Investing in the financial and missional health of the Presbyterian Church.
Many churches and ministries have significant assets, but lack the capital to improve those assets in ways that both further their mission and generate income. They are facing the dual challenge of rising costs and declining income from traditional sources like congregational giving.
To meet these challenges, Presbyterian Development has partnered with PressGo to launch a new grant scheme for Presbyterian (and Cooperating) churches, organisations, and ministries.
Applications will be processed by PressGo in consultation with PDS. The new areas of funding are PDS Community Asset Development Grants in the following categories:
“Asset Development” Grant
This is a grant of up to $20k to:
- cover the costs of an external expert to come in and work with a congregation or ministry to identify how their assets might be developed to improve financial sustainability while furthering their mission.
- possibly also contribute to a feasibility study to explore a particular idea.
“Seed Funding” Grant
A grant to provide seed funding towards social or green enterprise. This is a grant of up to $20k or up to half the cost of the project (whichever is less) to get an initiative going. Initiatives could include:
- Solar installation
- Shared office space
- A new business (like an OpShop)
- A community centre
- Housing projects
Generally, successful applicants will need to show that the project will 1) generate income (or significantly reduce the running costs of a church/ministry), and 2) advance the mission/ministry of the church/ministry.
“Asset Strategy for Presbyteries” Grant
This grant covers the costs of an external expert to come in and work with a Presbytery to develop a strategy for its assets. This strategy may involve:
- Identifying opportunities for impact investing
- Considering ethical investment/divestment
- Identifying strategic property assets
- Identifying potential partnerships (e.g. with local hapū/iwi, social housing providers, organisations, or other denominations
For more information about these grants, application forms and deadlines for applications, please email Pressgo@presbyterian.org.nz.