Celebrating 10 Years of Mission & Ministry Grants: Investing in Innovation, Equity, and Faithful Impact

By: Kara Whitehouse, NBA Operations & Grants Management Coordinator

The National Benevolent Association proudly celebrates and reflects on a decade of faithful innovation and community impact through the Mission & Ministry Grants program.

Established in 2017, the Mission & Ministry Grants program is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: transformative ministry flourishes when courageous leaders have access to the resources they need to respond to the needs of their communities. Built on the historical legacy of generations of faithful donors, the Mission & Ministry grant program has grown into a vital investment in leadership, innovation, justice, and hope across the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

“Looking back on almost ten full years of Mission & Ministry Grants, I feel both immense pride and genuine awe. The bold, innovative, equity- and justice-centered work these ministries and organizations have carried into their communities is a powerful testament to what happens when we invest in local leadership, faithful imagination, and a deep commitment to justice and lasting impact.” – Kara Whitehouse, NBA Operations & Grants Coordinator

Over the past decade, NBA has awarded over $2.2 million to ministries and organizations to support the launch of new programs, strengthen existing efforts, cultivate leaders, and address emerging community challenges. From food justice initiatives and community-building programs to mental health support, leadership development, and outreach efforts, Mission & Ministry Grants have helped turn inspired ideas into meaningful action.

In these ten years, NBA has deepened its commitment to equity-centered grantmaking, placing greater emphasis on projects that amplify underrepresented voices, address systemic barriers, and create sustainable community impact. The application and review processes evolved to become more intentional, transparent, and accessible while continuing to encourage innovation and faithful risk-taking.

The impact of that evolution can be seen in the stories of grantees whose ministries have grown far beyond what they initially imagined.

“NBA’s investment did more than fund a program. It transformed our congregation’s identity, inspired a renewed mission of wholeness, and laid the foundation for the partnerships and ministries that define our work today.”-Mosaic Christian Church, 2022 Grant Recipient

“The Mission and Ministry Grant provided more than financial support. It gave us the stability and confidence to move beyond our initial pilot project and establish deeper partnerships within the congregations we serve. With dedicated funding in place, we were able to focus our energy on building rather than worrying about how to sustain the work”. –The Healing Garden Project, 2025 Grant Recipient

“Mission & Ministry Grants helped Snow Hill be a dependable place people can turn to when their cupboards are low and times are difficult. A place that  offers practical help, shares kindness, and reminds our neighbors that they are seen, valued, and not alone.”-Snow Hill Christian Church, 2017 & 2022 Grant Recipient

More than a source of funding, each Mission & Ministry Grant represents an investment in people who are responding to God’s call in creative and courageous ways.

“Mission & Ministry Grants are meant to be both a resource and a relationship. While funding helps bring ideas to life, real value can be found in the connections and relationships built through this grant program that allow us to support one another, share in the work being done, and celebrate the impact that grows from a single investment.” -Kara Whitehouse, NBA Operations & Grants Management Coordinator

As NBA looks toward the next decade, the commitment remains the same: to support ministries that are responsive to community needs, grounded in faith, and committed to fostering equity and belonging. As new challenges emerge, so will new opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and impact.

As we celebrate this milestone, we give thanks for every grantee, reviewer, partner, and supporter who has helped shape this journey. Together, we look forward to continuing our mission to empower ministries, strengthen communities, and create lasting change.