Spring 2026 Grants Program

Spring 2026 Grants Program is sponsored by Metro Ministries, Inc.. Supports United Methodist churches and eligible nonprofits in Indiana with projects focused on Christian leadership development and emergent/basic human needs.

## Spring 2026 Grants Program ##### **Metro Ministries, Inc.’s Spring 2026 Grants Program Is Now Open** Metro Ministries offers grant applications annually in the spring and fall. These grant cycles are determined by funding allocated for that year. Grants offered during the spring are open to United Methodist churches and eligible nonprofit organization across Indiana.

A Fall grant cycle will be determined if sufficient funding is available and are only open to United Methodist Churches. Churches are invited to consider project proposal submissions that are directly and intentionally focused on one or more areas related to those listed below.

**Christian Leadership Development –** Youth and/or adult training which provides motivation and hands-on opportunities to become passionate, educated, and well-informed Christian leaders with the practice of service. This training should include outward-focused church and/or community ministries.

**Emergent/Basic Human Needs –** Ministries which engage with people who are under-resourced and marginalized, offering skills, education, training, daily life necessities, access to healthcare services, etc. Initiatives may address the causes of poverty. Establishing partnerships that enable individuals or communities to achieve self-sufficiency as an outcome is highly encouraged.

**Racial Equity and Justice –** Projects and programs that respond to racial inequity and interrupt racism. Work done through such projects and programs should stimulate sustainable change in individuals, communities and/or churches with tangible and visible outcomes.

**Supporting the Growth and Well-being of Children and Youth –** Programs and ministries that focus on education, social-emotional learning and spiritual growth of children and young people. Program outcomes must be defined and measurable. Cayla Long is a 2025 Brookside Scholarship applicant, pursuing her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Indiana University.

The Brookside Legacy Scholarship, created by the former Brookside United Methodist Church, continues to honor its mission by supporting under-privileged students in the Brookside and Eastside Indianapolis community. For eligibility details, contact Patty Fisher. * **January 28, 2026:**RFP announced on website and Wednesday Words * **March 13, 2026:**Grant application submission date.

Must be submitted by 11:45 pm * **April 22, 2026:**Awards Luncheon (Time and Location TBD) * **May 1, 2026:**Checks will be mailed to recipients ## Submission Instructions In addition to aligning with one or more of the above focus areas, submissions must meet all Grant Criteria and Grant Requirements included in the Request for Proposal (RFP).

This cycle’sGrant Applicationis an online form that should be completed and submitted via a web browser. The amounts of individual grant awards are dependent on the number and quality of grant submissions but will be in the range of $1,000 – $5,000, with the potential for one submission to be awarded beyond this range. **Applications are due by March 13, 2026 by 11:45 pm.

** If a church or an organization has questions about this application, please contact the executive director at: metrodirector1923@gmail. com. #### Need some help writing a proposal?

Amani Family Service – Ft.

Wayne, IN Bethel UMC Diaper Pantry – Indianapolis, IN Chapel Hill UMC Diaper Pantry – Indianapolis, IN Kid’s Closet Ministry – North Judson, IN New Ross UMC Family Service – Lafayette, IN Scottsburg UMC Loads of Love – Scottsburg, IN Scott UMC Loaves and Fishers – Indianapolis, IN Servants at Work – Indiana Stillwaters Adult Day Center – Indianapolis,IN Lawrence UMC Youth Corps – Indianapolis, IN Morgantown UMC Food Pantry – Morgantown, IN Mount Pleasant Preschool – Terre Haute, IN Martindale Church S.

W. A. G.

– Indianapolis, IN McCordsville UMC Food Pantry – McCordsville, IN Catalyst Rescue Mission – Jeffersonville, IN McCordsville UMC Lord’s Helping Hand Feeding Ministry – McCordsville, IN ### Justice & Immigration Grants Metro Ministries awarded for the first time Justice and Immigration Grants to 10 United Methodist Churches in Indiana: Bluffton First UMC – Bluffton, IN Disciples Korean UMC – West Lafayette, IN Trinity UMC – Plymouth, IN Hanover UMC – Hanover, IN Maple Ave UMC – Terre Haute, IN First UMC Bloomington – Bloomington, IN Old Bethel UMC – Indianapolis, IN Abundant Vida Nueva – Indianapolis, IN Otterbein UMC – Indianapolis, IN Parker City UMC – Parker City, IN #### Brianna Owens - ICAN Program Director