Any individual or church in Grace Presbytery who will use the funds for social justice or public witness initiatives.

Social justice and public witness have deep roots in our faith tradition. Justice can be defined as God’s best intention for the world. We engage in social justice by joining God in the mending and repair of the world – by feeding the hungry, healing the sick, loving our neighbors, and tearing down systems of marginalization and oppression. These are biblical acts and spiritual practices. The SJPWC believes that when we engage in social justice in our communities, we become public witnesses to the gospel message.

In line with SJPWC’s vision to equip individuals and congregations to teach, preach, and live the truth of Jesus’ urgent call to justice and compassion, the following types of scholarships and grants will be considered:

1. Justice and Public Witness Education Scholarships: Scholarships for individuals to attend or conferences or hold events that promote God’s justice and compassion. Some examples include but are not limited to the National Latina Women’s Conference, the United Women of Faith Legislative Event, and the Hidden History DFW Tour.
2. Participation in Collective Efforts or Coalition Memberships: Grants to support engagement in networks, coalitions, or collaborative movements working toward systemic change. This may include membership fees, gatherings, or shared initiatives. These efforts should demonstrate active partnership and shared
   financial investment. Some examples include but are not limited to membership fees or costs to partner with groups such as Texas Impact or Dallas Area Interfaith.
3. 3. Collaborative Justice and Public Witness Initiatives: Grants for projects developed in partnership with other congregations and/or community organizations that embody shared work and visible engagement in justice issues. At its core, this grant is intended to fund work done in partnership, not done independently, to deepen
   shared learning, strengthen relationships, and expand impact locally. Some examples could include creating cooling/warming centers for the unhoused community, health fairs, or local programs that address systems of racism, marginalization, or oppression.
4. Congregational Justice and Public Witness Events or Initiatives: Grants that support efforts within a congregation that address justice issues through education, advocacy, or action, especially those that connect to broader community impact and demonstrate meaningful expansion or collaboration. Some examples include, but are not limited to, anti-racism training, Matthew 25 initiatives, and ecojustice educational events.

Preference may be given to individuals or communities who are members of historically marginalized groups in need due to systemic discrimination or exclusion.

Grants are awarded on an annual basis and must be reapplied for each year. Continued funding is not guaranteed, and award amounts may vary.

Applicants are encouraged to consider how work will be sustained if future funding is reduced or not
renewed.

After submission, your grant or scholarship will be considered by the grants and scholarship subcommittee of the SJPWC. If the subcommittee needs additional information, a liaison will be appointed and will reach out to you or your representative. Applicants will be contacted no later than six weeks after your application is received.

SJPWC will grant up to $2000. Please list all additional sources of funds for an event, project, or collaborative effort. If funding is not sufficient and no other resources are known, please note this in your application for further consideration.

Applications are evaluated on the following:

• Fits within the definitions of social justice or public witness above.
• Effectiveness
• Implementation
• Engages systems of injustice