DESCRIPTION
Since the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) adopted Gun Violence, Gospel Values: Mobilizing in Response to God’s Call in 2010, the epidemic of gun violence has continued unabated and, in fact, has intensified and worsened. The 225th General Assembly in 2022 declared that It is time for the PC(USA) to reaffirm and strengthen its commitment to be an active and prophetic leader in the national movement to end gun violence. To that end, the Assembly approved a limited fund as seed money for PC(USA) congregations, mid-councils, worshipping community and institutions to conduct events to combat gun violence. Grants of up to $1,000-$2,000 per event are available. The funds are held by the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program and grant applications will be reviewed by the “Decade to End Gun Violence Working Group, formed by the Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA).
CRITERIA
The following criteria will be used in reviewing grant applications. Project proposals should:
- align with the goals of the General Assembly related to gun violence (See the links below to review General Assembly actions).
- be community-based, achievable (with clear goals) and collective (involving more than 1 individual).
- demonstrate an engagement with the issue beyond existing projects and capacities.
- be based in a PC(USA) congregation, worshiping community, mid-council or institution.
- directly impact, empower and energize Presbyterians in their efforts to end gun violence.
Some examples of possible events include training violence interrupters, creating community safe (green) spaces, hosting a speaker’s forum of those impacted by and working to end gun violence, mobilizing with other faith-based and community-based organizations, participating in legislative reform for common sense gun laws.
All grant recipients will be expected to provide documentation of their event including a report and evaluation, photos and videos, and an accounting of the use of funds.
APPLICATION
Please note that a letter of endorsement from a leader of the sponsoring entity (pastor, stated clerk, presbyter) is also required for the application. Please send the letter of endorsement to decade2egv@pcusa.org. Applications will be acknowledged upon receipt and reviewed as they are received. Funds will be disbursed each year until they are fully expended.
QUESTIONS
Please email the Decade to End Gun Violence Team at: decade2egv@pcusa.org. You may also contact the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program at 502-569-5805.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTIONS
2010 – Gun Violence, Gospel Values: Mobilizing in Response to God’s Call (219th General Assembly)
2014 – Gun Violence Prevention (221st General Assembly)
2022 – Gun Violence: An Action of the 225th General Assembly
