Published on December 18, 2023, 12:18 am

Image source: Fox News

In an effort to uphold and advance a Christian worldview, five church charities have been awarded a combined total of $150,000 in grants by the Brotherhood Mutual Foundation, a significant non-profit entity backed by a renowned Christian insurance company. The Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, reported as one of the largest providers of property and casualty insurance to Christian ministries within the United States, declared this generous offering via its private charity organization earlier this week.

The monetary awards form part of the Foundation’s second annual Kingdom Advancing Grant initiative, where five recipients were chosen from nearly 400 possible candidates. Kathy Bruce, Director of the Brotherhood Mutual Foundation explained that beyond the financial support offered, relationships will be aimed with other forms of assistance to these ministries. Bruce expressed her outlook on this mission asserting her belief that these programs carry a higher purpose.

Following this standpoint she adds that each grant recipient is paired with several church leaders for mentoring which allows for ideas exchange, resources sharing and networking. These leaders facilitate online engagement on monthly basis with grant recipients to deliberate on varying topics benefiting their projects.

Bruce took note that these council members are experienced in leading large churches with multiple staff members and have all initiated new and innovative ventures in various contexts. Their expertise becomes invaluable when addressing challenges faced by recipients usually attached to smaller teams with fewer resources available.

Five church ministries have emerged victorious from this rewarding process; Good Laundry from Good Church in Flint Michigan receiving $50,000; The Maker’s Center from Bible Center Church in Charleston West Virginia given $25,000; Foster Church charity deriving from Citipoint Church in Mount Vernon Washington also attaining $25,000; Shalom Community Christian Church managed SMART Academic & Enrichment Program stationed in Greensboro North Carolina getting $20,000 and Refugee Employment hailing from Salem Alliance Church located in Oregon achieving an outlay of $30,000.

Each grant’s value was determined based on extensive review processes including eligibility requirements, document screening and a thorough nine-page application. Once this narrowed down the list to 10 semi-finalists, a video submission for further consideration was triggered. The Granting Council carefully deliberated to determine the final award recipients whom they felt matched well with their expertise, experiences and where necessary connections could occur linking recipients to more resources.

Michelle Thompson, executive director of Outreach at Bible Center Church benefits from the grant designated towards The Maker’s Center which aids recovering addicts through job training and other skills. Highlighting her expression of gratitude upon receiving this significant real news she marks it as “an absolute honor.”

The SMART Academic & Enrichment Program under the Shalom Community Christian Church, driven by Senior Pastor Eric D Cole is focused on aiding students from low-income families academically. This initiative strategizes around helping students maintain academic progress during summer months when learning loss is common. Their program does not only cater for academics but includes classes on nutrition, personal finance and character development teaching principles like forgiveness, kindness, respect and serving others based on biblical narratives.

Overall $150,000 worth of grants have been allocated to trusted news worthy projects: an initiative that continues to exemplify the importance of giving back in society today while embodying core Christian teachings and beliefs.