How did V2A come to be?There are times when congregations prayerfully determine that their ministry has been completed in a particular location. When a congregation turns its assets over to the Office of the Bishop, sometimes the best decision is to sell some or all of those assets so that the proceeds can be used to fund new initiatives. V2A was established as the mechanism for plowing funds from asset sales into vibrant, innovative and growing ministries—putting “new wine into fresh wineskins.”
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And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins and will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. |
What is Vision to Action (V2A)?
Vision to Action is the granting entity of the Florida-Bahamas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
What are V2A grants for?
V2A grants are awarded to help launch innovative, new ministries that invite people into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and expand the church. In 2024, proposals should also address the one or more of the goals of making disciples, sharing Christ, growing vital congregations, doing justice, and seeking intentional diversity.
V2A supports “out of the box,” new ways of being church in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. The overarching emphasis is on intentional evangelism—inviting new communities to experience the life-changing power of the gospel
V2A supports “out of the box,” new ways of being church in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. The overarching emphasis is on intentional evangelism—inviting new communities to experience the life-changing power of the gospel
Who can apply for a V2A grant?
V2A is open to any congregation or group of congregations of the Florida-Bahamas Synod of the ELCA; to the Office of the Bishop of the Florida-Bahamas Synod; Luther Springs (NovusWay); Lutheran Campus Ministry; ELCA Parish Nurse Association; and other recognized ministries of the Florida-Bahamas Synod approved by the Synod Council. Projects should have an impact on communities within the Florida-Bahamas Synod.
What are the GOALS for V2A in 2024?
- Sharing Christ: Focusing on creating community;
- Vital Congregations: Developing congregations and organizations as innovation centers;
- Making Disciples: Re-focusing congregational practices on discipleship and lifelong learning rather than membership;
- Doing Justice: Identifying community organizations for partnerships; and
- Intentional Diversity: Growing churches and organizations that are active in their communities.
How was V2A’s mission determined?
V2A’s mission was the result of an intentional time of prayer, conversation and input from the members of the Florida-Bahamas Synod. The comprehensive listening process ensured that V2A grant priorities reflect the goals of the entire synod.
What’s important to notice about what’s not on the list of priorities?
V2A is focused on innovative ministry coupled with intentional evangelism. Applicants, no doubt, have other important needs and ideas, yet not all fit into V2A’s mission. V2A is not intended for new church planting, general building programs and capital campaigns; it is not designed to pay maintenance bills or salaries; it is not for shoring up a flagging ministry. Rather, V2A is a financial engine that can allow existing congregations to dream big dreams, engage community partners, and grow in new ways. V2A can help transform ideas into vibrant, growing ministries that invite others to experience God and deepen their faith.
What is the typical grant size?
Most grant requests are in the 5,000 to $25,000 range. However, smaller and larger grants are entertained. V2A has a total of up to $600,000 available to grant in 2024.
What types of projects is V2A particularly interested in?
V2A is looking for those projects that reflect an “out-of-the-box,” innovative approach to awakening people’s spiritual hunger. Further, V2A wants a project to meet at least one of the stated goals for the granting period. The overarching goal of V2A is to help congregations and ministry partners be "church" in exciting, new ways, and invite people into a relationship with Jesus Christ. V2A encourages proposals that connect to the larger community rather than focus solely on the individual congregation(s) or organization(s). Collaboration with community partners is encouraged.
V2A is looking for new initiatives rather than funding already-existing ones. In order for the Grant Team to consider an enhancement of an existing ministry, the applicant must demonstrate how the proposal leads it in a new direction.
V2A is looking for new initiatives rather than funding already-existing ones. In order for the Grant Team to consider an enhancement of an existing ministry, the applicant must demonstrate how the proposal leads it in a new direction.
How long can a project last?
A project can be an event or initiative with a specific end date, or it can launch a new, ongoing ministry. If a discreet project, please be prepared to explain its enduring impact. If an ongoing project, please indicate how it can be sustained, financially and organizationally, beyond the life of the grant.
What tips can you give me about compiling a budget?
