Mission Outreach Fund
Because of our deep roots and history with the United Church of Christ (UCC), Deaconess Foundation established the Mission Outreach Fund to encourage and support mission outreach activities by UCC churches in Cuyahoga County.
The 2026 Mission Outreach application process is now closed. We appreciate the many congregations that applied and look forward to working with partners again when the program reopens in January 2027.
What types of projects does the Mission Outreach Fund support?
The fund focuses on projects outside of the church that help the vulnerable, underserved, and disadvantaged. For example, projects could include working with local schools, serving a community meal or operating a faith-based jobs program.
Mission Outreach Grants can be made only to UCC congregations in Cuyahoga County. Grants can be made for projects that:
- Focus specifically on “the least of these” in the community
- Actively involve the members of the congregation.
Grants cannot be made to projects that are:
- “Pass-throughs,” in which a congregation provides only funds or goods to a nonprofit organization without the involvement of Church members
- Capital investments or improvements for the Church
- Designed to benefit only the members of the congregation.
Which Churches can apply?
UCC congregations located within Cuyahoga County are eligible to apply for support. All requests must be approved by the church’s Pastor and Mission Outreach Representative.
How does our Church apply?
Mission Outreach Funds are available beginning January 13, 2025. Send an email to Lissy Rand (lrand@deaconessfdn.org) describing how the fund will be used, and how congregants will be involved. Please send by March 2, 2026.
How much support can we ask for?
You can request support for one or more mission outreach projects in the range of $500 to $3,500. Requests from each organization should total no more than $3,500.
What kinds of responsibilities do we have if we get the grant?
Your church will need to spend the funds for the intended purpose. Deaconess Foundation will ask you to report on your project, including the number of people served and the number of volunteers involved, in the spring of the year at a dinner. You will receive an invitation to this dinner later this winter.
What if we still have questions?
Please contact Lissy Rand: lrand@deaconessfdn.org