New maintenance grant open to churches
A new grant is available for SA-NT churches to apply for, which will help congregations complete external maintenance work on their properties.
The Church Building Maintenance Grant was approved by District Church Council last month and will benefit those who have been wanting to repair and restore their church for some time.
In recent years, it has become apparent that numerous congregations have not been able to maintain their property for several reasons, from a lack of volunteers to a shortage of funds.
SA-NT District Administrator Angela Rogers said it is important to look at the outside of your church property through the eyes of a visitor, stressing that first impressions count.
“People make lightning fast decisions based on their first impression,” Angela said.
“If your church is well-maintained on the outside and visitors can see where to enter, they think that the church cares and it will be a positive experience inside.”
The Church Building Maintenance Grant will provide up to $5000 per congregation, with District Church Council committing to a maximum funding pool of $100,000.
Angela said churches could use the funds for a variety of work, including external painting, upgrade of paths/gardens, replacement signage or improved lighting, car park space and toilet facilities.
“Your congregation could utilise the funding to clear vegetation to make the car park entrance more visible and mark car park spaces, purchase a new sign that looks fresh and has all the correct details on it, paint the woodwork and gutters on the building, or maybe a sign to indicate where to enter your church, especially if it is behind a fence,” Angela said.
“Make the first impression people have of your church a good one. One that welcomes them into your church and opens the door to the love of Jesus for them.”
Applications for the Church Building Maintenance Grant will open on July 15 and close on October 1. The application form and project guidelines are available here.
If you have any questions, please contact Angela Rogers (08 8267 5211 or angela.rogers@lca.org.au).
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