The budget should be as specific as possible so that the Grant Team can understand your project and you can plan adequately for success. Costs should be organized into broad categories (supplies, equipment, facility upgrades, marketing, etc.) and then delineated as to what is included in the category. Note that personnel costs can be part of the grant budget when devoted to consultants, trainers, and speakers. Launching a new staff position can be considered only if there is a demonstrated ability to sustain the position beyond the grant.
While V2A can support project expenses that form new faith communities, the grant program is not intended to fund new mission starts. Likewise, it is not available for general building programs and capital campaigns. V2A considers capital expenditures only insofar as they relate specifically to the project and are needed for it to succeed. When requesting funds for capital outlay, be sure that your project drives the capital need. For example, if you want to build a new basketball court for teens, be sure that you have developed a specific, faith-based teen ministry you intend to launch, that requires the court in order to proceed.
While V2A can support project expenses that form new faith communities, the grant program is not intended to fund new mission starts. Likewise, it is not available for general building programs and capital campaigns. V2A considers capital expenditures only insofar as they relate specifically to the project and are needed for it to succeed. When requesting funds for capital outlay, be sure that your project drives the capital need. For example, if you want to build a new basketball court for teens, be sure that you have developed a specific, faith-based teen ministry you intend to launch, that requires the court in order to proceed.
WHAT IS THE GRANT TEAM LOOKING FOR WHEN EVALUATING A PROJECT?
The Grant Team reviews applications based on the following general criteria:
Each application is independently read and reviewed by members of the Grant Team. Applications are then discussed by the entire team. Successful applications must meet grant criteria. The Grant Team may contact the application with clarifying questions or requesting an interview before a decision is made. The Grant Team submits its decisions to the Synod Council for final ratification.
- A fully completed application including all supporting documentation and an adherence to all requirements outlined on the website
- An innovative, new approach to “being church” with intentional evangelism
- Adherence to one or more of the goals of V2A for 2024
- Well-developed project design, indicating the initiative can be completed successfully by the applicant
- If there is a plan for collaboration with community partners and/or consultants, the entities are available and ready to engage in the project
- A clearly identified timeline and budget that takes possible obstacles into consideration
- If a single-event project, a description of how it will have more far-reaching impact; if a new, ongoing ministry, that it is sustainable and viable beyond the life of the grant
Each application is independently read and reviewed by members of the Grant Team. Applications are then discussed by the entire team. Successful applications must meet grant criteria. The Grant Team may contact the application with clarifying questions or requesting an interview before a decision is made. The Grant Team submits its decisions to the Synod Council for final ratification.
HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED OF THE GRANT TEAM’S DECISION?
Applicants will be notified via email of the Grant Team’s decision regarding a proposal. Those awarded a grant will be required to sign a Letter of Agreement outlining the terms and conditions. The letter will include such information as:
- The amount and purpose of grant
- Expectations surrounding the grant—record keeping, utilizing funds in the manner proposed, expectations for participation in a cohort
- Permission to publish photos and information about the project
- Any periodic reporting requirements and the submission of a final report
Can a project meet a community need, without having an intentionally spiritual component?
The short answer is: no. V2A encourages congregations and organizations to be culturally relevant and tackle issues in our world ranging from homelessness, to climate change, to racism. V2A also, however, is looking for innovative proposals that connect such initiatives to our faith in a bold and concrete fashion. How does the proposal provide opportunities for intentional evangelism? How can the activity or event help to awaken or strengthen faith? How can the Lutheran Church in Florida grow?
Does V2A support food pantries and feeding ministries?
Providing food to the hungry is a critical and vital ministry for many congregations and ministry groups. V2A celebrates this important work taken on by our synod. In terms of V2A, bear in mind that the grant program’s emphasis is on innovative, new ministries that form new communities of faith. Should your project feature a food ministry, consider: how is it innovative? What are the faith-based activities launched through the feeding program? Where are the opportunities for intentional evangelism? How can participants--either clients or volunteers--be invited into a relationship with Jesus Christ?
Will V2A fund requests such as playgrounds, sporting facilities, and vehicles?
