UCC Program Grants

The United Church of Christ National Setting has four grant offerings. (Information on this page is current as of August 27, 2026. More current information might be available at https://www.ucc.org/giving/ways-we-give/scholarships-grants/program-grants/ )

Program Grant Timelines. Except for the Love of Church Rapid Response Grants, Grant application portals will open on June 15th and will close on September 15th for the review and granting process. Notification of awards go out in November, and payments are made in December. Programs and projects to begin after January 1st.

Please direct questions to the emails below.

Love of Church Rapid Response Grants
(Direct inquiries to: [email protected])

Love of Church Rapid Response Grants support Local Churches of  the United Church of Christ with standing in an Association or Conference of the United Church of Christ through critical funds that 1) secure their ongoing ministry as they encounter unexpected financial burdens (critical infrastructure needing repair or replacement, or a sudden unforeseen increases in rent or operational costs), or 2) support an urgent specific need in the grantee’s outreach ministries. Churches that are facing unforeseen expenses associated with caring for vulnerable persons will be prioritized. These grants are reviewed monthly and we hope to support churches as they respond to increasing vulnerability of persons in their communities. Grant applications are reviewed the first week of every month and notification and payment made by the end of that same month. Interested individuals and churches can find out more information and apply for the grant here: Application

CASA New and Renewing Church Grant
(Direct inquiries to: [email protected])

The New and ReNewing Churches grant program of the United Church of Christ seeks to enact the Purpose, Mission, and Vision of the United Church of Christ by investing in ministries which embody these as well as the Marks for Faithful and Vital Local Churches. The Church Assessment, Support and Advancement (CASA) Program offers new and renewing ministries grant money to successfully establish transformative faith communities with Local Church standing in the United Church of Christ, and financial sustainability for ongoing ministry. Grants are awarded to ministries working in alignment with the purpose, mission, and vision of the United Church of Christ National Ministries: United in Spirit and inspired by God’s grace, we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all, as well as the Marks for Faithful and Vital Local Ministries.
New CASA Applicants – find out more information and apply for the grant here: Application
Current/Previous CASA Applicants – find out more information and apply for the grant here: Application

Neighbors in Need Grant
(Direct inquiries to: [email protected])

Neighbors in Need is a special mission offering that supports works of justice and compassion throughout the United States. The Neighbors in Need grant is a program supported by this offering as well as other National Ministries funding sources. Grants are awarded to churches and organizations working in alignment with the purpose, mission, and vision of the United Church of Christ National Ministries: United in Spirit and inspired by God’s grace, we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all. These grants fund projects whose work ranges from direct service to community organizing and advocacy towards systemic change, to transformative cultural initiatives that can be replicated across the denomination. These requests must relate to work supported by General Synod actions in one of the following programmatic areas:
• The Rights and Freedoms of all Persons • Environmental Justice • Economic Justice
Interested individuals and churches can find out more information and apply for the grant here: Application
For NIN Grants and Operational Support Grants awarded during the 2025 Grant Cycle, please use the report link here.

The New and Renewed Churches Grant 
(Direct inquiries to: [email protected])

The New and Renewed Churches Grant provides financial support for new and re-visioning congregations, helping them create a strong foundation for pastoral leadership and sustainability.  This grant is designed to assist churches with fully covering essential health, dental, and vision costs for their lead pastor.
Interested individuals and churches can find out more information and apply for the grant here: Application

Revised 8/27/2026