Alberta and Northwest Conference
The United Church of Canada

Home       Learning Grants

Background:

The United Church of Canada provides funding for continuing education, emphasizing both the individual and community dimensions of learning, and acknowledging that different parts of the church take on different roles and responsibilities. Four types of grants are available. Facilitated Learning Circles; Learning-in-Community; and Local Initiative Grants are administered by the General Council. For more information on these grants, administered by the General Council, please explore: http://www.united-church.ca/adultlearning/coned

Individual Learning Grants are administered by the Conferences

In Alberta and Northwest Conference, Individual Learning Grants support nurture of lay leadership and support for the ongoing professional development of ministry personnel, focusing on the goals of Alberta and Northwest Conference: healthy congregations, effective ministry strong public witness, and open connections and communication. Funding is offered to participants for events that meet established criteria, developed by the Leadership Resource Development Standing Committee.

Criteria for Individual Learning Grants in Alberta and Northwest Conference:

q       Individuals who receive funding through Individual Learning Grants will become part of the Alberta and Northwest Conference Resource Pool and will be encouraged to use their new learnings and/or skills in church leadership within the next two years.

q       Preference is given to learning events endorsed by The United Church of Canada. Events must have a minimum of 12 hours of programming.

q       Courses that support Ministry degree, diploma or certificate program training are not eligible for Individual Learning Grants, as there are other United Church sponsored bursaries, scholarships and allocated monies that can be applied for in these areas.

q       Discussion of the application and endorsement is required from the Pastoral Charge Ministry and Personnel Committee (for ministry personnel); the Congregational Session or Christian Development Committee (for lay leaders); or the Employing Unit, Staff Committee or Supervisor (for Conference and General Council Staff).

q       Applications must be submitted at least 4 weeks prior to the scheduled date of the event. A copy of the event brochure or course description is required as part of the application.

q       Applications are processed monthly, on or around the 15^th.

q       After the event, the evaluation form must be completed and submitted within two months in order for funds to be disbursed.

q       The Pastoral Charge, Congregation or Employing Unit is encouraged to make a contribution of at least one third of the cost.

q       The individual is expected to make a contribution of at least one third of the cost.

q       In Alberta and Northwest Conference, the minimum grant is $100.00.  The maximum total grant per person per year is $700.00.

Process:

q       Ensure that the application meets ALL of the above criteria and send the application to: 

Alberta and Northwest Conference

9911 – 48 Avenue NW

Edmonton AB T6E 5V6

q       Confirmation of your application and an evaluation form will be sent to you once your application has been reviewed.

q       After the course, complete the evaluation form and send it to Alberta and Northwest Conference within two months of course completion. Your Individual Learning Grant cheque will be sent to you upon receipt of your evaluation form.

q       If you have questions about the criteria or process for Alberta and Northwest Conference, please call (780) 435-3995 or e-mail kjackson@anwconf.com.

Examples of Eligible Events for Individual Learning Grants

Learning for Leaders towards

Healthy Congregations;

Effective Ministry;

Strong Public Witness; and

Open Connections and Communication

Notes:

* Grants for participation in Naramata Summer Programs will be limited to $100.00 per adult for courses on learning for leaders that focus on healthy congregations, effective ministries, strong public witness, or open connections and communication.

** Grants for participants in the Epiphany Explorations Event will be limited to $200.00 per person.

The Banff Men’s Conference and the Western Women’s Conference are not events that are eligible for Individual Learning Grants.

Use the following links to print the Learning Grant application form or evaluation form:

Application Form   Evaluation Form