The challenges and often sacrifices that are made while serving in ministry can take a toll on one’s personal and professional life. In providing financial support, the United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance (UCBMA), the philanthropic arm of the Pension Boards, seeks to relieve worries and financial demands so that greater wellbeing and wholeness in life and ministry is experienced. This is sacred work because it ensures that those who serve the United Church of Christ receive the care of the wider Church in their time of need.
When to apply for an Emergency Grant
If you are facing unexpected or extraordinary financial hardship such as:
- Burdensome medical bills
- Unforeseen living or automobile expenses
- Natural disasters or other crises
- Funeral expenses for a minister or lay worker
Eligibility
- UCC Authorized Ministers in good standing
- Lay Employees of a UCC congregation, Association, Conference, or National Setting, with a minimum of 2 years service
- Surviving spouses/partners of the above
- Members in Discernment for at least a year registered at an UCC Conference or Association
Emergency Grant considerations
- Emergency Grants are limited to unexpected or extraordinary situations and may not be used to offset personal loans, taxes, or non-medical-related credit card debt nor do they subsidize financial responsibilities of a congregation. In general, they can be used for medical bills, living expenses, or funeral expenses.
- Depending on the amount requested, Emergency Grants may help with a portion, but not the entirety, of a situation.
- Individuals can apply for an Emergency Grant whenever needs arise, however, gifts are usually only given once in a 12-month period. An exception to that is grants for UCC health benefits premiums, which may be awarded for up to two quarters.
Application Process
- Click the link to go to the Ministerial Assistance Grant Directory
- Navigate to the UCBMA Emergency Grant application under the Ministerial Assistance Grant Directory.
- The grant directory is hosted on Smarter Select, which is separate from the Pension Boards’ website, so you must create a login and password to use the site. Your PBUCC login information will not work.
- Complete the application.
- Respond to the questions, including a description of the situation you are facing and the amount of assistance that would be helpful. However, for medical condition-related grants, please do not share specifics of your condition or procedural needs with us. If applicable, upload any documents that support your request.
- Contact your conference staff. Share your situation with your Conference Minister or Associate Conference Minister so they, too, can support you during this challenging time. At the end of the application, identify your Conference Staff as the endorser and the system will automatically send an endorsement request to their email. This step is necessary to proceed with the application process.
- Endorsement given by designated person.
- Once application is complete, it is routed to your endorser for their comments and support.
- Application reviewed by Ministerial Assistance for processing.
- Once your Conference Staff submits the endorsement, your request will be routed to Ministerial Assistance for processing. You will be contacted with the results of your application and/or any additional information required. Processing time is between 2-4 days after receiving the endorsement. If approved, funds will be disbursed within 7-10 business days.
If you are unable to complete an online application or need additional assistance, please reach out to [email protected].
Funding
The source of funding for Emergency Grants is Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM), and the Christmas Fund Offering.