Giving Back to Church and Community

Starting in 2014, the Endowment Fund has been funding projects proposed by members of our congregation for improving our own church’s infrastructure and organization and for giving of ourselves to the community at large.  Here is a list of the exciting projects that were made possible by Endowment funding.

projects funded in 2020​

​Meeting the urgent dental needs of our asylum seeker resident

Yeimy Munoz-Rivera, the young asylum-seeker from El Salvador, has been sponsored and supported by our Immigrant Justice Initiative since May 2019.  A series of recent dental emergencies identified severe dental disease.  These monies will help meet the cost of treatment.  Amount of grant - $1500

The Club nova building project

Club Nova is a local community-based center that offers opportunities for employment, education and housing for citizens with severe and persistent mental illness.  As part of our church's Mental Health Ministry, this contribution will support the expansion of Club Nova to continue their important work in the wider community.  Amount of grant -$1000

Our whole lives ministry

Our Whole Lives (OWL), a comprehensive sexuality education program, has been a highly successful program for our children and youth for several years and central to our church's mission.  Modules are now available for other age groups along the lifespan.  These monies will support our Religious Education Ministry in providing necessary training to expand the program to older adults in our church community.  Amount of grant - $500

infrastructure support for the building program

Additional monies will be set aside for non-structural, fit-up needs, such as furniture or equipment, appropriate to the new space being created.  The Gap Strategy Task Force will articulate their request for the specific use of these monies to the Endowment Committee by December 2020.  Amount of grant - $3000 adding to the $7000 granted in 2019

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PROJECTS FUNDED IN 2019

​Replacing the Furniture for Early Childhood Religious Education Rooms

The departure of the Chapel Hill Cooperative Preschool has meant the loss of much furniture and equipment for the church RE program,  ​The project leaders will use these funds to develop a warm and embracing environment for children to complement the mission of the RE program at Community Church.  Amount of grant: $2000

infrastructure for the building project

While the Building Project goals are primarily concentrated on adding and upgrading buildings and structure to expand our church mission, there is still an urgent need to provide non-structural items -- such as furniture, cabinets, and office or maintenance equipment -- appropriate to the new space being created. Funds will be made available to the Building Task Force through Dec 2020 for appropriate purchases that might be needed as the building plan is realized.  Amount of grant: $7000.

PROJECts FUNDED IN 2018

RACISM/RACIAL EQUITY TRAINING

Funds were provided to support the participation of members of the church community in the Racial Equity Institute Workshop in 2018. The idea of REI training is to educate and inspire community “gate keepers”  to understand how we all have a role to play in dismantling racism.  Staff, church leaders, youth and interested church groups will hold discussions in a racially diverse environment that challenges and inspires them to continue meaningful an productive dialogue on the issues and solutions to racism.  Amount of grant:  $4425.

DEFIBRILLATORS AND​ FIRST AID KITS FOR THE church

Funds were provided to help in the purchase, and training for use, of a defibrillator (AED) and first aid kit for the church, as part of its planning for overall safety.  The  health and  well-being of members and visitors is an important consideration for every organization, and having first response equipment could save lives or prevent serious impairment.  Amount of grant:  $1750.

Improvements and Home Goods for Manse in support of Sanctuary

As a part making improvements on the Manse to help serve the church's Sanctuary and Immigrant Support Ministry, the Endowment Fund will help cover the cost of equipping the Manse with high-speed internet service, and of purchasing linens and home goods for bedrooms and bathrooms.  Amount of grant:  $1750.

Projects Funded in 2015

Sanctuary for Dialogue

The Sanctuary for Dialogue Committee used Endowment funds to provide training for seven church members to facilitate church and/or community dialog on difficult and potentially polarizing issues within today's society.  Amount of grant: $3400.

Architectural Services

The planning of three church improvement projects was enhanced with the help of expert architectural design and specifications: (1) improving the exterior lighting; (2) installing safer access to sanctuary roofs; and (3) Improving the safety of the sanctuary balcony. The plans have been completed, and the three projects are in the process of being completed as building funds become available.  Amount of grant: $800.

Projects funded in 2014

El Centro Hispano Workers' Center

The Endowment Fund helped to finance the construction of El Centro Hispano's Workers Center in Carrboro. This included not only direct funding for its construction, but also funding and volunteer assistance in putting on a Fiesta Fundraiser, which earned an additional $2900 for the center. The center was completed in 2016.  Amount of grant: $1400.

Communications enhancements

The Communications Committee used Endowment Funds to enhance the church's Ministry Through Communication and Technology.  They brought in a consultant to take a comprehensive look at how we use procedures and technology to communicate the work and value of our church and its ministries to our members and to the community at large. Amount of grant: $2000.

Soundroom improvements

Many of you are aware that Sunday services and other sanctuary events are recorded and stored through an automated and secure recording system in the sanctuary soundroom.  This system was in significant need of repair and upgrading.  Endowment funds were used to acquire professional audio recording and storage equipment and secure upload services for these recordings.  Amount of grant: $800.

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