Grants for Workshops and Conferences

The Resource Center for Pastoral Excellence is making available a limited number of mini-grants in amounts up to $5000 each to support continuing education or enrichment activities among groups of clergy. Approximately one-half of the funds available annually will be disbursed to groups submitting proposals for enrichment activities through the RCPE on the campus of Samford University. The remainder of the available funds will be disbursed to groups planning workshops or conferences off campus.

Groups are expected to contribute matching funds of some amount toward expenses in their proposals.

Groups desiring to receive a mini-grant should write a brief proposal (no more than 3 pages) that includes the following:

A description of the peer group and its purpose, noting general statistics of group participants such as gender, age range, race, denomination, and ministry role.
A description of what the group would like to do, indicating a goal or goals and plans for activities intended to help the group achieve its goal/s. The description should indicate how the proposed activity will reinforce the group's overall purpose. The date of the proposed event or activity should also be included.
A simple budget detailing expenses such as travel, lodging, meals, books, honorariums, entertainment, & etc.
The amount of matching funds the group will commit toward expenses in the proposal

Group activities should be completed within one year of proposal approval.

RCPE staff are available to assist peer groups in the preparation of proposals.

Groups receiving mini-grants will be asked to complete a brief written evaluation of their experience. An evaluation form with specific questions will be sent to groups for this purpose.

Proposals for mini-grants in 2010 will be received beginning January 1, 2010 and will be considered in the order received. Proposals should be submitted via email to mkwilson@samford.edu

Notification of action on proposals will be made within six weeks of receipt.

For more information contact:

Michael Wilson, Program Director

Resource Center for Pastoral Excellence

Samford University

800 Lakeshore Drive

Birmingham, AL 35229

(205) 726-4064

mkwilson@samford.edu