As a church committed to Christ’s mission in the world, the Chicago USA Mission Center offers grants to congregations and their membership to encourage experimentation with new expressions of mission and ministry that align with the Identity, Mission, Message and Beliefs of the Community of Christ, and address one or more of the Mission Initiatives set forth by the Church.

Each year, applications are accepted from qualifying persons/groups. A total of $20,000 is available each year for the funding of approved ministry projects. Individual grants are limited to $5000.00 per year, and actual amounts granted depend on the number of qualifying requests. Because the grants are offered for the purpose of fostering missional thinking, and finding new ways to participate in the building of the Peaceable Kingdom, projects are encouraged to collaborate with other community organizations where appropriate and develop other source of funding so as to limit their long term dependence on these funds.

Projects Being Funded in 2024:

African American Ministries (Brainerd Community of Christ)

• Inviting People to Christ, Developing Disciples to Serve, and Pursuing Peace as a church and in collaboration with other organizations in and around the Brainerd community.

Norway After the Bell

• Serving the needs of children, and youth, and young adults in Marseilles IL and surrounding communities by collaborating with other community churches and organizations to tutor local children.

Packs for Pals: Mission

• A collaborative effort with the Marsailles Ministerial Alliance serving healthy snacks to children each week throughout the school year.

Packs for Pals: Highland

• Providing food to families of elementary school children who are experiencing food insecurity in the Highland, IN area.

Community Cupboard

• Supporting a “Little Free Pantry” for families experiencing food insecurity in the Elgin area. Available 24 hours/day, the pantry is filled by the congregation as well as community members.