FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE GRANTS AND LOW-INTEREST LOANS
for funding barrier removal projects
The formal process to obtain financial assistance from the Presbytery
of the Cascades
Committee on Congregations begins with a call to the Central Region Presbytery
office for the
appropriate information on available funding sources and application forms.
Project applications may be submitted at any time. Major projects may
require loans from
the Presbyterian Church(U.S.A.), Synod of the Pacific, Muzzy or commercial
loan programs,
which will take more time to process. The Committee on Congregations (through
your
RTC) will assist in the preparation of these loan applications.
Committee on Congregations Matching Funds Program
COC has limited matching funds available for barrier removal projects
and specific grants
will be made prior to the end of each calendar year. All applications
for matching funds
must be received by the Central Region office on or before June 30 of
each year. COC will
assist in providing information on standards and plan reviews through
the RTC process.
RTC reviews of the applications will be completed by August 30. After
the RTC completes
its work the applications will be forwarded to the OPENING DOORS Task
Force for a technical
review of the applications and suggested prioritization of the various
projects. COC will
consider the Task Force’s recommendations in making its final selection
and notify the
church(es) of their decision at their November meeting.
The following criteria will give guidance in establishing priorities for
proposed projects:
History of accessible projects - what has your church
already accomplished?
Degree of cost-sharing and/or other available financing.
Where the project fits into the logical sequence
of needs: parking, signing, building access ramps and entrance
doors, interior needs (elevators, restrooms, signing, drinking
fountains, paths of travel), and worship needs (large print Bibles,
hymnals, bulletins, assistive listening devices, etc.).
Content of the “barrier removal improvement
plan” and progress on
removing “readily achievable” barriers (those which
are able to be removed out “without much difficulty or expense”).
Low-interest loans from the Synod of the Pacific and PC(U.S.A.)
While churches will be encouraged to fund accessible projects on
their own, donations,
matching funds, grants and low-interest loans may be available for
churches needing
additional financial assistance. Potential sources include:
Designated giving by members of the congregations
Special collections
Individual gifts or loans
Fund-raising activities
Presbytery of the Cascades’ Capital/Mission
Development Fund
Low interest loans from the Synod of the Pacific
and PC(USA)
Presbytery of the Cascades OPENING DOORS Program
GRANT
APPLICATION
for
Committee on Congregations’ matching funds for barrier removal
projects
Describe the project for which you propose to use
OPENING DOORS funds. Show how it relates to your overall “barrier
removal plan”.
3
Please enclose a copy of your completed Barrier Removal
Improvement Plan Checklist.
4
Some barrier removal projects may require plan review
and approval by local or county agencies. If applicable, please
attach copies of any relevant approval forms.
5
Describe any actions your church has taken in the
last few years to increase the accessibility of your facilities
for people with disabilities. (One of our criteria will be to
recognize previous projects initiated by your church. For instance,
does your church use large print bulletins? Does your church have
assitive listening devices available? What has already been accomplished
to make your church more accessible?)
6
How much of the total cost will the church provide?
The Committee on Congregations expects most churches to cover the costs
for removing barriers in their facilities. However, within the limitations
of our grant program we are able to consider some degree of financial
assistance.
Form completed by (please print):________________________________________________
