Gerry Blomgren, West Shore UU Church Rev. Joan Van Becelaere, OMD District Executive

Today What is the Chalice Lighter program Who are Chalice Lighters Basics of creating a congregational application Examples of grant projects and testimony from prior recipients

Let Your Light Shine? Are you willing to let your light shine? Will you support Unitarian Universalism that goes beyond the walls of your congregation? Will you speak the message of liberal religion loudly and clearly? We let our light shine is by participating in the OMD Chalice Lighters program.

What is Chalice Lighters? Chalice Lighters helps our congregations and clusters with growth projects through individual support of our members. It supports our fellow congregations in their work to grow and nurture our faith. The single best method to support growth of Unitarian Universalism in our district and region.

Who Are Chalice Lighters? A Chalice Lighter is an individual who responds with $10 or more 4 times a year To help a congregation realize its dreams to: expand outreach into the community, make buildings accessible, improve religious education for children & adults create new programs for growth develop new social justice outreach strengthen some other vital ministry

How to Become a Chalice Lighter Simple and easy Sign up on the OMD Website: and look under “Programs” or “Donate” at the top. You will receive a letter by (or snail mail if you prefer) four times a year. You can send a check or donate securely online using PayPal.

Congregational Requirements Member of OMD and the UUA for a year. Promote growth and outreach of UUism. expand outreach into the community, make buildings accessible, improve religious education for children & adults create new programs for growth develop new social justice outreach strengthen some other vital ministry

Congregational Requirements The congregation should not have received a Chalice Lighter grant in the last 2 fiscal years. Show commitment to socially and environmentally responsible practices. If project will continue into the future (e.g. new program, new staff) explain how you will continue to fund the project after the CL grant is spent.

Where to Start Download the CL brochure; read & share with congregational leaders. Is a Chalice Lighter grant right for your needs? Fill out the proposal form and send to the OMD Office by . (supporting documents can be mailed or faxed if necessary.) Proposal deadlines are: January 1 April 1 July 1 October 1

Proposal Elements Description of project Goals Timeline Impact on growth of UUism Success markers Additional funding sources, if needed Approval by your church board Project project Congregation budget and pledge information

Additional Strength Fair Share to the District and the UUA Number of active Chalice Lighters in the congregation in relation to size Demonstration of additional sources of support, if needed.

Help and Resources If your proposal is not awarded immediately, don’t give up. Talk with the Resource Development Team. You might be asked to rewrite and resubmit. Contact the OMD Office or the District Executive or a member of the Resource Development Team for assistance in creating your proposal or for more information.

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