PSDS gives back
One of the things we are very fortunate to be able to do is provide support to the church by way of grants. We are able to do this by carefully managing our operating costs together with the generosity of those investors that occasionally leave gifts and bequests.
Who can apply?
Preference is given to Presbyterian and Cooperating ventures, parishes and related organisations.
How much?
How much we are able to give depends on the current year's budget and the current operating environment. However over the years we have been able to give many thousands of dollars in small and medium sized grants to support both individual ministers and churches as well as regional and national ministries.
Our policy is usually to make a contribution towards a project rather than paying the full cost. That way we are able to spread the grants further.
What sort of grants?
Some examples of the type of grants we have made in recent years are towards:
- the cost of continuing ministry study for ministers
- the purchase of audio visual church equipment
- assistance towards new parish or regional ministry initiatives
- grants to the Global Mission office for special assistance to parishes preparing for global mission
- core funding to national initiatives such as Kids Friendly
- a 'one off' goodwill grant to Presbyterian churches that were paying interest on loans with us during the 06/07 financial year
- assistance to Churches willing to host Interns from the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
- "Student Soul" development of Christian community for students in tertiary campuses
When setting the grants budget the Directors consider the priorities of the national church and how the grant funds can assist the church strategically. This is so we can target our giving back to those areas that will be of real value and most effective in supporting the church and its mission of reaching out to the community.
How to apply for a grant?
To apply for a grant sometimes it may only be necessary to send an email or letter to us outlining the reason for the application, and the total cost of the project broken down into its various components (if there are any). Other times it may be necessary to fill out a brief form. Either way, if there are not enough details on this website at the time please feel free to phone or email us to check in advance.
Note: Priority for grants to parishes is given to new ministry initiatives and the introduction of new technologies rather than the replacement of existing equipment.
Also, in considering grant applications the Directors do take into account the number and amount of previous grants made.
How long will it take for a decision?
Grant applications are considered on a monthly basis. For an application to be considered in a month it needs to be received by us by the first week of that month. You will hear from us in writing by early the following month.
If you have any queries about grants please feel free to contact us:
Email: enquiry@psds.co.nz
Phone: (09) 520 4743