Indiana Church Shows Knack for Winning Grants
Jamestown Christian Church received 14 grants totaling more than $110,000 in four years. Church leaders share lessons they learned about grant writing, budgeting, networking with foundations, and choosing the right team.
Church Grants Help Fund Ministry and Community Projects
Church grants helped Jamestown Christian Church receive more than $110,000 over four years for projects ranging from property improvements to its food and clothing pantry. Along the way, church leaders learned practical lessons about grant writing, budgeting, networking, and assembling the right team.
- Jamestown Christian Church received 14 grants totaling more than $110,000 in four years.
- Grant funding supported property improvements, public facilities, community assistance, and site planning.
- Church leaders emphasized budgeting for grant writing, networking with foundations, and carefully selecting a research and writing team.
By Jennifer Taylor 
In the last four years, Jamestown (IN) Christian Church has received 14 grants totaling more than $110,000—including one used to learn how to write grant applications!
The congregation, located about 30 miles west of Indianapolis, began researching the process in 2003 and was awarded its first grant in 2007. JCC has received grants for a variety of uses, including beautifying its 17-acre property, building a shelter house for public use, and maintaining its food and clothing pantry. In 2010 the church received a grant of matching funds from the Indianapolis Center for Congregations to hire a design and build firm and develop a master site plan for its new location.
Other sources for grants included local community foundations, charitable trusts, and Wal-Mart.
Church leaders say they have learned several valuable lessons during this eight-year journey, including the importance of setting aside a budget for grant writing expenses, networking with local foundations, and carefully selecting the research and writing team.
http://jamestownchristianchurch.com
Author: Jennifer Taylor
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