Over the past seven years BCS has provided more than $280,000 to support more than 80 Baptist congregations to birth new projects, aimed at supporting people in their local communities.
Through the BCS Connect initiative a diverse range of grassroots projects have been supported, as part of BCS’ commitment to partner with churches in meeting physical, emotional and spiritual needs in communities across NSW and the ACT.
Applications are now being sought for the 2009 BCS Connect Grants. BCS will provide $30,000 to churches in 2009, with grants of up to $5000 available.
BCS Community Relations Manager Scott Pilgrim said the organisation strived to enhance the lives of the vulnerable on a daily basis and the Connect Grants initiative was an expression of this priority.
“Over the past few years we have sought to tighten the criteria to ensure that projects are aimed at engaging with and supporting people in the community who are struggling with disadvantage and distress,” Mr Pilgrim said.
“For example in 2007 we supported the New Vine Baptist Church to set up Night Vision, a street van that takes to the streets of Newcastle after dark, providing coffee, tea, soup, clothes and other practical support to people in need.”
“Last year, funds went to support the Wellington Baptist Church in the central west of the State to expand their Men’s Shed, which has been very effective in engaging with men in the community, many who would usually not reach out to seek help.”
“So we want to encourage churches to identity real needs in their community and consider how, with BCS’ seeding support, a new compassion project could be birthed,” Mr Pilgrim said.
Applications for 2009 grants will close on 1 October. Successful applicants will be announced in late October. Connect Grant presentations will be made to successful churches at the BCS Annual General Meeting on Friday November 20.
Applications forms are available on the BCS Website churches page.
For more details about BCS Connect 2009 contact BCS Community Relations on 1300 ASK BCS (1300 275 227) or email ask@bcs.org.au