FAQs - SEEDS UNITING CHURCH

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum / maximum amount available for funding?
There is no maximum or minimum amount. Funds will not be distributed in a manner that places the long term future of the Foundation at risk.

What constitutes a project (initiative)
Anything that increases the missional effectiveness of Seeds Uniting Church may constitute a project. The Foundation doesn’t want to limit the creativity of applicants by introducing a myriad of narrow definitions.

How do I apply?
Details are on the website.
Seeds Foundation Application form (with notes)

Does it / I need to be connected to a community?
Yes. Seeds communities are central to the mission and structure of the church. The Foundation team will liaise with Pastors and core teams regarding the connection of the project being the focus of the Seeds community.

Can I do the project on my own?
Seeds Uniting Church is committed to team ministry. It is expected that each project will adopt a team approach to maximise the potential for success.

Can I apply for more than one initiative?
No. Applicants can only be funded one project at a time.

Do I need to be the one to lead the project?
Whilst it is not essential for you to lead the project, you will be accountable for the implementation of the project.

Can it be in partnership with other churches / organisations?
The purpose of the Foundation is to focus on Seeds Uniting Church. If Seeds Church partners with another local church, then funding may be considered.

How long will I be funded for?
Each applicant will need to identify the tenure of their project. The maximum tenure is three years.

How am I accountable for how I spend the money?
The documentation on the website addresses this issue. You will be accountable for all aspects of the project.

Can funding be extended beyond the completion date?
Funding will not be extended beyond the completion date. It is the expectation of the Foundation that one of the primary objectives of each successful application will be for the project to be self funded by the project completion date.

Will I be funded for the full amount?
No project will be funded for the full amount. The foundation believes that every God idea comes with God provided resources. For this reason the Foundation will only fund up to two thirds of the total cost of the project.

Will it fund salaries?
The Foundation is open to the possibility of funding salaries depending on the level of funding required, the tenure and connection to a Seeds community. Funding would only be given for a maximum of three years.

Will every project be funded?
The simple answer is no. With limited resources the Foundation Team will need to prioritise which projects will be funded. Lack of funding in no way represents a value judgement to the appropriateness or suitability of a project.

How many funding rounds per year?
There will be three funding rounds each year. Dates for applications for each round are advertised on the website.

How will I receive the funding?
Funding can be received either by cheque or by direct deposit upon evidence of spending (receipts). Direct deposit forms are available from the website. In certain cases the Foundation will pay a proportion of the amount upfront, however receipts are required within two months of monies issued.

What if it doesn’t work?
Our commitment at Seeds is to be building a culture that is not afraid of failure. Whilst we want to minimise the possibility of failure, we recognise that failure is one way of moving forward.