The Nebraska United Methodist Foundation awards a limited number of ministry grants to Nebraska Methodist churches and ministries of the Great Plains United Methodist Conference twice a year. 

Through these awards of grant dollars, we seek to enhance and expand ministries of the United Methodist Church. These grants are made only for programs and activities (including operating expenses and supplies). They are not made for building repair, replacement, salaries, church operations or expansion. The grants come from the Foundation’s “Gifts From the Heart” Endowment Fund.  Applications are reviewed by the Foundation's Stewardship Committee and voted on by the Board of Directors at the April and October board meetings. 

The ministry grant program runs twice a year:

Spring Program: January 1st - March 31st; Grants will be reviewed by April 30th, and checks will be mailed by May 15th

Fall Program: July 1st - September 30th; Grants will be reviewed by October 31st, and checks will be mailed by November 15th

Ministry Grant Guidelines & Application

To apply, please complete the application and mail to: Sharon Schmidt, Director of Stewardship, Nebraska United Methodist Foundation, 100 W. Fletcher Ave., Suite 100, Lincoln, NE 68521 or email the application to Sharon at sschmidt [at] numf.org.  Please contact us at 402-323-8844 if you have any questions about the grant application process. 

The Facilities Upgrade Matching Grant is available to Nebraska United Methodist Churches within the Great Plains Conference. The goal of this grant is to assist United Methodist Churches in need of financial support for their building, remodel, or maintenance and repairs projects. Common examples of supported projects could be accessibility improvements, safety upgrades, or emergency repairs. By providing support for the building projects of churches, it allows them to grow current or begin new ministries.

Facilities Upgrade Matching Grant

It is the mission of the Nebraska United Methodist Foundation to be a catalyst that strengthens existing mission ministries and supports and develops innovative mission ministries meeting the needs of a diverse and rapidly changing society. The Foundation offers two mission grant opportunites, and the program runs from January 1 - March 31.

The Dean & Keitha Thomson Mission Grants are for individuals who are in need of financial assistance in order to participate on a mission trip.

Dean & Keitha Thomson Mission Grant Guidelines & Application

The Gifts from the Heart (GFTH) Mission Grants are for Nebraska United Methodist Churches who are planning mission trips within their congregation.

Gifts From The Heart Mission Grant Guidelines & Application

Mission trips may be located locally, nationally, or internationally with a focus on global health, including but not limited to medical needs, or disaster and recovery efforts. The mission trip work must be considered to be of a beneficial nature to the larger community and an integral part of a long-range plan for growth and outreach.

It is the mission of the Foundation to be a catalyst that strengthens Nebraska ministries and churches. We support innovative ideas that meet the needs of a diverse and rapidly changing society. Part of the way in which we do this is through our New Start New Faith Community Grants. 

If you are a new church start and are interested in applying for these grants, please review the information provided at the link below. Grants are awarded on a semi-annual basis. The Spring program runs January 1 - March 31 and the Fall program runs July 1 - September 30.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP EDUCATION & COURSE OF STUDY SCHOLARSHIPS

Church Leadership Education & Support scholarships can be used for continuing education and necessary support for all Nebraska clergy and laity.  Applications should only be submitted after completion of an educational event or renewal support. 

Course of Study scholarship requests are processed approximately every quarter. Applications should only be submitted after successful completion of one or more course of study or advanced course of study classes. 

Both Course of Study scholarships and Church Leadership Education & Support scholarships are administered on a reimbursement basis. 

Church Leadership (Clergy & Lay Leaders) Education & Support Scholarship Application

Course of Study Scholarship Guidelines

Download a printable application here -> Course of Study Scholarship Application

To apply online -> Course of Study Scholarship Application

SEMINARY & UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS

Seminary and undergraduate scholarship application materials are available each year from April 1 to June 30 and are reviewed by the Stewardship Committee and voted on by the Board of Directors during the July meeting.  Recipients are notified by mid August and checks are mailed directly to the recipient's college.  

The Seminary/General Undergraduate Scholarship application will be available April 1, 2026. For a printable application, click here.

Apply Online for the Scholarship

Thank you to those who have made the sacrifice to establish the following undergraduate, seminary and course of study scholarships: