Wayfinders: Launching Spiritual Activists Grant Program

Wayfinders: Launching Spiritual Activists Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Presbyterian Mission Agency
Amount: US $500
Last Updated: January 25, 2026

Summary

The Wayfinders: Launching Spiritual Activists Grant Program, initiated by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), empowers college students to pursue anti-racism and anti-poverty initiatives on their campuses. This innovative program connects participants with mentorship and financial resources to develop justice and spirituality projects. With support from the 1001 New Worshiping Communities initiative, students will receive coaching and guidance throughout the academic year, culminating in a retreat to share experiences and insights.

Overview

Wayfinders: Launching Spiritual Activists The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is launching a program for students who want to pursue anti-racism, anti-poverty, or a spiritual practice with others on their campus. “Wayfinders: Launching Spiritual Activists” is a new leadership development opportunity from 1001 New Worshiping Communities in the PC(USA). Faith Shepherd, a recent graduate of the University of Chicago, helped design the program alongside leaders of Commonwealth of Oakland, a new worshiping community in Pittsburgh recognized for its anti-racism work. According to Shepherd, the Wayfinders program believes in “empowering the next generation of organizers and community leaders by connecting current college and university students with both the mentorship and financial resources to found a justice or spirituality experiment on their campuses.” Who We Are We believe in empowering the next generation of organizers and community leaders by connecting current college and university students with both the mentorship and financial resources to found a justice or spirituality experiment on their campuses. For over twelve years, the 1001 New Worshiping Communities initiative of the PC(USA) has launched hundreds of new faith-based projects across the country, aimed at providing space for groups that traditional churches have historically excluded or marginalized. We are here to provide coaching, financial support, and structure to help students who are passionate about creating positive change in their communities reach their fullest potential. We’ve learned that the most successful founders of new initiatives are those who have started anything in the past. We want to give college students the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial projects to awaken them to the possibilities for spiritual justice work beyond their college experiences. What to Expect We are committed to support each Wayfinder throughout the planning and implementation process. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance in late March. After attending an in-person incubator May 16-18, participants will begin to live out the plans they formulated under the mentorship and guidance of our program during the Fall semester. During the trial run on campus, each student in our program will receive monthly one-on-one coaching to reflect on their goals and interpret their experiences. When the semester concludes, we will gather one final time for a debrief retreat from January 9-11 to share our journeys and learn from one another's experiences.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Who We're Looking ForThis program is open to undergraduate and graduate students that have a connection to a Presbyterian Church (USA) ministry (a church, new worshiping community, or campus ministry) who are excited to create a new on-campus initiative related to anti-racism, anti-poverty, or spiritual practice. Experience is not required; we expect your ideas to grow and develop throughout your participation. Note: Applicants must be age 30 or under.