Post-Disaster Resources for Churches 

Eligible Applicants: Churches, Associations, and Conferences of the United Church of Christ that are actively engaged in response situations. UCC Associations and Conference staff are encouraged to coordinate with the local churches that are launching the ministry prior to submitting the application.

Following a disaster (natural or human-caused), or a mass migration event, there is an opportunity for ministry with affected persons through local UCC Congregations. Global HOPE provides solidarity grants to support this emergency relief work. Solidarity grants are intended to be used to assist or expand the capacity of local churches, associations, or a conference.

The Cornerstone Fund helps churches and non-profit organizations address a range of building-related needs, including repairs and renovations after disaster has struck. The Cornerstone Fund offers a variety of financing options, including fixed-rate loans, adjustable rate loans, bridge loans, and lines of credit.

The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

Call or text 1-800-985-5990.

Those who serve the church and who encounter unexpected situations that present financial challenges may be eligible for an Emergency Grant, administered by the United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance (UCBMA), the philanthropic arm of the Pension Boards.

View or download this resource to see if you are eligible for an Emergency Grant.

Emergency grants are available to active or retired clergy, lay church workers, and Members in Discernment. Visit this website to apply. For questions or assistance, please email: ministerialassistance@pbucc.org.

You may also contact Joaquin Labour-Acosta, Director, United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance (UCBMA), at 212.729-2862 (jlabour@pbucc.org); or Rev. Dr. Paul L. Ramsey, Director, Church Relations and Philanthropy at 212.729.2738 (pramsey@pbucc.org).

The Emergency Grants Committee of the Board of Ministerial Aid was set up to assist UCC or Congregational clergy who are currently serving in Massachusetts or have served in Massachusetts for an appreciable amount of time and who are facing emergency financial situations. Visit this website to apply.

Eligible Applicants: Newly forming or reforming startup groups that are engaged in disaster repair and recovery. Preference is given to LTRGs in which UCC Churches, Associations or Conferences are involved.

Following a disaster, there is an opportunity to assist disaster survivors by supporting the formation of a community led Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG). Seed grants from Global HOPE. are intended to support the collaborative implementation and programming of LTRGs. Funds should be directed toward areas of greatest need as determined by the LTRG.

Eligible Applicants: Churches, Associations and Conferences of the United Church of Christ, Long-Term Recovery Groups, and other 501c3 organizations engaging in disaster recovery in their communities.

When a Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) is formed and operational, a grant from Global HOPE may be provided to assist or expand its efforts to support those who seek partners to complete their recovery. These grants are intended to support the implementation and programming of a Long-Term Recovery Group operating in a disaster-impacted community throughout the disaster-recovery cycle, with the involvement of a UCC Congregation, Association or Conference. Recovery and Repair Grant availability will vary depending on existing resources and are awarded in the range of $5,000 to $20,000. Recipients may apply for one additional Recovery and Repair Grant upon successfully meeting the implementation and reporting requirements of the first grant.

FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides money and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by disaster who have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs. FEMA assistance can’t replace insurance but can help survivors jumpstart their road to recovery.

IHP Eligibility – These general conditions must be met for an applicant to be eligible to receive assistance:

• The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified non-citizen.
• FEMA must be able to confirm the applicant’s identity.
• The applicant’s insurance, or other forms of disaster assistance received, cannot meet their disaster-caused needs.
• The applicant’s necessary expenses and serious needs are directly caused by a declared disaster.

Houses of Worship may be eligible for public assistance during federally declared disasters. For more information visit FEMA’s website.