Applying for a Grant from the Gifts Committee
The NEYM Gifts Committee looks forward to receiving your applications and supporting your spirit-led callings again in fall 2026. The next application deadline for Witness & Ministry Fund and Salem Quarter grants is Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Witness and Ministry Fund
Income from NEYM Witness and Ministry Fund, approximately $20,000 per year, will be available annually to support spirit-led witness through the funding of public and released ministry and meetinghouse projects until 2034, when the designation will be revisited to discern whether it is still serving a vital purpose or if the funds should be put to another use. Change in this designation will require approval at Annual Sessions (see Minutes 2014-62 and 2024-62). Some years more than $20,000 will be available. The Gifts Committee anticipates funding awards to range from $500 up to $10,000.
Updated guidelines and application forms are posted under “Downloads” below. Note that in 2024 the Future Fund was merged into the Witness and Ministry Fund (Minute 2024-62), so that funding for NEYM meetinghouse projects, especially related to climate change, is now available via the Witness & Ministry Fund. At Summer Sessions 2026 the guidelines were clarified to allow meetings and individuals in relationship with native tribes to provide direct assistance to tribes and individuals in efforts to repair damage and to provide this assistance either as a grant or as a gift, freely given, within the restrictions of the IRS.
Also posted below are (1) advice from the Yearly Meeting treasurer about tax issues; and (2) a grant report form.
Application deadline for 2026: Sunday, October 18, 2026
Salem Quarter Fund
Salem Quarter continues on sabbatical and the Gifts Committee has resumed receiving applications and making decisions on funding. The application deadline is the same as the Witness and Ministry Fund, and the application form is also the same. Priority will be given to applicants from Salem Quarter.
Peacemaker Fund
Permanent Board approved the recommendation that the remaining $1,784 of the Peacemaker Fund should be transferred to the Gifts Committee for distribution in a way that “supports the work of a specific member who has been released by Yearly Meeting to follow his or her leading to follow the Quaker peace testimony.” No other restrictions are on the fund. It must be tracked separately. A peace worker is defined as someone working in any relation to the peace testimony. Friends could use it for adding to a grant from Witness & Ministry Fund, Salem Quarter or outside source, such as Obadiah Brown Benevolent Fund.
Time-Sensitive Requests
The Gifts Committee will consider funding requests for time-sensitive projects that take place outside of regular application deadlines. The Committee will consider time-sensitive applications on a rolling basis, with a minimum of a month’s notice.
This process is intended to enable timely support for participation in or provision of trainings, conferences, or other time-sensitive events or projects that fit Committee funding criteria (including support, oversight and reporting). The maximum grant is $1,000.
Applicants should follow the Committee's guidelines and application procedures.
Repeat Requests
Grantees must submit a final report before applying for another grant.
It is the Gifts Committee’s goal to nurture and support leadings of the Spirit among us across the whole Yearly Meeting; however our funds are limited. Repeat funding requests may be submitted and will be considered in light of current priorities and all other requests during the funding cycle.
Reviewers reflect on many factors such as current NEYM goals, demographics, geography, and resources available to applicants. We want to be mindful to include potential applicants who are newer, under-represented, or have less experience in Yearly Meeting.
Gifts Committee funds should not be considered a sustaining grant and will not be approved for sustaining regular recurring operations costs.
Have further questions?
If you have questions about any part of the Gifts Committee grant program, please contact the clerk (link below) or call the Yearly Meeting office (508-754-6760).