A one-time grant of up to $10,000 is available to eligible pastors after the pastor and congregational leaders have completed their educational sessions and the pastor has received financial counseling through Ernst & Young Employee Financial Services.
Pastors who covenant with their congregational leadership to complete the Healthy Pastors, Healthy Congregations program receive individual financial counseling with Ernst & Young Employee Financial Services, a provider of independent, objective employee financial education and counseling.
To qualify, the pastor must
*Adjusted gross income is the total income you and your spouse report on your federal tax form. It may include earnings from you and your spouse's job, self-employment, alimony income, and interest from a bank account — minus specific deductions, such as housing allowance, or adjustments, you're eligible to take.
**Qualifying pastors may participate in both Healthy Pastors, Healthy Congregations and the Minister Educational Debt Assistance program, but not concurrently. You must complete one program before applying for the other, and the combined grants may not exceed $25,000.
The Healthy Pastors, Healthy Congregations grant is available through the Ministerial Excellence Fund of the Assistance Program. Primary support for the fund comes from the Board of Pensions, with additional support from Lilly Endowment Inc. and participating churches.
The grant can be applied to the following:
Healthy Pastors, Healthy Congregations gave the Reverend Esta Jarrett not only financial knowledge and practical experience but also greater confidence in managing her finances.