Origin of the Grant Program
On the 10th anniversary of Comfort My People: A Policy Statement on Serious Mental Illness (2008), the 223rd General Assembly (2018) established a two-year Mental Health Initiative with funding for a $250,000 grant program spread over 2019–20 to empower Presbyterian congregations, mid councils and seminaries to address mental health. New models and leadership in mental health ministry are being generated across the denomination. An additional $125,000 has been committed to extend the grant program into 2021/2022.
Purpose of the Grant Program
This grant program provides “seed money” for Presbyterian congregations, mid councils and seminaries to initiate or advance mental health ministries that educate, equip and empower churches to reach out to and with people living with mental health issues and their loved ones:
- To expand mental health awareness, understanding of mental health issues and advocacy for mental health services.
- To eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness, especially serious mental illnesses.
- To become more welcoming, inclusive and supportive faith communities for people living with mental health issues.
Priority is given to funding projects with the widest potential impact that fulfill one or more of the Comfort My People Action Recommendations for congregations, mid councils and seminaries adopted by the 223rd General Assembly.
Applying to the Grant Program
Before starting your application, you are encouraged to read through the application form and all supplemental documents found below:
- Applicant’s Guide
- Guía para solicitantes sobre el proceso de subvenciones del ministerio de salud mental
- 정신건강 사역 보조금 신청 절차 안내
- Grant Application Form (fillable PDF form) (Word Doc Version)
- Formulario de solicitud de subvención del ministerio de salud mental
- 정신 건강 사역 기금 신청서 (한국어)
- Comfort My People Action Recommendations for Congregations, Mid-Councils, and Seminaries adopted by the 223rd GA (2018)
- Recomendaciones de acción de Comfort My People (Consuela a mi pueblo)
- 내 백성을 위로하라 행동 권고안 제 223차 총회(2018) 채택, 항목 10-11
- Tips for Writing a Strong Grant Proposal
- Consejos para Escribir una Solicitud Exitosa
- 효과적인 보조금 신청서 작성을 위한 조언
- Description of Projects Awarded Grants in Cycle 1 of 2, 2019
- Beneficiarios del programa de subvenciones del Ministerio de Salud Mental Ciclo 1 de 2, 2019
- 정신건강 사역 보조금 프로그램 수령자2019년 제 1주기
All grant applicants must be Presbyterian entities. Individuals are not eligible to apply. To facilitate the widest impact and sharing of good project ideas, congregations applying for grants are expected to share the grant application with their presbytery and seek an endorsement letter for the project.
Completed applications should be submitted by email to:
Donna Miller, PsychD, Associate for Mental Health Ministry
donna.miller@pcusa.org
Lacey Gilliam, Manager, Finance & Administration
lacey.gilliam@pcusa.org
NOTE: During the pandemic please submit your application by email rather than mailing a hard copy, which could be delayed.
Grant Processing Timeline
As soon as an application is confirmed as “complete” (i.e., a completed application form with required documentation has been received), it will be assigned to the next meeting of the Grant Application Review Committee, which will meet twice yearly in 2021 and 2022. Applicants will be notified of the outcome soon after the review process is complete.
Upcoming Mental Health Ministry Grant Application Submission Deadlines for 2021:
- February 19, 2021 for review in March
- August 6, 2021 for review in September
For more information, please contact either:
Donna Miller, PsychD, Associate for Mental Health Ministry
donna.miller@pcusa.org
Lacey Gilliam, Manager, Finance & Administration
lacey.gilliam@pcusa.org
