Unified Funding Application

The Funding Task Force of the Baltimore-Washington Conference has developed a new unified funding application to be used by congregations seeking money for facilities and programs that enable them to grow disciples and build Acts 2 churches.
Those churches seeking funds should carefully read the policies and procedures listed below before filling out the application.
Applications, which must be completed with a church’s Discipler Guide, are due before Sept. 1.
For more information, contact the Task Force chairperson, the Rev. David Argo at 800-492-2525 or dargo@bwcumc.org.

Principles, Process, and People

Principles

1. To financially support the conference vision and mission to make 600 Acts 2 disciple making congregations by 2012 who engage believers in the complete Discipleship Adventure and bear Acts 2 fruit.
2. Provide a single location for all conference funding for churches to maximize effectiveness and provide consistent oversight. One application will be applicable for all requests.
3. The task force will process all requests for funding for congregations including Program, Personnel and Property.
4. Conference funds are understood to be offered both in response to requests received and also in order to further strategic goals.
5. We only review requests that are received on time.

Factors that lead to a 'yes' decision
Churches that demonstrate that funds requested are tied directly to increasing fruit.
Churches that plan to use funds as a leverage to increase dollars;
Churches that partner with other churches, community groups or organizations to build ministry and to accomplish goals;
Churches that have already applied for funding from other sources so that the conference serves as a secondary partner;
Requests that are a result of vision, discernment, leading of the Holy Spirit with the support of the congregation;
Churches that demonstrate connectionalism by participating in discipler groups, attending annual conference, working collaboratively with other congregations, completing conference requests accurately and on time, and paying apportionments.

Factors leading to a 'no' decision:
Churches that do not have guide, region, and Administrative Council support;
Churches that do not pay their apportionments;
Churches that do not meet deadlines;
Churches that cannot demonstrate capacity for the ministry requested;
Capacity includes personnel, space, time, need and congregational involvement;
Churches that do not follow through on required benchmark reporting including an annual audit, annual statistical report, pastor/church evaluation and required charge conference forms;
Outstanding loan balances will be added to new request;
Churches that do not fully complete the application form.

Process

1. Requests will come through guides and through requests from the 10 Point Plan leadership.
2. Requests will be addressed by regional teams for strategic input.
3. Consultation with Conference boards and agencies will take place when appropriate depending on the request.
4. All requests will then be received, reviewed and acted on by the Conference Funding task force .
5. Where funds are restricted, the committee will be governed by the restrictions.
6. Small task forces will be utilized for specific needs, i.e. new church starts, loans and grants, and new church starts.

Funding Task Force Membership

1. Membership of the task force will include conference staff, clergy and laity including at least one representative from each region.
2. People with understanding and expertise to fulfill the purposes of this task force will include the four regional team leaders, with the Rev. David Argo as chair, and seven other peope with expertise including the Revs. Jeff Paulson & Phil Tocknell.