Vision Fund

Ultimately, each application is evaluated against the priorities established for the Vision Fund as well as the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Vision. [PDF: 2 pp/24 KB]

Each evaluation considers the application itself as well as the context from which it comes. Priority funding consideration is given to starting new, innovative youth and young adult ministry projects, particularly in areas where this has not happened before. The number of youth participating in the project is not considered a deciding factor, but youth involvement in the application process is. Special circumstances are considered and evaluated on individual merit.

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Criteria

Specific criteria for evaluation include:

• Youth and young adult involvement in the planning and decision-making process.
• How the project works toward the Youth and Youth Adult Ministry Vision.
• A clear and direct benefit to youth and young adult ministry in the United Church and/or local community.
• A clear and direct benefit to the life and work of a United Church of Canada congregation, pastoral charge, group of congregations, or accountable body.
• Clearly demonstrated support by the community.
• Approval by the governing body of the congregation, pastoral charge or accountable body.

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Funding for Staff

It is difficult for the fund to support staff positions. If the application is for staffing, the following criteria must be addressed:

• Selection and hiring must follow guidelines outlined in The Manual and any specific policies of the local presbytery.
• Job descriptions must be clear and reasonable and must be included with the application.
• Plans must be in place for continued (multi-year) support and funding of the position outside of the application.

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Funding for Exposure and Education Trips

One of the most popular applications for the Vision Fund is for “mission trips.” The United Church has spent many years building relationships with partner organizations around the world. Because of this, we have been encouraged to be cautious with the language of “mission” and the history that is attached to this word. The preferred term is “exposure and education” trip.

Many congregations do regular exposure trips with their youth and young adults. Even though a different destination may be chosen each time, and different groups of youth may participate in each trip, this is still considered ONE FORM of youth ministry for that congregation. It is a criterion of the Vision Fund that, as seed money, the fund will not become a regular source of income for any repeat program/project.

We strongly recommend that groups applying to the fund for exposure and education experiences be in contact with the People in Partnership staff of the Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations Unit. They can be of great assistance in preparing for the trip and in advising on practices that will be helpful (and not so helpful) when planning for such an important experience.

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Funding for Technology and Other Equipment

Applications for purchasing technology or other equipment are acceptable provided they are primarily designated for youth and young adult activities and a clear program is supported by the technology or equipment.