DOING A NEW THING Fund
Resources > DOING A NEW THING FUND
"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Isaiah 43:19
The Doing a New Thing Fund is a transformative opportunity for individuals and congregations in the East Central Synod of Wisconsin (ECSW) to explore innovative ways of sharing God’s love. This fund provides small grants to nurture holy imagination and inspire ministries that create meaningful connections and address community needs.
Why the Doing a New Thing Fund?
The Synod Mission Table recognizes that big change often starts small. While we support larger projects through ELCA churchwide grants, there’s an essential need for accessible micro-grants to spark ideas, experiments, and collaborations. The Doing a New Thing Fund bridges that gap by offering financial support for bold, imaginative initiatives that challenge traditional ministry models and foster a sense of community, justice, and love.
Pastor Dara Clifford shares an overview of the Doing a New Thing Fund.
Grant Opportunities
Grants range from $500 to $4,500 and are awarded in three distinct categories:
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Designed to fuel curiosity and nurture leaders as they explore discipleship and diversity within the body of Christ. Examples include:
Sabbatical funding for lay professionals and rostered leaders
Training and equipping congregations for new ministries
Youth cultural immersion trips
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Seed money for innovative experiments that build courageous relationships with new people. Examples include:
Launching a feeding ministry or mobile clothes closet
Using land or building space creatively
Supporting community relationship-building through simple gatherings
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Grants fostering collaboration between ELCA congregations or ecumenical/community organizations. Examples include:
Hosting an ecumenical housing summit
Partnering with a coach for shared ministry exploration
Sponsoring relationship-building events for leaders across denominations
Ministry Priorities
The fund also aligns with key priorities to address pressing needs in our synod:
Affordable housing initiatives
LGBTQIA+ affirming ministries
Young adult and third-space ministries
Affordable childcare
Community partnerships
Join the THE Movement
Whether you’re a congregation leader, ministry innovator, or passionate individual, the Doing a New Thing Fund invites you to dream boldly. Through your ideas and collaboration, we can embody ECSW’s mission: Be Curious. Be Courageous. Be Christ Together.