The Woburn Fund
Grant applications are due in the MBD Offices by February 15, 2008. Please be sure to submit 7 (seven) copies of your application. They need not be lengthy, but please ensure that they address the criteria referred to below.
Announcement of awards will be made by letter in late spring, and funds will be disbursed during the new fiscal year (after July 1).
If you have any questions regarding the Woburn Grants please contact Sue Adams at woburngrants@mbduua.org.
Download the Woburn Grant information (PDF)
Woburn Grant Application Cover Sheet (PDF)
Woburn Grant Final Report Form (PDF)
Woburn Grant Final Report Form (MSWord)
Intent
The Woburn Fund was established in 1990 as a legacy of the Woburn UU church to assist the growth and development of member congregations of the Massachusetts Bay District.
Such assistance shall focus upon:
- membership growth
- the formation of new congregations
- public information
- leadership development
- and building improvements
The Woburn Funds are administered by volunteer members of the Massachusetts Bay District Grants Panel.
Grant Award Criteria
Applications will be considered from MBD member congregations, the MBD and committees, new congregations, and groups sponsored by a member congregation.
Proposals should be specific, consistent with UU Principles and Purposes and include a means of measuring results. The must meet the Intent of the Woburn bequest. (Above)
Applications must be endorsed by the Governing Board of the applicant, and the congregation if different.
Priority is given to proposals that:
- show well defined programs with clear growth goals
- broaden UU appeal ethnically and culturally
- give long term value to the organization and the district
- come from congregations with every-member canvasses
- seek matching funds
- come from Fair Share congregations, that is, congregations in good standing with the UUA's APF and the MBD. Non Fair Share applicants will be considered if they include their congregation's plans and timeframe for becoming Fair Share.
All proposals will include a plan for evaluation.
A grant application in excess of $20,000 will include detailed plans for appreciable and sustained membership growth.
Post Award and Reporting Policy
Awardees are expected to design, carry out, document, and evaluate their projects.
Grants funds will be disbursed at the earliest date feasible following the award announcement and by July 31. Matching grants will be paid when the grantee certifies that funds to be matched have been raised.
A Grant is made for one year and must be used in the fiscal year for which it is awarded. Money should not be requested for costs already incurred by the applicant.
Grantees may spend funds only for the project for which the award was made. Unexpended funds must be returned to the MBD Grants Panel.
A final report with project financials must be submitted to the MBD Grants Panel by the completion of the year.
The MBD Board of Directors may invite awardees to present a report at the MBD annual meeting, so that the project may serve as a model for congregations and a showcase for the Woburn Fund.