Grants & Scholarships
Grace in Action Ministry Innovation Award
Recognizing bold, creative expressions of God’s grace in community
Introduction
In partnership with the Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan invests in ministries that embody bold love, joyful service, and courageous leadership. At the heart of our collective calling is John Wesley’s vision of grace at work – grace that goes before us (prevenient), redeems us (justifying), and continually shapes us in love (sanctifying). The Grace in Action Ministry Innovation Award celebrates leaders, congregations, and ministry partners who live this grace in transformative ways as they pursue the church’s mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
The Award highlights the witnesses of church and ministry partner leadership teams who imagine forward-thinking ways of engaging their communities and encouraging others to join in multiplying their mission and strengthening their presence in the world. It honors leaders who guide congregations or ministry organizations with uncommon vision and creativity. Together, they shape new expressions of ministry that extend the reach of God’s love and strengthen their missional impact in daily life.
Aligning with our Wesleyan heritage, the Award recognizes ministries that move beyond the walls of the church to share grace with neighbors, welcome new people in new places, and work for the transformation of the world. In recognizing this work, we affirm that grace is not static but dynamic. Grace is always calling us forward, urging us to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously for the sake of Christ’s mission.
This Award is intended to launch new ministries, projects, or initiatives that bring creative approaches, respond to pressing needs, and carry the promise of meaningful change for congregations and communities.
The Wayne C. Barrett Steward Leader Award
- Having funds invested in the UMF Collective Investment Funds of Michigan LLC or the MI Area Loan Fund
- Having contributed 100% of its conference ministry shares for the previous year and be current in contributions for the present fiscal year
- Demonstrating a collaborative relationship between the pastor and laity in providing leadership in the area of financial stewardship
- Articulating a clearly defined mission and vision for the church
- Adhering to the financial procedures and protocol as defined in the Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, including but not limited to socially responsible investing, annual financial review, cash management, and IRS-compliant donor contribution statements
- Providing an advance indication of their intent for the awarded funds’ usage
United Methodist Foundation of Michigan Leadership Scholars Program for Seminary Students
The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan is proud to partner with the Michigan Conference Board of Ordained Ministry to award scholarship funds to seminary students. These funds have been established by individuals and local churches to financially assist United Methodist seminarians from Michigan.
Qualified applications may receive up to $10,000 annually for full-time students ($5000 for part-time). To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a certified candidate under the supervision of the Michigan Conference Board of Ordained Ministry
- Be enrolled as a part-time or full-time student and attend a seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and approved by the University Senate of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership capacity to address the opportunities and challenges facing The United Methodist Church
- Declare an intent to serve for a minimum of five (5) years on a deacon or elder track within the Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher
- Provide personal financial information to demonstrate financial need
- Be recommended by the Michigan Conference Board of Ordained Ministry
- Invitations to apply are emailed to qualified candidates
United Methodist Quadruple Dollars for Scholars
Eligible candidates may receive up to $4,000 per academic year toward undergraduate or seminary education.
The United Methodist Dollars for Scholars program sponsored by the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation provides $1,000 matching scholarships to United Methodist full-time students who have received a $1,000 scholarship from their local United Methodist church to help them attend a United Methodist-related college, university, or seminary. The Quadruple Your Dollars component of the program includes additional contributions of $1,000 each from the college, university, or seminary and the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan. Quadruple Your Dollars scholarships are awarded annually by the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan and the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation. Qualified applicants must be an active member of a United Methodist church with funds invested in the UMF Collective Investment Funds of Michigan LLC for a minimum of one (1) year prior to applying for the scholarship. For more information about requirements and the online application form, visit the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation website.
United Methodist Quadruple Dollars for Scholars
Eligible candidates may receive up to $4,000 per academic year toward undergraduate or seminary education.
The United Methodist Dollars for Scholars program sponsored by the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation provides $1,000 matching scholarships to United Methodist full-time students who have received a $1,000 scholarship from their local United Methodist church to help them attend a United Methodist-related college, university, or seminary. The Quadruple Your Dollars component of the program includes additional contributions of $1,000 each from the college, university, or seminary and the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan. Quadruple Your Dollars scholarships are awarded annually by the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan and the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation. Qualified applicants must be an active member of a United Methodist church with funds invested in the UMF Collective Investment Funds of Michigan LLC for a minimum of one (1) year prior to applying for the scholarship. For more information about requirements and the online application form, visit the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation website.
If a gap exists between your tuition and related expenses and your present scholarships, grants, and continuing education funds, you may apply for this scholarship for the Doctoral of Ministry Degree.
A Legacy of Generosity: Duane and Terry Townley–This scholarship fund is the result of the vision and generosity of Duane and Terry Townley. Their commitment to supporting the next generation of clergy and counselors reflects their deep understanding of the need for well-trained pastoral professionals within The United Methodist Church. The Townleys have specifically directed this endowment to support students who are Certified Candidates or active clergy in the Michigan Conference who are furthering their education in pastoral counseling. As the Fund opens its doors for the first round of scholarship applications, those pursuing a career or a continuing education course in pastoral counseling are invited to contact the Foundation today. The scholarship is aimed at reducing the financial barriers for seminary students and clergy seeking to enhance their skills and serve their communities in profound ways. |