As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Disciples congregations have been forced to shut down in-person worship for nearly a year or longer. Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) is offering loans of up to US $50,000 for technology upgrades to help congregations pivot to a stronger online presence moving forward. The technology needs of congregations can include tangible equipment purchases and upgrades to undergird the church’s ability to broadcast worship services and connect with their members virtually. Eligible recipients must be congregations/ministries that are related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada denomination as evidenced by a current listing in the Year Book & Directory of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). This includes congregations in ‘In Formation’ status.
To apply, contact the Building and Capital Services Advisor assigned to your region. Their name, email address, and phone number can be found on DCEF’s ‘Staff‘ page. Please note that if your regional Advisor is James Michel, your contact person is Jennifer Gallagher, who can be reached at jgallagher@disciplescef.org and 317.319.9579.
Saguaro Christian Church would like to submit an application for grant monies for the new technology. What’s the first step? Can you send us the application?
Thank you,
Hi Frances, thanks for your interest. You can contact your regional Building and Services Advisor Rosario Ibarra at 317.635.6500 Ext. 2547 or
ribarra@disciplescef.org to learn how to submit an application.
First Christian in Republic is interested in apply for a grant and/or matching grant to upgrade our multi-media Department. What are the stipulations, where can we apply?
Hi Lee, thanks for your interest. You can contact your regional Building and Services Advisor James Michel at 317.635.6500 Ext. 2535 or
jmichel@disciplescef.org to learn about stipulations and the application process.
I would be interested in learning more about the grants. We were just looking into upgrading our equipment, to do just that; enhance our online presence. Thank you.
On behalf of the First Christian Church in Girard, OH, I would like to request an application for a grant for new technology within the church.
Thank you for your consideration.
Hi Diane, thanks for your interest. You can contact your regional Building and Services Advisor Belinda King at 317.635.6500 Ext. 2514 or
bking@disciplescef.org to request an application.
I have the same request as Frances Johnson: How do we get this process rolling? I didn’t see any specifics in this article.
Hi Paul, thanks for your interest. You can contact your regional Building and Services Advisor James Michel at 317.635.6500 Ext. 2535 or
jmichel@disciplescef.org to learn how to start the process.
Thank you!
Valdese First Christian would like to submit an application for a grant. What do we do?
Hi Brenda, thanks for your interest. You can contact your regional Building and Services Advisor Belinda King at 317.635.6500 Ext. 2514 or
bking@disciplescef.org to apply for a grant.
South Shore Christian in Corpus Christi would be interested in a possible grant How do we begin?
Hi Paul, thanks for your interest. You can contact your regional Building and Services Advisor Craig Walls at 317.635.6500 Ext. 2537 or
cwalls@disciplescef.org to begin your application.
First Christian Church of Vinton, Virginia is interested in learning more about what is available to us. Whom should we contact? Thank you.
Hi Brian, thanks for your interest. You can contact your regional Building and Services Advisor Belinda King at 317.635.6500 Ext. 2514 or
bking@disciplescef.org to learn more about what is available to you and your church.
Kemper Road Christian Church in Cincinnati Ohio is interested in learning about our options. Whom would we contact?
Hi Dawn, thanks for your interest. You can contact your regional Building and Services Advisor Belinda King at 317.635.6500 Ext. 2514 or
bking@disciplescef.org to learn more about your options.
Hello, we would also like information on the grant for expanding our online presence with a better camera, computer, mics and more. Thank you FCC (DoC) of Bardstown, Ky
Hi Jackie, thanks for your interest. You can contact your regional Building and Services Advisor James Michel at 317.635.6500 Ext. 2535 or
jmichel@disciplescef.org for information on the grant.
Granville Christian Church is interested in learning more about grants available to upgrade equipment for enhanced online services.
Hi Aimee, thanks for your interest. You can contact your regional Building and Services Advisor James Michel at 317.635.6500 Ext. 2535 or
jmichel@disciplescef.org.
Broadway Christian Church, Columbia MO would also like to apply for a possible grant to improve our online services. What’s our next step or whom should we contact? Sincerely,
Hi Ingrid, thanks for your interest. You can contact your regional Building and Services Advisor James Michel at 317.635.6500 Ext. 2535 or
jmichel@disciplescef.org for the next step.
Waukomis Christian Church is also extremely interested in any support we can get to improve our presentations online.
Hi Dave, thanks for your interest. You can contact your regional Building and Services Advisor Craig Walls at 317.635.6500 Ext. 2537 or
cwalls@disciplescef.org.
Pastor Rosie Peralez from San Benito, Texas.. I would like to know how to get started with the grant process. We are starting from ground zero.
Hi Rosie, thanks for your interest. You can contact your regional Building and Services Advisor Craig Walls at 317.635.6500 Ext. 2537 or
cwalls@disciplescef.org to get started with the grant process.
Can you please send me the contact number for the individual I need to submit a request to for this grant. We are interested in upgrades and new equipment.
First Christian Church-DC
McAllen,Tx
Thank you.
Hi Leti, thanks for your interest. The individual you need to submit a grant request to is Craig Walls, your regional Building and Services Advisor. His contact number is 317.635.6500 Ext. 2537.
Thank you and will do.
Carthage Christian Church in Cincinnati, Ohio is interested in learning more and applying for the grant. Who would we contact? Thanks!
Hi Rebecca, thanks for your interest. You can contact your regional Building and Services Advisor Belinda King at 317.635.6500 Ext. 2514 or
bking@disciplescef.org to learn more and apply for a grant.
Hi! Who’s the regional person for Oregon (First Christian, Portland)?
(I found a list of names at https://disciplescef.org/blog/got-questions-about-your-church-advisors-have-answers/, but wasn’t sure who was assigned for each part of the country. 🙂 )
Oops! Just found it (which may save you all some time for everyone else, if they read this). 🙂 Do we get brownie points in our application for diligence? 😀
ALL: look at https://disciplescef.org/about/staff/ to see who’s the advisor for your state.
Hello, I need clarification. The description above says “In this case, dated invoices are required to apply for a grant. ” On the grant application, it says that estimates are ok. So are we ok to turn in our application with descriptive estimates by May 31, 2021, and submit invoices after that date? We will not get our wiring redone by the end of May date. Thank you
Hello Lori, thank you for your interest. Please submit your application with descriptive estimates indicating that you will provide invoices at a later date and why.
Are the Technology Loans still available? I know the first announced deadline has passed but I seem to remember an extension was announced. Please let me know and I will pass word on to the Christian Church in Ohio leaders.
Hi Allen, thanks for your interest in our technology funding. The matching grant application deadline has passed, but congregations can still apply for a loan by getting in touch with Belinda King, the Building and Capital Services Advisor assigned to your region, at 317.635.6500 Ext. 2514 or bking@disciplescef.org.