Poverty Team
The Western PA Conference Poverty Team is available to assist churches or groups in developing or expanding ministry with those living in poverty. Ministry with the Poor is one of the four areas of focus of the United Methodist Church.
What the Poverty Team Can Do
- Provide funding for start-up projects in local churches, ecumenical groups, and communities where United Methodist churches are actively involved
- Provide funding for individuals to attend training events relating to eliminating poverty
- Facilitate a planning forum for churches on how to be in ministry WITH the poor
- Provide speakers and resources for district events
- Facilitate planning and holding a Poverty Simulation
- Educate local churches on the issues of poverty
- Keep info on what all of our Conference churches are doing…let us know!!!
- Brainstorm with you on ways to creatively involve children and youth in poverty ministries.
Project Grants
Grants are offered to assist congregations or groups with new or existing ministries with the poor in local communities. 
Preference will be given to:
- Start-up funding for new ministries with the poor in local churches.
- Expansion funding for existing ministries with the poor in local churches.
- Ecumenical ministries with a strong United Methodist involvement.
Poverty Project Grant Application
Applications are reviewed quarterly: March, June, September, and December. They can be submitted at any time.
Training Grants
The grants provide individuals -- clergy or laity--with a subsidy to attend poverty-related training events. The Poverty Team will provide up to $200 per person for these events. To be eligible, an individual must:
- Be an active member of a United Methodist congregation.
- Attend one Poverty Team meeting and report how the funds were used.
- Make a commitment to share your learning through articles, advocacy efforts, workshops or presentations to congregations or United Methodist groups
Application for Training Subsidy
Contact
Glenna Wilson, chairperson
