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Support for Ministry

News

Freedom School at Maplewood
Missional outreach takes many forms, and the Conference Office of Mission, Service and Justice provides grant funds through the Costner-Fulton Grant to support your new, innovative, or one-time mission program and event.
 
The Costner-Fulton Grant honors Tom and LaVerne Fulton, who shared a passion for social work in their professional lives. Their activism was a calling, rooted in faith and given further expression through the outreach ministries of The United Methodist Church. It is not surprising that this dedicated couple created an estate plan that would continue to reach out to a world in need.

The Mission, Service and Justice Team awarded grants for the following mission projects launching in 2023:
 
  • Anchor Room Coffeehouse Outreach at Centenary UMC (St. Louis) – $5,000   
  • Freedom School at Maplewood UMC – $5,000
  • Our Grace Place Pantry at Raytown Chapel location of Woods Chapel UMC – $5,000            
  • Out and About Program at St. Luke’s UMC (Kansas City) – $2,000
  • Serving Unhoused/Unsheltered at Grace UMC (Sullivan) – $5,000
 
“"I was inspired by the example of our grant recipients in finding impactful ways to love their neighbors while building community with them,”
Grace UMC in Sullivan
said Rev. Jeff Jaekley, MSJ Team member and convener of the Costner Fulton Grant Selection Committee. “I know that many of our congregations are asking God to lead them in developing ministries that embody justice, love, and peace in their communities.  When they do, I hope they will apply for financial support through the Costner-Fulton grants administered by the Mission, Service, and Justice Team of our Missouri Conference."
 
The average grant award amount is between $1,000 and $5,000; however, the MSJ team has the discretion to award a different amount on a case-by-case basis. Building projects do not qualify. This year, monies given during the 2022 Missouri Annual Conference Diversely United offering supplemented the 2022 Costner-Fulton grant funding. This grant fund is administered by the Missouri United Methodist Foundation, with all grant applications approved by the Conference MSJ Team.