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Grants

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” NRSV, Matthew 6:21

SPSARV offers grants to support the United Methodist Church's position on alcohol, other drugs and drug-related violence. To date, we have awarded more than $1.7 million in grants for substance abuse and related violence ministries just in the USA alone.  Working in partnership with annual and central conferences leadership, SPSARV funds even more ministries and initiatives worldwide.

Grants: Opportunity for Church Growth and Authentic Ministry

Is your church thinking of reaching out to people in new ways? Or is your substance abuse ministry looking to partner with people in United Methodist churches? Do you want to accompany and care for people who are struggling to overcome a chemical dependency, such as alcoholism? Is your church in ministry with people who are homeless, drug abusers, family members of substance abusers, or people in recovery?

Then consider applying to the United Methodist SPSARV (Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence) program, which offers funding to a variety of congregations, ministries, recovery groups, treatment centers, addiction awareness campaigns, counseling opportunities, and workshops.

In 2011, $73,000 was divided between nine U.S. organizations. SPSARV grants have increased The United Methodist church-wide campaign to raise awareness and decrease alcoholism, drug addiction, and drug-related violence.

The next application deadlines for grants are December 1, 2011 and June 15, 2012.  Final decisions are made on funding approximately 2-3 months after the application deadline.

Priority is given to grant applications which:

  • Involve the people of The United Methodist Church through congregations, cooperative parishes, national mission institutions, health and welfare conference-related institutions, and long-term care institutions, metropolitan ministry agencies, church-based or related community organizing projects.
  • Create innovative programs or workshops, particularly those which can be replicated by other church and community groups.
  • Spark new resources or leaders in the community.
  • Cooperate and collaborate with United Methodist annual conferences, district and local programs focused on issues relating to substance abuse.
  • Work towards systemic change by tackling the root causes of substance abuse and related violence, including economic and social injustices, covert and overt acts of violence, and emotional and spiritual suffering.

First-time applicants receive priority to ensure that limited funds assist the greatest number of ministries, ending substance abuse and violence, wherever it may occur. Thus, grant recipients are not eligible to reapply for at least three years following receipt of funds.

Informative Podcasts Highlight Past-Grantees

Get ideas for your own ministry by listening to past grant recipients as they describe the power of transforming lives with programs and networks that minister with people in the throes of drug or alcohol addiction issues through The United Methodist Church. To access podcasts, please click here.

Download the SPSARV Application for Funding US Projects here (Word) and here (PDF). For projects outside the US, please email jmecera@umcmissions.org.

We’d Love to Hear from You
For more information, please email Juliana M. Mecera, SPSARV Program Associate at jmecera@gbgm-umc.org or call 212-870-3883.

 

Photo compliments of Greg Kiger of Once Films (www.oncefilms.com) from Shalom House, St. Louis, MO - 2010 SPSARV grantee