The Michigan Conference celebrates recent grant recipients and invites ministry leaders to attend an upcoming workshop to learn best practices in grant writing or to join a peer group for grant writers seeking ongoing support.
Local churches and affiliated United Methodist nonprofits here in Michigan have been drawing on the expertise of Michigan Conference staff through workshops that equip ministry leaders to apply for grants to bolster their ministries and multiply their impact. These trainings are paying off, and staff would like to celebrate three recent recipients.
French UMC in Detroit, a church of immigrants from French-speaking African countries, received a Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship to strengthen multilingual worship and develop bilingual worship materials. The grant will encourage members to lead prayers, readings, and testimonies, and will train them in Scripture reading, prayer leadership, testimonies, and multilingual worship roles. Additionally, funding will support music and prayer ministries and outreach through special worship offerings that invite newcomers to experience worship and community.
Motor City Wesley, a United Methodist campus ministry, and the ecumenical All.together Community campus ministry, both in the Detroit area, also received a Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grant. This investment will enable these Detroit-area campus ministries to launch Worship Crafted liturgical apprenticeship cohorts for students pursuing vital preaching, music, and the baking and breaking of bread. Expert mentors, instructors, and clergy practitioners will guide each cohort in discerning, learning, and practicing their leadership to enhance Christian worship on campus and in partner congregations.
Mt. Pleasant: First UMC received a grant from the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation to fund major refurbishment of the church elevator, covering approximately 8% of the total cost. Additionally, grant funds were received for the church’s nonprofit childcare center to purchase inline filters to remove any potential lead.
Are there new or ongoing ministries in your church that could use a financial boost? Would you like to take your ministry to the next level, but a lack of funding is holding you back? Are there pressing facility improvements that need funding now or in the near future? If so, conference staff are here to help.
On Wednesday, September 23, an online Grant Writing 101 and GrantStation workshop will be held for those who need the basics or are returning to grant writing after a hiatus. Join Lisa Batten, Associate Director of Intercultural Resourcing, Leadership, and Fund Development for the Michigan Conference, as she introduces you to the GrantStation search tool and guides you in finding grants that match your needs.
There are two time options to fit your schedule: noon to 1:30 pm ET or 6 to 7:30 pm ET. The content is the same for both sessions. The cost is $20 per person or $40 per group from one church or organization.
Participants in this workshop will gain an understanding of a theology of fundraising, draft a compelling purpose statement and timeline, begin assembling a budget, and learn where to find grants.
Register now for the workshop on September 23.
Need ongoing support? Join the monthly online co-working space for grant writers to come alongside one another, ask questions, and find encouragement. Runs once a month through December 2026. The group is open and flexible, so come and go as needed. No fee, but register to receive the Zoom link.
Register now to join the monthly grant writing co-working group.
Questions about this grant writing programming offered by the Michigan Conference? Contact Lisa Batten at [email protected].
The grant writing workshops and staff support for these offerings are made possible thanks to generous financial gifts from local United Methodist churches in Michigan through Ministry Shares. Thank you! Learn about the impact of Ministry Shares on mission and ministry in Michigan and around the world.
Last Updated on August 5, 2026