Home | Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Aid
SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS, AND FINANCIAL AID
The East Ohio Conference supports and awards grants to undergraduate campus ministries to empower them to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Details can be found on the application below. Questions about this grant can be sent to Rev. Dr. Tim Morrison, Chair of the East Ohio Conference Board of Higher Education & Christian Campus Ministry (BHECCM) by e-mail. The application for 2026 funding is due on February 28, 2025.
Collegiate Ministry Grant Details and Application
Scholarships are available to United Methodists who are attending college for their undergraduate degrees. To qualify you must: be a full-time student; have strong academic performance; and be active in a local United Methodist church in the East Ohio Conference. Preference is given to those attending a United Methodist college. Some scholarships are reserved for the children of United Methodist clergy in East Ohio. Learn more and apply by March 1.
The vision of the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) is that it be economically possible for any qualified United Methodist student to attend college. Preference is given to students enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time degree program (graduate or undergraduate) at a regionally accredited United Methodist-related college, university, or seminary in the United States. Visit the following websites for more information on scholarships:
The Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry offers scholarships to present CCYM students based on merit, maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA, and completing the other requirements listed in the guidelines below. These are one-time awards, but students may continue to reapply each year for as long as they remain eligible. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2025. Contact Melanie Thomas, Connectional Ministries administrative assistant, by e-mail with any questions.
CCYM Scholarship Guidelines
GBHEM Website
The Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry offers merit scholarships for United Methodist students ranging from $500-$5,000. These are one-time awards, but students may continue to reapply each year for as long as they remain eligible. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2025. Contact Melanie Thomas, Connectional Ministries administrative assistant, by e-mail with any questions.
Merit Scholarship Guidelines
GBHEM Website
The Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry offers one MLK Jr. scholarship of $5,000 to an applicant who has maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA and completed the other requirements described in the guidelines. This is a one-time award and students who receive it may not reapply. United Methodist students of any race or ethnicity may apply. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2025. Contact Melanie Thomas, Connectional Ministries administrative assistant, by e-mail with any questions.
MLK Scholarship Guidelines
GBHEM Website
The General Board of Higher Education & Ministry (GBHEM) offers other financial aid to United Methodist students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Scholarships are offered in three categories: General Scholarships, Historic Black College and University Scholarships, and Ministry Scholarships. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2025, see website for details.
The scholarship is open to any racial or ethnic minority college-bound undergraduate student who is a member of an EOC United Methodist Church. Learn more and apply, deadline extended to May 31, 2024.
The scholarship is awarded annually to students attending a United Methodist college, university, or seminary. The scholarship is based on the following criteria, which are listed in order of priority: those entering or engaging in studies leading to careers in ordained or diaconal ministries; those preparing for full-time Christian service in town and country parish settings; and those intending to enter some area of Christian service including but not limited to teaching and health care. Priority is also given to members of United Methodist churches in East Ohio. Learn more and apply by April 15.
The $6,000 fellowship assists one United Methodist student in their post-graduate study at an accredited U.S. college or university who intends on pursuing a career in religious journalism. The purpose of the fellowship is to enhance the recipient's professional competence through news writing for secular press, church press, or church institutions in print, electronic, and broadcast media formats. Learn more and apply.
The $2,500 scholarship is given to one ethnic minority United Methodist undergraduate pursuing religion journalism or mass communication at an accredited U.S. college or university. The scholarship promotes excellence in communication ministry through electronic and print journalism. Learn more and apply.
This scholarship provides full tuition for a seminarian whom we believe is a future transformational leader in the church. To qualify you must: be on track to be ordained by age 35; be a full-time student at a United Methodist-approved seminary; and be committed to serving in the local church in the East Ohio Conference. Learn more and apply by March 1.
The vision of the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) is that it be economically possible for any qualified United Methodist student to attend college. Preference is given to students enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time degree program (graduate or undergraduate) at a regionally accredited United Methodist-related college, university, or seminary in the United States. Visit the following websites for more information on scholarships:
The General Board of Higher Education & Ministry (GBHEM) offers other financial aid to United Methodist students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Scholarships are offered in three categories: General Scholarships, Historic Black College and University Scholarships, and Ministry Scholarships. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2025, see website for details.
The East Ohio Conference Board of Ministry offers a scholarship to students attending University Senate-approved seminaries. Learn more and apply by April 15, 2024.
Forum for Theological Exploration provides grants and fellowships to cultivate tomorrow’s leaders, pastors, and theological educators.
Fellowships and grants are offered in two categories: Young Adults & Students, and Church & Faith Leaders.
Information on grants and scholarships from the Board of Missions is available on the Missions Grants, Scholarships, and Reports page.
East Ohio Ministry Micro Grants are for Fresh Expressions, small groups, and/or new ministry that seek to reach those not within the current church community. These micro grants may be awarded up to $2,000 as determined by Board of Congregational Development. Apply by October 4.
The Methodist Foundation of Ohio welcomes requests from churches that are in mission to its local community through feeding programs, health and wellness programs, services for children and adults at risk, educational opportunities, and more. It does not fund requests for capital improvements that are not mission-related, debt retirement, or operating funds. Learn more and apply by March 1.
The Multicultural Ministries Board is receiving grant applications for small church projects that benefit racial ethnic ministries of the local church or the East Ohio Conference. Applications must be received by May 1 for projects to be completed in the coming conference year (July 1-June 30). No applications will be reviewed in June, July, or August. Learn more and apply.
The General Board of Global Ministries and United Methodist Committee on Relief invites local churches to apply for a grant of up to $2,000 to engage in new, one-time community-based ministries focused on migrants and refugees.
Learn more and apply for the Mustard Seed Migration Grant.
Trinity Action Project (TAP) funds will support innovative ministries that align with our mission to make and mature disciples for the transformation of the world. TAP grants aim to serve as seed money for new and existing ministries, fostering bold initiatives that engage and serve our communities. The grants will be awarded bi-annually, with eligible applicants able to request up to $5,000 for projects that exemplify our conference's vision of reaching new and diverse populations. We encourage all East Ohio UMC local churches and related agencies to consider applying and bring their unique visions to life. The application is due by December 2 via e-mail to Rev. Beth Ortiz.
Learn more and apply for the TAP Grant.
Apply for a United Methodist Appalachian Ministry Network grant to be used for projects within the geographic region of Appalachia and that serve a majority of Appalachian people. Grants cannot be used for agency/ministry operating expenses but may be used for non-agency/ministry resource persons. Current application and deadlines available here.
The Office of Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships (OCUIR) offers a scholarship of up to $200 to attend a continuing education event that will train the recipient to act as an ecumenical partner and/or teach about interreligious topics. Learn more and apply.
The Multicultural Vitality Board is receiving grant applications for ministries that promote the professionalism, education, and ability of clergy and laity of the East Ohio Conference to engage in ministry related to multicultural vitality. Learn more and apply in writing. Learn more and apply online.
The East Ohio Conference Office:
located in North Canton, OH,
near Akron-Canton Airport.
Address:
8800 Cleveland Ave. NW
North Canton, OH 44720
Phone:
(330) 499-3972
Office Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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