The Committee on Accessibility Ministries has set aside funding to assist local churches working toward total accessibility and to assist any church or ministry group within the Illinois Great Rivers Conference wanting to establish new programs to reach and serve individuals with disabilities. These funds are limited and will not cover the entire cost of most projects. However, through the awarding of a grant, the Committee offers its support to efforts toward full inclusion of all persons in worship and Christian formation experiences and to advocacy for the needs of persons with challenging conditions. Funds are made available through contributions to the Disability Awareness Sunday Offering.
Grant Information (read this first!)
Architectural Accessibility Grants (Deadline: Jan. 31) - limited to "architectural accessibility" projects related to the church or parsonage structure.
The following three types of grants do not have deadlines. Applications will be received year-round and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Mission Grants - limited to funding to enable a person with disabilities to participate in a mission experience.
Attitudinal Grants - limited to projects intended to increase inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the full life and ministry of the church, such as Disability Awareness Workshops, Curriculum Evaluation, or Disability Inclusion Seminars.
Family/Direct Service Grants - limited to projects that directly benefit individuals with disabilities and/or their families, such as Respite Ministry, Shopping/Medical Appointment Transportation, or Workshops (on topics such as Estate Planning or Special Needs Trusts).