Church Learning Communities - FAQ

What are church learning communities?

A church learning community (CLC) is a small group within a congregation that identifies a particular area or topic they’d like to explore.

Who is eligible for a grant?

Any church group in Cascadia (southern British Columbia, Washington, or Oregon) is welcome to apply for a grant. Groups should be made up of individuals from the same worshiping community. There are no limitations on the size of the group, but something in the range of 5 to 10 members may be ideal.

When are proposals due?

Grants will be awarded in winter 2024. Proposals are due on Friday, January 12, 2024. Five recipient projects will be awarded.

When will we find out if our proposal was successful?

Applicants will be informed by Friday, January 26, 2024.

How much funding can a group receive?

Grants will be provided based on the amounts specified in a group’s project proposal. The maximum amount a group can receive is $1,000 CAD.

How will groups receive grant funds?

The funding will work on a reimbursement basis. Once a CLC has submitted a proposal and been approved, they will log their expenses and be reimbursed by Regent Exchange, up to a maximum of $1,000 CAD.

How can grant funds be used?

Grant money can be used to cover any approved items in the project proposal that contribute to the group’s learning initiative. Relevant expenses might include, but are not limited to:

Study materials (e.g., books, curriculum)
Refreshments for gatherings
Honoraria for guest speakers
Attendance fees for workshops or other events
Location costs
Community projects

Do grant recipients need to provide matching funds?

No. There are no matching requirements or other financial requirements placed on recipient groups. However, any project costs exceeding the grant amount will need to be covered by the group or their church. The budget template includes a line where you can include any excess costs beyond the grant funding provided.

How long does a grant last?

Grants will last for the amount of time requested in the proposal, up to 6 months. Requests for projects lasting more than 6 months will require special approval and may include additional requirements if accepted.

How often does the group have to meet?

The group is required to meet as often as their proposal says they will, but there is no set requirement for meeting frequency. However, groups are recommended to meet at least once a month, and to hold a final meeting dedicated to reviewing their initiative and writing a learning report.

Are there any reporting requirements?

Yes. All CLCs will be requested to submit a learning report at the end of the project. We recommend that group members familiarize themselves with the report before beginning the process, as it may be helpful to track your experiences as you go.