A Call for Proposals

At the BKB Fall Festival in November, we celebrated the long-planned endowment fund becoming a reality. The festival offering, along with pledged gifts, have added to the founding balance enabling the initial disbursement of funds. The available funds for this first year total approximately $1,500!

Looking ahead to 2019, the Iringa Committee is soliciting project proposals to be considered for funding. Areas for projects include the priorities of the BKB Strategic Plan (2015-2020):

1. Building administrative capacity to carry out core work;
2. Expanding congregational involvement;
3. Developing volunteer leadership;
4. Assessing and developing long-range funding;
5. Strengthening relationships with affiliates and other stakeholders.

Examples of projects include creating a workshop to train group leaders from congregations traveling to their companion parishes; consulting a fund-raising professional for opportunities and processes to secure additional support; providing "ambassador visits" within Saint Paul Area Synod congregations to expand available partnerships; and working with an affiliate to extend piping for water to the church yard. As you put your proposal together, consider areas where small grants could make big contributions in the lives of our partnerships.

If you, your congregation, or your organization are interested in securing funding, please complete the grant application by February 15, 2019. Grant proposals will be reviewed by the Endowment Working Group and approved by the Iringa Committee in April. Projects are funded for 12 months, with requirements for a progress update and final report of outcomes. Stories of completed projects will be shared in the years to come.

Karibu wote! Welcome all! Everyone with an interest in the Bega Kwa Bega partnerships is encouraged to participate in this new addition to our life together.

Linka Holey

Chair of the Iringa Committee's Admin/Finance Group