Grant Program

General Information

The St. Marys Methodist Church Foundation, Inc. is a supporting organization to the St. Marys Methodist Church and was established in January 2001. We are a non-profit, Christian organization, which makes grants to non-profit, tax-exempt, charitable organizations and ministries, which are exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. Our mission is to be a lasting, effective and compassionate charitable resource for agencies in Southeast Georgia, the nation and the world that respond to people in need, for organizations related to Methodism, and for organizations that promote evangelical Christianity.

Grant Cycles

Grants are made twice each year through a Spring Grant Cycle and a Fall Grant Cycle. The application process is a two-step process. Proposals submitted between November 1^st and December 1^st will be reviewed for further consideration for the Spring Cycle. Proposals selected must then complete grant applications. Proposals submitted between May 1^st and June 1^st will be considered for the Spring Cycle and reviewed by the Board of Directors in April. Funds for the Spring Cycle will be disbursed in June. Properly formatted proposals received by June 1^st will be reviewed for further consideration for the Fall Cycle. Proposals selected must then complete grant applications. Properly completed grant applications received by August 1^st will be considered for the Fall Cycle and reviewed by the Board of Directors in October. Funds for the Fall Cycle will be disbursed in December.

Grant Making Priorities

Proposals must be submitted through our new online grant portal and will be accepted pertaining to the following guidelines:

• Consideration is limited to organizations working in Southeast Georgia (Brantley, Camden, Charlton, and Glynn Counties) that provide for people in need and/or promote evangelical Christianity.
• Additionally, the Foundation will also consider the following Methodist organizations working in South Georgia:
• Magnolia Manor
• Methodist Home for Children & Youth
• Open Door Community House (Columbus)
• Wesley Glen Ministries
• Vashti Center (Thomasville)
• Wesley Community Center (Savanah)
• Wesley Foundation Georgia Southern
• Wesley Foundation Valdosta State
• Wesley Foundation Mercer University
• Applicants must qualify as IRS recognized 501C3, tax-exempt organizations.

The Foundation is most interested in proposals that provide:

• A clear description of expected outcomes and tangible evidence that the expected outcomes are achievable
• Evidence the program/project has the potential to improve the sustainability of individuals
• Evidence of organizational sustainability
• Opportunities for collaboration between organizations
• Opportunities to leverage grant dollars via matching grants, etc.

The SMMC Foundation is not accepting any new requests for international projects and programs at this time.

The St. Marys Methodist Church Foundation will not typically consider the following for grants:

• Organizations that do not meet the charitable status requirements of IRS Code 501(c)(3)
• Individuals
• Individual Scholarships
• Debt reduction or previously incurred deficits for any reason.
• Business Ventures
• Loans
• Endowments
• Brick and mortar projects for individual churches including new buildings, renovations, repairs, and furnishings.
• Arts / Culture
• Environmental Projects
• Animals
• Social Clubs
• Sports/Recreation/Leisure
• Meetings and Conferences
• The production of videos, films, and other recordings.
• Historic Preservation Projects
• Individual church projects where a collaborative effort with other churches may be more beneficial and effective.
• Vehicles (i.e., automobiles, vans, buses, etc.)
• General benevolence; food & clothing distribution, etc.

Grants will only be considered for those who submit a proposal through our online grant portal. For more information, please contact the Foundation office at (912) 510-9350.