Where do I apply for these grants?

https://www.umcyoungpeople.org/grants has links to the applications. The applications themselves take place within an online platform called “Survey Monkey Apply” and are accessible at https://ypm-umc.fluidreview.com/prog/140766/apply/.

You will need to set up a free applicant account when you start your application on that platform. When you set up your account, please use the email address that you will use for all communication regarding the grant process.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THESE GRANTS?

Youth Service Fund: These applications should involve youth leadership and must be youth related (12-18 years of age in the U.S. or up to age 24 internationally). For more details, check out the Youth Service Fund Policies.

Grant for Ministry with Young People: Anyone creating innovative and creative projects that impact young people between the ages of 12-35 years of age. For more details, check out the GMYP Fund Policies on the application page.

WHO ADMINISTRATES AND REVIEWS THESE FUNDS AND PROJECTS?

Staff of Discipleship Ministries administrates the funding of grants that are approved by the Division on Ministries with Young People (DMYP). DMYP members are youth, young adults, and adult workers with young people from around the globe and members of The United Methodist Church.

IF SELECTED FOR FUNDING, WHEN AND HOW WILL WE RECEIVE MONEY?

Applications received in the current calendar year are approved for funding in the following year. For example, an application submitted and approved in 2035 receives funding in 2036. Funds are normally sent in two halves by wire Electronic Funds Transfer, wire, or check. To receive funds, we do require a “Good Faith Agreement” to be signed, as well as relevant tax forms and banking information.

CAN I APPLY FOR BOTH YOUTH SERVICE FUND AND GRANTS FOR MINISTRIES WITH YOUNG PEOPLE SIMULTANEOUSLY?

No. The Youth Service Fund and Grants for Ministries with Young People are different in purpose and scope, so apply to the fund that fits the goal of your project. If an application is entered for both YSF and GMYP funds, both applications will be automatically denied.

YOU HAVE A TWO-STAGE APPLICATION PROCESS. HOW DO I COMPLETE STAGES 1 AND 2?

Stage 1 is a short-form application, like a brief proposal for your project that outlines the “who, what, when, where, why, and how” of your project. The purpose of the project and the goals of the project should be very clear. Stage 1 is completed by applying through the Survey Monkey Apply platform, listed at the bottom of the informational pages of both YSF and GMYP. Stage 1 applications are due no later than April 15 of the application year.

Stage 2 is a long-form application. It expands upon the proposal and offers a longer narrative of the project. It also includes one recommendation letter, a detailed budget, and a list of at least five stakeholders/prayer partners that will support your project should it be funded. Stage 2 applications are by invitation only and are due no later than June 30.

WHAT ARE THE DEADLINES FOR APPLICATIONS AND AGREEMENTS?

Stage 1 Applications: April 15, 11:59 p.m., Central U.S. time.

Stage 2 Applications: By invitation only. Due June 30, 11:59 p.m., Central U.S. time.

Good Faith Agreements and any other Grant Requirements: December 30, 11:59 p.m., Central U.S. time.

TIPS FOR CREATING A GREAT APPLICATION?

• Always, always, always read the policies and procedures for the grant that you are applying for before you begin the application process. Make sure you do what is asked of you in the application process.
• Be clear and concise in your application. How is your project “youth or young adult led?” How does it benefit young people? Help our review team understand what need you are meeting, how you will meet that need, and the support that you have to make things happen.
• Work to incorporate the vision and values of your project with those of the Division on Ministries with Young People, which can be found at https://www.umcyoungpeople.org/about
• Get your application in on time, using the online platform provided. If an alternative form of application is needed, it can be requested, however any alternative application process must demonstrate an extreme need. The only exceptions granted are to provide access to parts of the world that do not have reliable internet access and the ability to connect to our online application portal due to internet restrictions within the home country of the applicant.
• Draft, proofread, and revise your application before finally submitting. Correct spelling, clear sentences, and appropriate spacing help our review team focus on the content of the application instead of the formatting.
• Since we ask applications to be submitted in the English language, especially review translations if translation software has been used. Things like Google Translate and Babelfish are good, but not perfect. If possible, have a person aid in the creation of an English-language application when that application is translated from its original language. Avoid colloquialisms (contextual sayings or slangs) that may not translate well across languages. (For example, saying that a project will be a “home run” would make no sense to a reader who is not familiar with the game of baseball.)
• Ensure that websites, hyperlinks, and other references listed on your application are correct and functional.
• Inspire our review team to consider funding your application by helping us understand why your project should happen and why you (the applicant) are the right person to organize that project and be a great steward of any funds awarded to you. The review team consists of young people from around the world, so remember to help them understand the context of your needs.
• Be realistic and honest with your application’s goals, context, and finances. Provide a budget and ask for the amount of money that is needed to help the project succeed instead of asking for the maximum possible amount.
• List the best and most accurate contact information possible. Provide the email address that you will use for the duration of the project and don’t change it. Provide all contact information that is requested. Communication is so important, and if we can’t reach each other, things become so difficult!

IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS, WHO DO I ASK?

If the questions have to do with administration or process, contact mdorminy@umcdiscipleship.org.

If the questions have to do with policy, contact cwilterdink@umcdiscipleship.org.