At such a time as this, we support our communities of faith
From coast to coast to coast, we are proud to support hundreds of congregations, ministries, and church-centred causes. This year, we supported a church on its Affirmation journey, empowered donors to pay congregation debt, and helped a congregation transform their space.
Awarded through 51 Seeds of Hope grants
Awarded through 7 grants from the New Ministries Fund
Awarded through 13 other grant programs
Supporting congregations in their journey to Affirming
In March 2023, St. Paul’s United (Grande Prairie, AB) became Alberta’s only Affirming Congregation north of Edmonton. In doing so, they completed a long journey of education, introspection, and discernment, supported by the Foundation through the Seeds of Hope granting program.
The decision to become Affirming is not a casual one: congregations must deliberately and consciously choose to make the choice to become an Affirming Congregation.
A key aspect of becoming Affirming is to be explicit and purposeful about accepting 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Doing so not only educates congregation members about issues, but it also builds relationships with local 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
“We would have struggled to have the money to do the things that we did,” says Susan, a member of St. Paul’s Affirm Ministry Team. “They gave us a grant of $6000, and we used every dollar – and more. It’s very, very appreciated.”
The Foundation was thrilled to provide support through a Seeds of Hope grant, helping their community of faith collaborate with local 2SLGBTQIA+ groups and Indigenous communities to convene learning events on gender, diversity, and identity as they relate to faith.
We want to congratulate our friends at St. Paul’s United Church for their radical love and courage. Your new Affirming ministry gives hope of a brighter world to so many in your community and beyond.
Video: United Church of Canada Foundation
Helping thriving churches with their debt
In the face of rising real estate costs and mortgage rates, one couple proposed a creative use for their existing long-term fund at the Foundation to help otherwise-thriving churches pay down their significant debts.
Working with the Foundation, the couple developed metrics to determine the characteristics of a ‘thriving’ congregation. Using these metrics along with available data to indicate indebtedness, several communities of faith were encouraged to apply for funding during the Spring 2023 grant round. However, all United Church communities of faith were eligible to be included in the process if they met the criteria. In addition to addressing the financial barrier, the grant was about defining and celebrating success.
Eight applicants received a small grant of $625 as recognition of their effort put forward in creating and submitting the application.
Four congregations received the remaining balance of the funds: North Bramalea United (Brampton, ON), High River United (High River, AB), Okotoks United (Okotoks, AB), and Westminster United (Whitby, ON).
While this grant was a one-time funding event, the donors were happy with the result of this initiative, and we were thrilled to help bring their vision to reality.
A New Hub for Music and Community
When Rosedale United Church (Toronto, ON) first envisioned their community HUB project, they sought a Seeds of Hope grant to transform their space into a café. Faced with building permit difficulties, they instead pivoted to a new vision: a concert and performance hall.
Conscious of community, the members of Rosedale United sought ways to use their building to be a gift for their neighbours. The Rosedale Hub renovations were envisioned as a way to open up the church building to all members of the community as a place to gather and flourish.
The successful opening of the Rosedale Hub was kicked off in a big way: with a Gordon Lightfoot tribute concert that saw 14 performers playing the rock star’s greatest hits. More than 300 people attended the concert and the following reception at the church.
More than just an evening of fun and music, the Hub provides space for Tai Chi and yoga classes, choir practice, and, yes, more concerts and recitals. Congratulations to Rosedale United Church on your new vision; we are happy to have played a part in your transformation!
Photos: Rosedale United Church
Active and Loving God,
At such a time as this,
Help us help each other
No matter where we are.
Amen.
1 866 340-8223 • fdn@united-church.ca
www.unitedchurchfoundation.ca
3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 200
Toronto, Ontario M8X 2Y4
The United Church of Canada Foundation provides service and support to all courts of the Church and United Church-related institutions and organizations.
The Foundation facilitates gifts of stocks, mutual funds, etc., provides grants for innovative and unique programs and projects run by United Church-related organizations, and facilitates the longterm support of all courts of the Church and their mission and service.