Grants
The DHM Committee offers small grants that supports accessibility, inclusion, faith development and leadership of Deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, DeafBlind, and DeafDisabled individuals and families within The United Methodist Church. Grants are normally limited to a one-time request, with the occasional follow up smaller grants to sustain or enhance the Deaf ministry.
* * * APPLY NOW * * *
Download it & submit it by March 31st
Also, grants are only for United Methodist churches and ministries. Churches are encouraged to seek additional grants and do fundraising as well. United Methodist churches are invited to email a ministry or project proposal to Rev. Dr. Tom Hudspeth, the committee consultant, at [email protected]. 2026 grant cycle is March and July and ministries and churches may submit grant applications at this time. For non-United Methodists seeking grants, consider the Mustard Foundation or the Joni & Friends.
Available Grants
Looking to Get Started
By applying for a grant, it just might make your Deaf ministry become a reality. Review the Application Guidance. Individuals may submit a ministry or project proposal first to ensure its vitality to the committee consultant, Rev. Dr. Tom Hudspeth at [email protected]. Proposals and grant applications should be sent in English – Click Here for the grant / scholarship application.
Committee Grant Opportunities
Normally, applicants are able to submit grant applications twice a year – March and July. Applications should be received by the end of March or July to be considered. Grants of up to $4,000 that support ministries and projects are normally available AND churches / ministries can reapply for up to 3 times for the same ministry or mission though subsequent grant amounts will be less. Ministry or projects are expected to be financially sustainable – when the grant runs out, there should be other financial means to support it. There are also limited scholarships for persons supporting or in involved with Deaf Ministries are available as well. Email Rev. Dr. Tom Hudspeth at [email protected] with any questions or with your ministry or project proposal, even to apply for a scholarship,
Other Grant Opportunities
Consider reaching out to
* Joni & Friends
* Mustard Foundation
* Disability Ministries Committee of the UMC
Deaf Ministry Models
Ministry models include
* Deaf congregation model
* Interpreting ministry model
* DeafBlind ministry model
* Deaf missions model
* Hard of Hearing ministry model
Types of Grants
Grants are to support churches and ministries for
* Accessibility
* Deaf leadership
* Discipleship
* Evangelism
* Ministry development
* And more!
Resources
Need ideas for your Deaf ministry? Check out the Deaf Ministries: Ministry Models for Expanding the Kingdom of God, 4th Ed. Ensure accessibility for people with hearing loss by reviewing the Breaking the Sound Barrier booklet.
Have additional inquiries?
We are here to help. Let’s engage in a conversation.
01
Deaf Congregation Model
The Deaf congregation model is a ministry made up of mostly Deaf and hard of hearing individuals which is Deaf-led in their ministry.
02
Interpreting Ministry Model
This ministry model often has a sign language interpreter that provides interpreting between Deaf and hearing parishioners.
03
Hard of Hearing Ministry Model
This ministry model focuses on the accessibility and inclusion of persons who are losing their hearing, ensuring their participation in the church.
04
DeafBlind Ministry Model
Whether a stand alone ministry or a secondary ministry to a Deaf ministry, it provides the inclusion and supports for the participation of DeafBlind individuals.
05
Deaf Missions Model
Missions is the heart of this ministry model where a Deaf ministry team or congregation is involved in Deaf missions, both locally and internationally.
06
Disability Ministries Model
To better ensure the inclusion of DeafDisabled OR Deaf+ individuals (Deaf persons who also have a disability), this ministry better ensures inclusion and supports for their participation.
