Signature of treasurer
2025 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program at Christian Theological Seminary 19

PROPOSAL
Applicant’s Federal Tax-Exempt Status & Signatures Form
Refer to page 10 in the National Request for Proposals document for detailed instructions on completing this form and providing the correct
documents. No grant will be awarded until the proper tax status is confirmed.
Christian Theological Seminary is required by law and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations to determine the exempt status of each
organization to which it makes a grant. Therefore, it is necessary that you provide the following information to establish that your congregation
is exempt from the payment of federal income taxes under IRS Revenue Code (“Code”) section 501(c)(3) and is a church as described in Code
section 170(b)(1)(A)(i).
Organization’s legal name
Organization’s common name (if different from legal name)
Congregation’s street address, then mailing address (if different)
Responsible officer of the congregation’s signature Print Name
Responsible officer’s title
No grants will be awarded until the proper tax status is confirmed.
Acknowledgments & Signatures
By giving their signatures below, the Congregational Representative, Leave-taking Pastor, and Senior Minister acknowledge the following:
I am duly authorized to represent this congregation and submit this proposal on its behalf. I affirm, to the best of my knowledge, that the information
contained in the proposal is true and accurate. My signature indicates that the congregation is fully aware of this proposal, approves its submission,
and is prepared to accept a grant from Christian Theological Seminary if selected. If a Clergy Renewal grant is awarded, the congregation commits
to continue the pastor’s full salary and benefits during the renewal program. I further affirm our intent for our Leave-taking Pastor to serve this
congregation for at least one year after the end of the renewal program. In addition, I acknowledge the grant is not portable and can only be used
while the Leave-taking Pastor serves this congregation that has applied for the grant.
Congregational representative’s signature Date
Leave-taking Pastor’s signature Date
Senior minister’s signature (only if not the Leave-taking Pastor) Date
20 2025 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program at Christian Theological Seminary