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.”
Click the boxes below for answers to more frequently asked questions.
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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)?
V2A is a granting entity of the Florida-Bahamas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
What are V2A grants for?
V2A grants are intended to help launch innovative ministries that result in sharing Christ, making disciples, growing vital congregations and healthy leaders, embracing inclusive communities, and ushering Christ’s justice into the world. V2A supports new ways of “being church” in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. Priorities for grantmaking are published each year, based on goals that were established through a synod wide listening and planning process.
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 priorities for V2A in 2023 & 2024?
In this first year of granting, V2A is focusing on five goals established by the Florida-Bahamas Synod. They include:
The remaining five of the top ten goals will be the focus in 2024. They include:
- Intentional Diversity: Fostering a culture of love in our faith communities;
- Sharing Christ: Developing new ways to grow faith communities that are outwardly focused, emphasizing intentional evangelism
- Making Disciples: Creating spiritually-focused faith communities;
- Nurturing Healthy Leaders: Engaging in renewal for rostered and lay leaders; and
- Doing Justice: Igniting congregational and organizational outreach through community partnerships
The remaining five of the top ten goals will be the focus in 2024. They include:
- Making Disciples: 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 is 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. Applicants no doubt have other important needs and ideas, yet not all of these 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.
What is the typical grant size?
It is anticipated in this first year of operation, the average grant request will be in the 5,000 to $25,000 range. However, smaller and larger grants will be entertained. V2A has a total of up to $600,000 available to grant in 2023.
What types of projects is V2A particularly interested in?
In general, those projects that are innovative and meet at least one of the stated goals for a granting period are eligible for consideration by V2A. The overarching goal is to help congregations and ministry partners be "church" in exciting, new ways, and invite others 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. Collaboration with community partners is encouraged.
V2A is looking for new initiatives rather than funding already-existing ministries and programs. Enhancement of an existing project may be considered, however, if the grant is intended to expand it in a new and innovative direction.
V2A is looking for new initiatives rather than funding already-existing ministries and programs. Enhancement of an existing project may be considered, however, if the grant is intended to expand it in a new and innovative direction.
How long can a project last?
A project can be an event or initiative with a specific end date, or it can be intended to 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 can 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 communities through innovative programming or worship experiences, 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 that relate specifically to the project and are needed for it to succeed.
While V2A can support project expenses that form new communities through innovative programming or worship experiences, 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 that relate specifically to the project and are needed for it to succeed.
WHAT IS THE GRANT TEAM LOOKING FOR WHEN EVALUATING A PROPOSAL?
The Grant Team will review applications based on the following general criteria:
Each application will be independently read and reviewed by each member of the Grant Team. Applications will then be reviewed and discussed by the team. Successful applications must meet grant criteria. If the Grant Team has clarifying questions about a project proposal, the designated project leader will be contacted for additional information before a decision is made. The Grant Team will make recommendations to the Synod Council for final approval.
- A fully completed application
- Adherence to the goals of V2A and an emphasis on innovative ministry that grows the church
- 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 the project launches a new, ongoing ministry, the Grant Team will look for a reasonable, attainable plan for sustaining it beyond the life of the grant
Each application will be independently read and reviewed by each member of the Grant Team. Applications will then be reviewed and discussed by the team. Successful applications must meet grant criteria. If the Grant Team has clarifying questions about a project proposal, the designated project leader will be contacted for additional information before a decision is made. The Grant Team will make recommendations to the Synod Council for final approval.
HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED OF THE GRANT TEAM’S DECISION?
Applicants will be notified via email of the Synod Council’s decision regarding its proposal. Those receiving a grant will be required to sign a Letter of Agreement outlining its 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
- 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 a spiritual component?
There are many critical needs met by faith communities as well as other non-profit groups. V2A encourages being relevant and creating partnerships as we tackle issues in our world ranging from homelessness, to climate change, to racism. V2A also, however, is looking for proposals that can connect such activities to our faith in a bold and concrete fashion. Where are there opportunities to offer discussion groups, devotional experiences, or worship opportunities? 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 witness have the opportunity to 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. V2A's emphasis, however, is on creating innovative, new ministries. Should your project focus on a food ministry, consider how it addresses this overarching purpose. In other words, what new ministries are to be launched through the feeding program? Where are there opportunities for intentional evangelism? How can participants--either clients or volunteers--be invited into faith conversations?
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.
Will V2A fund scholarship money?
Simply adding to a scholarship fund would not fall in the V2A parameters. Providing scholarship money for individuals/groups to participate in an event in order to launch or grow a new ministry would be considered.
What financial information is V2A looking for in the supporting documentation?
V2A wants to have as full a picture of applicants as possible. All applicants are required to submit their last three years of financial information--it could be an overview page that was used in an annual report or from documents prepared for a finance committee or board. Both balance sheet and Income/Expense Statements should be uploaded on the Apply Page.
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.
V2A Listening Session Replay
Vision to Action is a program of the Florida-Bahamas Synod.
