The Bridge Fund began several years ago as the result of a challenge grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc. They began to see that competent, talented, and gifted pastors were leaving the ministry at an alarming rate and it was discovered that financial stressors were a large contributing factor.
Through that initiative and the UMLI challenge, we have been able to grow the Bridge Fund. This will serve as the seed to eventually build an endowment to continue to serve our pastors in the future.
Over the last several years, The Bridge Fund has:
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awarded more than 130 grants to pastors.
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provided individual financial consultation and advice to several pastors.
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helped retired pastors, or their widows, pay for health insurance.
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trained over 90 Bethel College students with Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University.
Criteria
Grant requests will be made in written application and submitted to The Bridge Fund Board. The Board will review applications and make the final approval of awards.
Educational Debt Reduction Grant:
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Preference will be given to those in greatest need
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Applicant holds credentials by the Missionary Church
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Applicant has served a minimum number of two consecutive years in ministry and is in good standing in the MCNCR
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Applicant has met continuing education requirements as outlined in the MCNCR Bylaws
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Church's financial obligations to the MCNCR are up to date
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Applicant is currently active and participating in the events of the MCNCR
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Applicant has a full time status, or if less than full time status, The Bridge Fund Board may pro-rate the grant
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Applicant must meet with an approved financial counselor and have his/her recommendation prior to grant money being awarded
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Applicant must continue to make monthly loan payments and provide documentation of proof to The Bridge Fund
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The Bridge Fund will match funds provided by the church or other donors according to our guidelines
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The Bridge Fund will match funds up to $3,000 per year
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Grant term is up to four years with an annual re-application required
Health Insurance Supplement for Retired Pastors:
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Applicant is a retired pastor (or widow/widower of pastor) who has retired from the North Central Region with a minimum of five years of active service
OR
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Applicant is a retired pastor whose credentials are held in the North Central Region and who has a minimum of 10 years of North Central Region service regardless of the region from which they retired
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Grant recipients will be decided based on need. Maximum grant amount is $1,500 per individual per year.
Benevolent Grant:
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Applicant is currently active and participating in the events of the MCNCR
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Applicant has met continuing education requirements as outlined in the MCNCR Bylaws
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Grant maximum is $2,400
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Applicant's urgency/emergency situations will be reviewed on an individual basis