GRR Intern Grant Program

Many churches have discovered that part-time, internship programs provide an effective means for churches to enhance their existing ministries or to explore new ministries especially during the Summer months. Most often these Interns are college students, but they may also be high school students or retired persons. These internships not only expand the ministry of the church, they also provide a significant opportunity for persons to explore ministry vocations and to receive meaningful coaching in ministry.

The GRR Intern Grant Program is designed to challenge GRR churches to use
Interns as a way to enhance existing ministries or to explore new ministries. Funding of this program is made possible by the DesPeres Legacy.

This is how it works:

The church designs a ministry that would benefit from an Intern. The design includes the ministry to be done, the time frame for the ministry, and a plan for ongoing training, coaching and evaluation for the benefit of the Intern. This might include a reading strategy and regular discussions with the Pastor (or another appropriate Supervisor/Coach). The church will prepare a job description for the internship, and commit funds in its regular 2009 church budget. Based on the merit of the proposal and the availability of funds, GRR will award a matching grant (up to a maximum of $1500) to the church for the purpose of enhancing the financial support of the Intern. The Intern is a part-time (or temporary) employee of the church, and the church assumes all authority, responsibility and liability for the Intern.

For example, the church may commit to an Intern for children’s ministry in the Summer and budget $3000 as salary for that internship. If approved by the Region, the church will receive $1500 when they have notified the Region that the Intern has actually been hired. (If the church had budgeted $2000, they would be eligible for $1000; if the church had budgeted $5000, they would still be eligible for only $1500).

Who may apply for grants?

Any GRR church in good standing. “Good standing” is evidenced by a current annual report on file in the Regional office and having contributed to the financial support of the Region, either through United Mission, America for Christ, or Specifics during 2008. Preference will be given to churches that did not receive Intern Grants in 2008. PDF Download of Application

What is the deadline?

Complete applications need to be received by 16 March 2009.
While a church will be notified of approval as soon as possible, grant checks will not actually be sent until the Region receives notification that the person has been hired and started work, including their name and contact information.

What are the limitations as to who may be hired as an Intern?

There are no restrictions with respect to gender, age, education, or time commitment. However, the Intern must not be a present employee of the church.

What do we do?

1. Prayerfully discern how an existing ministry or a new ministry possibility might be enhanced by an Intern.

2. Prepare a brief written description of the proposed ministry (including its cost) and have it approved by the church. In particular, include the funding for the Intern in the 2009 church budget.

3. Submit the application to GRR before 16 March 2009. Include:

a. The cover sheet with signatures of the Pastor and Moderator.

b. A short (1-2 pages) explanation of the ministry and the Intern’s role in it.

c. A job description for the Intern that includes responsibilities, identity of supervisor/coach, time frame for the ministry, and compensation.

d. A learning plan for the Intern. This might include a directed reading plan, a training plan, a coaching plan, etc. (please be aware that some colleges may give a student credit for an appropriate internship experience, but it must meet the requirements established by the college)

e. A copy of the 2009 church budget as approved by the church. Please
identify the budget lines associated with the internship. The salary for the Intern should be clearly identified.

4. The Region will review the proposal and make awards on the basis of merit and the availability of funds. Notice of award will be made as soon as possible.

5. Announce your position and hire your Intern. As soon as your Intern has started work, notify the Region, including the name and contact information of your Intern, and a check for the full award (matching, up to $1500) will be sent to the church.

6. When the internship is over, please send a brief evaluation of your experience, including the benefits to the church and the things you learned to the Region.

GRR Internship Grants
Great Rivers Region
P.O. Box 3786
Springfield IL 62708-3786