Grant Projects in 2025 | UMC YoungPeople
Connecting young people and their adult leaders to God, the church, and the world
16
January 2025

Grant Projects in 2025

By Chris Wilterdink

Young People’s Ministries administrates two grant programs outlined in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church. These grants help fund projects that address the needs of young people. The Young People’s Connectional Network (YPCN)—a group of young people representing various regions of the church—reviews applications and decides how much funding to give each project. Here’s how the process works:

  1. Multi-Step Application:
  • A short application can be submitted between January and April 15.
  • Promising projects are invited to submit a detailed application by June 15.
  1. Review and Selection:
    • The YPCN reviews applications in the summer to choose finalists.
  2. Notification:
    • Applicants are informed of their results by September.
  3. Funding:
    • Grants are paid in two parts: one in January and one in July of the following year.

Detailed information about how to apply to either grant program can be found at umcyoungpeople.org/grants.

While the process takes time, it ensures applicants can carefully plan projects that meet the needs of young people. Grant funds come from the Global Youth Service Fund (YSF), supported by donors, churches, events, and fundraising efforts. Conferences raising money keep most of it for local projects and send a portion to YPCN for global grants. If you are interested to help raise funds locally, so that the grant programs can award more money globally, Click here to learn more.

Funded Projects for 2025 

The following projects applied for funding in 2024 and will take place in 2025.

Youth Service Fund

Cameroon: Hope in Crisis

The Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon, ongoing since 2016, has caused violence, displacement, and disruption, especially for young people. Schools have closed, and many youths face trauma and hopelessness. This project will:

  • Provide mental health support like counseling and peer groups.
  • Offer spiritual guidance and mentorship to build hope.
  • Enable access to education and vocational training.
  • Train youth in leadership and peacebuilding to promote reconciliation.

Malawi: Mental Health and Entrepreneurship

Youth in Malawi face challenges like poverty, unemployment, and mental health struggles, worsened by COVID-19 and a 2023 cyclone. This project will:

  • Provide counseling, awareness programs, and mental health support.
  • Offer entrepreneurship training to help youth start small businesses and improve their lives.
  • The goal is to foster resilience and economic independence for young people in Malawi.

Nigeria: Empower Her Initiatives

This project supports young women in rural communities by providing:

  • Training in leadership, education, and business skills.
  • Community programs to raise awareness about gender equality and women’s empowerment.
  • Advocacy efforts to encourage local leaders to support women’s rights and opportunities.

Grants for Ministries with Young People

USA, West Ohio: Youth After-School Program

Oak Hills United Methodist Church is launching an after-school program to give high school students a safe space to study, hang out, and build friendships. Activities will include free time, meals, and Bible study, creating a “home away from home” for teens.

USA, West Ohio: Connections of Tipp City

Connections offers a safe, welcoming space for teens to explore art, music, and service while building relationships. The program encourages youth to grow spiritually, build healthy connections, and engage in community service projects.

Angola: Academy Jimua – Learn to Serve

This academy trains young leaders to serve their communities and the church. The program offers spiritual, personal, and professional development, helping youth gain skills for jobs, worship, and discipleship. It aims to empower a generation of leaders to make a positive impact on Angola’s future.

Kenya: Youth Empowerment through Music & the Arts

This project uses music, visual arts, and performing arts to help youth discover their talents and grow as leaders. Workshops, mentorship programs, and community events foster creativity, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

USA, Michigan: A New Home for Students in Ann Arbor

The Wesley Foundation and local churches are collaborating to create new program spaces and housing for students. The initiative focuses on welcoming young people into a supportive, faith-based environment while strengthening connections with youth ministries across the region.

Chris serves as Director of Young People’s Ministries for Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Chris has a BA in English Education, and an MS in Project Management, and over 15 years of local-church youth ministry experience. He is passionate about leadership and faith development in young people and helping ministry leaders understand their value in the lives of young people. A Stephen Minister, Chris is a native of Colorado living in Franklin, TN with his wife Emily, 2 children, and sausage-shaped beagle.