Two Ways to Choose the Right Project for You
DEVELOP YOUR OWN PROJECT
Just as was the case in 2023, eligible congregations and organizations can follow the roadmap outlined in the video and written explanations below. The roadmap leads you through a variety of steps in order to create a unique project: one that that emerges from your context and utilizes the resources you have to bring to bear on the community.
APPLY FOR A PRE-PACKAGED GRANT
A second option available in 2024 is to apply for a Pre-Packaged Grant. Think of it as a “grant in a box” with the basic idea and parameters of the project, the timeline and the budget all laid out and ready to implement in your context. In 2024 there are two pre-packaged grants to choose from: (1) launching a Dinner Church; and (2) launching Building Bridges, a Latino ministry. Note that while the project is pre-set, congregations and organizations exploring this option will nevertheless need to engage in a community study and inventory their own resources to determine why the pre-packaged grant is right for them. Further, they must determine which V2A goal(s) they are addressing and how they will form a new faith community through their initiative.
The Pre-Packaged grants are described in more detail here.
The Pre-Packaged grants are described in more detail here.
Once you complete the steps of the project planning roadmap, click here to submit your idea to the V2A Grant Team by June 1, 2024.
Steps on the Roadmap to Develop Your Project
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STEP 1: Assemble a Team Seek the support and prayer of your church or organization’s leadership as you embark in this process.
Identify potential team members by looking for people who are passionate about community outreach and the church, and have skills that can contribute to the project. Meet as a team to establish your purpose and commit to working toward it. Establish a regular meeting schedule to ensure good communication. Establish the basic thrust of what you want to accomplish through your project. |
STEP 2: Define the Key Issues Research the community and identify its needs and challenges—conduct surveys, lead focus groups in the community, speak with church or organization members, neighbors and community leaders. Listen and learn! Consider a prayer walk through your community to learn firsthand the needs. How can your congregation or organization be a blessing to the community?
Consider using data from local government agencies, Mission InSite, schools, or other organizations that can provide insights into the community. Learn where needs are not being met. Once you have identified needs and challenges, pray through and prioritize them based on their urgency and importance. What new places can the Gospel be proclaimed? |
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STEP 3: Brainstorm Ideas Encourage the team to generate as many ideas as possible, setting a time limit for brainstorming in order to keep the process moving. Consider whether a pre-packaged grant is right for you.
Map out the gifts you already have, and the resources needed. What do you have to contribute? Who are the community partners and/or sister congregations that can join you? Write down all ideas on a whiteboard or flipchart for everyone to see, and pray for the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit. |
STEP 4: Evaluate & Prioritize Ideas Evaluate each idea against the criteria of feasibility, impact, innovation and alignment with the mission of the congregation or organization. Think about which ideas offer the greatest opportunity to form new faith communities. Consider the obstacles that might arise and how you might overcome them.
Prioritize the ideas that meet the criteria you set for selecting a project and consider which one has the greatest potential impact and which goal(s) of V2A the ideas address. Through prayer, conversation and listening to the Holy Spirit, select an idea to pursue. Seek the support from appropriate leadership of your congregation or organization to move forward. Bear in mind that the overarching goal of V2A is to grow the church through innovative, out-of-the-box new ministries. |
STEP 5: Look for a Green Light: Introduce Your Idea to the V2A Grant Team
Develop a brief description (no more than a paragraph or two in length) of your idea and the V2A goal(s) it addresses.
Assign a person to submit your idea on the V2A website by June 1, 2024. NOTE that you may submit more than one Project Idea Form. However, applicants are able to submit only one proposal per grant season.
Wait to receive confirmation from the Grant Team that your project idea falls in line with the parameters of V2A. Note that this feedback is not an expression of a grant award; it is a confirmation that yours is the type of project V2A will consider.
Assign a person to submit your idea on the V2A website by June 1, 2024. NOTE that you may submit more than one Project Idea Form. However, applicants are able to submit only one proposal per grant season.
Wait to receive confirmation from the Grant Team that your project idea falls in line with the parameters of V2A. Note that this feedback is not an expression of a grant award; it is a confirmation that yours is the type of project V2A will consider.
Vision to Action is a program of the Florida-Bahamas Synod.