Our Grant Funding Mission: To strengthen and expand the relevance of the Methodist Church in Arkansas by providing financial support for innovative & creative ministries.
Grant funding comes from a steady flow of endowment resources to support Church ministries and is awarded by the MFA Grant Committee. Endowment funds can be designated by donors for specific causes or left to the discretion of the Grant Committee. The donor's original gift, or principal, in each endowment remains intact to assure perpetual support, and the annual income is used to underwrite Methodist programs, projects, and activities.
In 2024, MFA continued to make a dramatic impact on the Methodist Church in Arkansas. Over $1.8 million in grants were made at the discretion of the Foundation’s Board of Directors to high-priority areas, including leadership development, human welfare, clergy financial education, and Conference institutions.
Visit our News page to read more about our grants, upcoming events, and the latest updates at MFA.
The Bishops’ Club & Grants
Our ministry thrives in partnerships! We are proud of our partnerships with local churches and with Methodist institutions. The Foundation’s Bishops’ Club is our greatest partner. This group of friends invests in our work and shares our story with others. Members of the Bishops’ Club have always helped us accomplish our mission of strengthening Methodist ministries in Arkansas.
In the past, Bishops’ Club funds supported the Foundation’s daily operations. Today, the funds still help us accomplish our mission, but in a more direct way. Since 2021, 100% of the money raised goes directly to our thriving grants program.
Priorities for Granting Funds
Effective January 1, 2026
- Food Security, Homelessness, and Poverty
Ministries and organizations that: 1) create healthy living arrangements among fellow citizens, 2) address the reversal of conditions that cause the lack of quality housing, 3) provide a source of healthy food, and 4) attempt to reverse poverty in local communities and eradicate the root causes of poverty. - Clergy and Laity Education
Ministries and organizations that improve the knowledge and leadership skills of both clergy and congregational leaders, as well as efforts addressing clergy selfcare. - Community Health
Ministries and organizations that offer health, mental health, and medical services to local communities. - Evangelism and Discipleship
Ministries and organizations that extend the Gospel of Jesus Christ in local communities. - Diversity
Ministries and organizations that support initiatives that foster inclusivity and understanding among groups of people with differing beliefs and backgrounds, particularly in race relations, gender, and theology. - Environmental Awareness and Energy Education
Ministries and organizations that seek to bring awareness of environmental issues and ways to educate the public on critical challenges in the future.
The Grant Committee of the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas refers to the above priorities in their discussions and the grant award process. In addition, the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas Grant Committee prefers to partner with ministries and organizations that reach targeted populations and present new, innovative, non-traditional ministries. Under certain circumstances, the Foundation may provide operational support to achieve the stated goals of a proposed grant.
For more information about our Grants program, contact Mackey Yokem at 501-664-8632 or
Guiding Principles and Policies for Granting Funds
When considering requests for funds, the Grant Administration Committee of the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas relies upon the following principles:
- Arkansas-based projects take precedence.
- The Foundation prefers to make commitments to ministries with potential for wide-spread, tangible impact across congregations and communities. Consequently, programs that are replicable and/or encourage collaborative efforts of multiple partners will receive primary consideration. Requests from individuals and local congregations will receive secondary consideration.
- Because the Foundation has no desire to become the perpetual funder of any program, organization, or ministry, applicants will be asked to share their strategies for developing long-term support.
- The committee prefers applicants who demonstrate commitment to their project by contributing some of their own funds or securing other outside resources.
- Because the Foundation prioritizes community engagement and impact over organizational or structural growth, the Grant Administration Committee does not consider requests for physical property improvements (e.g., expansion, new construction, remodeling, maintenance, or infrastructure such as roofs and HVAC systems), or for employee salaries or benefits (though funds for “start-up” or specialized skills could be negotiable).
- The Foundation conscientiously communicates with the leadership of the Arkansas Annual Conference to better understand and respond to the Conference’s needs and strategies.
- In addition to Scripture, the committee refers to the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church for insight and guidance.
Awards to Non-Profit Organizations and non-United Methodist Institutions: To further the impact of the Foundation, the Grant Administration Committee will consider grant applications from non-profit organizations and non-United Methodist institutions. The applications must address one of the Priorities that the committee has established as an appropriate use of grant funds. Applications will be reviewed on a bi-annual schedule (applications received January 1-June 30 and July 1-November 30). Awards will then be made following each application period.
Grant Maximums (Effective January 8, 2026): The maximum grant amount is $50,000 per year, per organization (except for historically related United Methodist institutions – Hendrix College, Philander Smith University, Methodist Family Health, Camp Aldersgate, Mount Eagle Retreat Center, Camp Tanako, Ozark Mission Project, and Project Transformation – which will be limited to a maximum of $150,000). Multiple-year applications with totals beyond this amount may be eligible for consideration depending upon the nature of the application.
Approved Sponsorship of Events for Organizations/Ministries: As of January 1, 2024, upon the approval of an application from a ministry, nonprofit, or other organization, the amount to be provided as an event sponsorship grant will be limited to no more than $2,500. MFA will provide one sponsorship per organization per year.
Scholarship Assistance for Certification and Continuing Education Programs: Effective August 10, 2023, MFA will provide up to 50% of the total cost of an approved certification or continuing education program. While not required, preference will be given to studies at a United Methodist school or approved United Methodist agency.
Scholarship Assistance for Continuing Education Events (Effective December 1, 2025): To further the impact of the Foundation, financial assistance is available for clergy and laity to attend continuing education events, conventions, and training experiences. The Foundation will only cover the registration fee for approved events.
Release of Grant Funds (Effective December 1, 2025)
When a grant is awarded for the purchase of items such as furniture, building items, or other requested materials, the Foundation will release funds upon receipt of an invoice or a confirmed purchase order detailing the upcoming expense.
It is the expectation of the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas that the grant funds it disburses will be consistent with the proposal that MFA reviewed and funded, and any unused funds must be returned after a “reasonable length of time,” as determined by MFA. If you need clarification on what constitutes a reasonable length of time or if you anticipate delays in spending the funds, contact Mackey Yokem for guidance.
Feeding Ministry Formula for 2026
1. For prepared meals, calculate the number of annual meals served, multiply that number by the cost to prepare a meal in your county as determined by Feeding America, and MFA will consider funding a percentage of that cost with an annual taper.
- Year one, fund 75%
- Year two, fund 50%
- Year three, fund 25%
- Year four and beyond, nothing from MFA with the assumption that the local group should have increased their donor base to pick up the cost of ongoing operations.
2. For pantries distributing groceries, MFA will consider awarding an amount based on the number of annual meals distributed, multiplied by 1/3 of the cost of a meal according to Feeding America’s estimated cost for your county. Working from that number, the following formula applies:
- Year one, fund 75%
- Year two, fund 50%
- Year three, fund 25%
- Year four and beyond, nothing from MFA assuming the local group will have increased their donor base to pick up the cost.
