Grants fuel innovation in Wisconsin churches

Find a Catalyst project near you! View a larger list of projects organized by Conference Association.  Consider contacting a past grantee congregation in your area.

More examples of the variety of projects that have received Catalyst Grants over the years:

• Baking Buddies at Evangelical and Reformed UCC, Waukesha Mary Ann Proffitt
  Baking Buddies is a program that was initiated by youth group members as a school project. Baking Buddies provides opportunities for kids with special needs to bake yummy treats with a youth peer or adult buddy. All baked goods are taken home by the child or youth who baked them and great fun is had by all. Catalyst funds were used to expand this program to reach more people.
• Congregational, UCC in Brodhead Cynthia Strealy 
  Congregational UCC in Brodhead planned to use some of their land to provide senior housing in their community. This housing will be available to members of the congregation and others to enable them to remain in the community during their retirement years. The vision includes the development of additional ministries of engagement between the residents of the housing and the congregation.
• The UCC Ministry Co-op of Southwest Wisconsin, a partnership of First Congregational UCC, Platteville, Mt. Zion UCC, Cornelia and Davies UCC, Potosi.
  Its mission is to “create a network of congregations who cooperate and support one another in the mutual work of “being church”. Catalyst funds will be used to help support a position for a seminary intern or a newly ordained part-time pastor.
• Building an All-Inclusive Community, Prescott Rev. Lisa Bodenheim
  Creating interesting community events that encourage respectful conversation among and about different cultures in the growing and changing community. Cemetery tours, holiday celebrations, local historical immigration stories, and more.
• Loving Lunches, Olivet UCC in Columbus Pastor Ruth Bradshaw
  Expanding to a nearby second community, an existing six-church, 60 volunteer, program organizing summertime food for children in need.
• Lighthouse Ecumenical Youth Ministry Rev. Kelly Nieman Anderson
  Five congregations from three denominations in Port Washington and Saukville joined forces to create a welcoming and affirming Christian youth ministry. They launched “Teen Café,” an after-school opportunity for youth to gather for homework help, tutoring, snacks, music lessons, board games and relationship building. Through this ecumenical partnership and commitment to providing a radically welcoming place to gather, connect and explore, these five congregations are experimenting with a new thing God is doing in their midst.
• The Interfaith Ministries Project Jeanne Williams
  First Congregational UCC, Ripon. Ripon College and First Congregational UCC in Ripon collaborate on this project, which provides “Home Away Families” to students attending Ripon College from all over the world. This effort extends radical hospitality to students from a range of cultures and traditions. An inviting, religiously-neutral space will be created in First Congregational UCC’s space where students will be invited to practice their own religious traditions and gather to study and socialize. Three cross-cultural celebrations are also being planned.
• Creating a Healthier Multicultural Community, First Congregational UCC, LaCrosse
  How does a predominately white congregation work for racial justice? That question is what started First Congregational Church (FCC) in La Crosse on their recent social justice journey. The church has undertaken a multi-year effort in the congregation and with the community.
• Community Concert Series sponsored by Congregational UCC in Barneveld
  Series will take place in winter and spring. Catalyst funds will be used to underwrite a portion of the expenses of this series which will feature a mix of spiritual and secular music and provide wholesome entertainment. Concert proceeds will be donated in support of local causes such as the free clinic and the town’s food pantry.
• An Incubator Space at Union Congregational UCC in Green Bay.
  Catalyst funds will be used to renovate a portion of the building to provide space for two new ministries being launched by the congregation. “On the Mark” Dyslexia Clinic and “The Brain Center of Green Bay” will find their new homes in the church’s building and an opportunity to develop and thrive in the community.
• Picture the Bible Student Pages Rev. Stacy Myers
  Picture the Bible is a project of First Congregational UCC in River Falls. It is a curriculum centered around 36 images depicting Bible stories. This curriculum is now available to congregations throughout the Wisconsin Conference and beyond.