Arts and Music

The Oxford Endowment Fund was established in 2004 from funds from the closure of Oxford United Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to provide financial assistance to individuals whose primary responsibility is music ministry, in a volunteer or paid capacity.

According to the Trust Fund Agreement:

The purpose of the Fund shall be to create an income, which will be paid annually to Music United (MU) or its successor, for the support of training of individuals for music leadership and music ministry within The United Church of Canada.

Music United (MU), as trustees of the Oxford Endowment Fund, wish to help make a positive difference in the lives of church musicians in The United Church of Canada by aiding in the financial support of their development and training.

Criteria for Requests for Funding

Who is eligible?

• Individuals who play an ongoing role in leadership in the music ministry of any congregation, pastoral charge, mission unit, presbytery, or Conference of The United Church of Canada.
• This leadership role may be provided as a volunteer, employee, or contractor.

What kinds of development opportunities will the Oxford Endowment Fund support?

The Oxford Endowment Fund is eager to support individuals who seek to participate in development opportunities that will directly benefit their roles in music ministry in their missions, congregations, presbyteries or conferences.

To this end, the Fund will provide support for individuals to

• attend a workshop, course, or event focusing on some aspect of their music ministry, such as development of congregational song, worship planning, anthem readings, choral conducting, musical composition, spiritual growth
• attend a course or training session aimed at improving their personal skill with their chosen instrument
• participate in mentoring activities with another church musician

The above are only examples. Applicants are urged to be bold and creative in their proposals. The proposed course, project, or training is not restricted to Canada.

The Fund may not be used towards a college or university degree/diploma program although courses taken individually will be considered.

What main criteria will MU look for when considering requests for funds?

• clear goals and desired outcomes
• opportunities for spiritual as well as musical growth
• development of knowledge and/or skills that will enhance musical and spiritual leadership in a pastoral charge, mission unit, presbytery, or Conference
• possible financial and "in kind" support from other sources (such as congregational support, personal resources, or other funding programs)
• indication of need for financial support from the Oxford Endowment Fund
• willingness to provide a brief written report at the conclusion of the event, training, or activity

What types of expenses are eligible for funding?

• registration fees for attending a course, workshop, or event
• travel, meals, and accommodation
• cost of required materials, such as books or equipment, for a course or workshop
• other essential costs for the success of the training (this could include lesson fees if private instruction on a musical instrument is involved)

How much will the Oxford Endowment Fund contribute?

This will depend on, among other things, the number of applications in a year. In general, however, the Oxford Endowment Fund will support a maximum of two-thirds of the total projected costs of a development activity, to a maximum of $750.

Making a Request for Funding

How to Apply

A request for funding must include

• a completed application form [PDF: 1 p/60 KB]
• a letter of support from the applicant's congregation, pastoral charge, mission unit, presbytery, or Conference confirming and outlining his/her role in the pastoral community
• a budget indicating other sources of funds and anticipated costs associated with the development activity

Deadlines for applications: applications will be reviewed monthly

Send applications to

• Oxford Endowment Fund Applications
  Worship and Music Office
  The United Church of Canada
  3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 300
  Toronto, ON CANADA M8X 2Y4
  Tel: 416-231-7680, ext. 4157
  Toll-free: 1-800-268-3781, ext. 4157
  Fax: 416-231-3103 Attn: Worship Office

Review of the Requests

Applications will be reviewed monthly.

MU will review all requests and assess how well each one meets the criteria outlined above. After MU has reviewed the information submitted, the applicant may be contacted for additional information to expand on the written request and to answer questions MU may have.