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An “In the Mud” Overview with Eleanor Downey

In the Mud Grants, offered by the Rocky Mountain Conference, are designed to facilitate local church projects within their communities by supporting outreach work consistent with the mission of the United Church of Christ. Grants are available for up to $2000 and are awarded annually. The application page for 2025-26 funding cycle will open on July 1, 2025, and applications will close on July 31, 2025. Information will be posted on the “In the Mud” webpage, and there will  be additional information at the Annual Celebration 2025.

Thirteen grants were funded for the 2024-25 fiscal year financing projects that address food insecurity, children’s projects, the arts, and improving technology that expands the reach of the church and improves in-person worship and church activities.

Children and Youth Projects

Columbine United Church in Littleton provided a Children’s Table at the Littleton Pride Day.  Over 200 families visited their Children’s Table to enjoy activities and games, and to listen to a local Drag Queen Storyteller.

 The Black Forest Community Church utilized grant funds to increase their children and youth ministries, which helped increase the involvement of children and families in their church. Funds were used to create a Childrens’ Prayer Ground in the sanctuary with a comfortable  area of activities. They also created a pen pal program for children to write to church members who are unable to attend worship. The grant also supported the development of an OWL program for youth. According to the project director, “We really missed having families and kids after COVID and feel blessed that they have started to come back. This financial gift really allowed our Youth Team and teachers to get the ball rolling and offer lots of fun opportunities.”

Addressing Food Insecurity

Other grant recipients used the funds to address food insecurity in their communities. First Plymouth involved their youth in creating a Blessing Box that would provide food for local individuals and families. The youth were involved in planning, designing and building the box, and creating plans for program maintenance.

Northglenn UCC sponsored twelve potlucks at a local elementary school. Not only did the grant assist with the potluck, it also provided small stipends for immigrant families to purchase ingredients for the foods of their culture. 

The development of a hydroponic gardening system at Parkview UCC provided cuttings and seedlings as well as provisions for a local food pantry. The church also used the project to educate the community about the process and the economic value of using hydroponic growing. 

The Berkeley Community UCC group used their ITM grant to provide nutritious meals for folks that are unhoused in their community. 

Housing Insecurity

Plymouth Congregational Church in Fort Collins used their ITM funds to address housing and food insecurity among local college students. Working with the Youth Program, the church sponsored a joint event with LuMin’s Student Housing Security Initiative to raise awareness about housing insecurity at Colorado State University. The event raised $17,000 for the program. Grant funds were also used to provide stipends for students to assist with rent payments and other needs. The church is partnering with Rams Against Hunger to address both food and housing insecurity among CSU students. They have also provided a safe space in the church parking lot for students who are living in their cars. 

Spirituality and the Arts

Several grants were used to fund projects related to the arts and spirituality. Provo Community UCC sought to enrich their community with several events including three arts strolls, a “Fall Fun Faire”, and a concert showcasing the history of their church building. The funds were used to strengthen the Church’s outreach by supporting more inclusive events and welcoming more community members while serving as a space that provides a beacon of hope and hospitality in downtown Provo.

The Kirk of Bonnie Brae’s project was titled Soul Sessions. Soul Sessions are quarterly gatherings designed to provide an arts-based spiritual experience. Mountain View UCC reached out to young adults between the ages of 20 and 30 to provide four karaoke events for the community. 

Technology to Widen the Circle

Hayden Congregational Church improved the quality of their technology used for worship on Zoom by upgrading their sound system.  They are also currently working on developing a podcast.

Mayflower UCC used ITM funds to improve the quality of their on-line services by purchasing additional equipment and a Zoom subscription. Pastors, Church Council, members and congregants who attend Zoom worship have been very pleased with the improvements in the sound quality.

Supporting the Latino Community

First Congregational Church Longmont has been working with El Comité, a community program whose mission is to improve education and economic status for the Latino immigrants and the broader Latino community. The grant funds were used to remodel the community center’s kitchen and reception areas. UCC Longmont has plans to support the El Comité community events through sharing these church spaces, helping the Latino community understand their rights, and learning more about how they can productively support the needs of this community.

Conclusion

This year, ITM grants supported a wide range of innovative programs across the Conference in both rural and urban areas by addressing the needs of local communities. In the Mud funds are designed to help local churches consider how they can creatively reach out into their communities and spread the wider church’s mission of creating a more just society.  The results of the grants can easily be used to apply for larger grants from local, state, and national foundations.  Consider what your church might do with an In the Mud Grant, and make sure to visit the ITM webpage to access the application this July!