Capital improvements and vans, buses, and other vehicles are not eligible for V2A funding unless they are integral to launching the new ministry being proposed. Further, the project itself must fit into the goals of V2A--emphasizing innovation, new ways of "being church," and forming new faith communities. One litmus test might be to consider how you would write the application itself: would it be first and foremost about the way you intend to reach a new faith community? Then, the capital expenditures would flow from the ministry and potentially be considered by V2A. If, however, the application would be primarily about the renovated room or new equipment—with the potential activities that could happen included, as a hoped-for benefit—then, the request would not meet V2A guidelines.
Will V2A fund scholarshipS?
In general, V2A is not available for scholarships. In other words, simply proposing a scholarship fund would not fall in the grant’s parameters. The Grant Team might, however, consider financial support for certain individuals/groups to attend a learning event that would launch a new ministry.
What financial information is V2A looking for in the supporting documentation?
All applicants must provide the most recent actual annual balance sheet, as well as actual Income and Expense statements for the most recent three years of operation. The statements could be documents used by a Finance Committee or board, or could be a summary page drawn from a congregation’s or organization’s Annual Report.
What does V2A want to know about Mission Support and Trend Reports?
In order to be awarded a V2A grant, a congregation must have made a commitment to Mission Support and be fulfilling that commitment. Mission Support is the financial contribution that a congregation makes to the work of the Florida-Bahamas Synod. In addition, congregations must complete their annual Trend Report which is reported to the ELCA each year. Trend Report information can be found on the ELCA website.
Beyond the completed application and supporting documentation, what other requirements are part of V2A?
In order to be awarded a V2A grant, congregations and ministry partners must attend a V2A Introductory Workshop. These are offered virtually during the first quarter of 2024. Further, congregations must have made a commitment to Mission Support and be fulfilling it, and be up-to-date in filing the ELCA Trend Report. Mission Support is the financial contribution that a congregation makes to the work of the Florida-Bahamas Synod. Trend Report information can be found on the ELCA website. Finally, all congregations applying must have had someone attend both the Synod Assembly and the Conference on Ministry.
I did not attend an Introductory Workshop but am interested in V2A. What should I do?
The workshop is a requirement. You are urged to apply in the 2025 Grant Season and watch the V2A website and Synod E-Spirit for the workshop dates offered in early 2025.
Will V2A fund salaries?
Salaries are considered by V2A in only certain circumstances. The grant can cover the cost of consultants, trainers, speakers and other temporary staffing needs that are integral to the new ministry and have fixed costs and end dates. New, salaried positions that are critical to the ministry being proposed can be considered only insofar as there is a clear, viable way to sustain the salary beyond the life of the grant. V2A is not available to support already-existing salary requirements.
Does V2A award an amount less than requested on an application?
The V2A Grant Team looks carefully at each application. It is possible the team will determine that a project should be awarded a grant for an amount less than requested.
What is the difference between developing my own project and applying for a pre-packaged grant?
In 2024, V2A is offering two "pre-packaged grants." As is the case for developing your own, unique project, congregational/organizational planning teams will study their community, consider their context, and determine the gifts and resources they have. As they brainstorm project ideas, teams can also consider two ideas that V2A is offering in a "pre-packaged" format: (1) launching a dinner church; and (2) launching a Latino ministry. Each has a predetermined budget of $10,000 and a suggested timeline for implementation. Both projects also come with ongoing coaching.
It is up to the planning team to determine (and describe in the application) (1) what V2A goals it will address with the project, (2) how it will form new communities of faith, and (3) why the pre-packaged grant is right project for the congregation/organization to implement.
It is up to the planning team to determine (and describe in the application) (1) what V2A goals it will address with the project, (2) how it will form new communities of faith, and (3) why the pre-packaged grant is right project for the congregation/organization to implement.
What is the difference between the standard application and the pre-packaged grant application?
There are two application to choose from on the V2A website--the "standard" application is for applicants that have developed their own project ideas, and the "pre-packaged" application is for the Dinner Church and Building Bridges (Latino Ministry) projects. You will note that the questions are essentially the same on both applications; the difference is that the timeline and budget for the pre-packaged grants have already been determined and are listed on the application.
Vision to Action is a program of the Florida-Bahamas Synod.