UU Partner Church Council

Travel Grant Program

Purposes and Guidelines

(11/15/05)

Background

The UUPCC Travel Grant Program was established in 2005 by the UUPCC Executive Committee to provide financial support for travel that would support and further the mission, vision and strategic goals of the UUPCC. Initial funding for the grant pool was allocated in 2004 from the remaining proceeds of the UUPCC Travel Service which was tasked by the Executive Committee to develop guidelines for the Grant Program application and selection process. This document is the first iteration of that effort. Future contributions to the Grant Program are to be determined each year as a part of the normal UUPCC budgetary cycle.

Strategic Aims

Because the amount of moneys are relatively small ($500 per grant), it is important to focus them in a manner that ensures that they are a catalyst for travel and programs that otherwise would not occur and which will make a difference in the lives of the individuals and their communities. The grant can be used for all types of travel however a priority will be given to travel from partner churches overseas to the United States. We recognize that Americans are also in need of scholarship funds, nevertheless, funds are in short supply and they will only be given a second level priority. Further, Americans are encouraged to develop scholarship funds within their churches to help travelers.

Rather than trying to specify an exact purpose, the committee instead decided to offer examples that we felt would make good proposals. There are several, they are not meant to be exhaustive or predictive of applications we receive.

Example 1: On the theme of youth promoting exchanges to support youth leadership training experiences in Transylvania, India, the U.S. and the Philippines.

Example 2: Funds to assist with a ministerial sabbatical to learn church organization, pastoral counseling, fundraising, etc.

Example 3: Travel and exchange that promote growth and development of women’s groups in congregations.

Example 4: Travel and exchange that helps to grow the community development program that now exists in start-up stages.

Example 5: Travel and exchange that helps promote educational resources that support the growth and development of partnerships.

Selection Criteria

The grant must support the mission & vision of the UUPCC (see http://www.uupcc.org/aboutus.htm#mission). Applicants will be asked to pledge to extend the mission of the UUPCC and to be specific about how they intend doing so. The UUPCC is particularly interested in recipients willingness to write, preach or otherwise broadcast to the wider community the benefits and particulars of partnership, and being good global citizens.

Collaborative efforts are encouraged.

Applicants are encouraged to seek a diversity of funding sources.

Priority will be given to dormant partnerships.

Matching grants are viewed favorably.

In no case shall grant funds represent more than 50% of the cost of travel (air fare, ground transportation, food and lodging). Grant funds will be the last funds spent for any portion of trip costs and will be encumbered at the same rate as the recipients match. Therefore, if airfare is $1,000, the grant recipient must commit $500 before $500 of grant funds can be drawn.

Program Guidelines

Funding Cycles

The program will begin in 2006.

Deadlines for Two Rounds

There will be two funding rounds with proposals due March 1st, and a second round due October 1st. No more than $1,500 will be awarded in any one round.

Selection Process.

All applicants meeting the criteria set out below will be considered by the UUPCC Pilgrimage Committee. Should there be more applicants than available awards, applicants will be prioritized by a vote of the members of the UUPCC Pilgrimage Committee.

Who May Apply

Unitarians & Universalists from partnered churches who have a written endorsement from their home congregation and partner church. North American applicants must be members in good standing of the UUPCC.

How to Apply.

Complete the online application (www.uupcc.org/trips/application) and submit to UUPCC Pilgrimage Committee at travel@uupcc.org.