Each year the UUA, through the Religious Education Department, makes grants to local congregations for their RE programs and awards scholarships to support the professional development of religious educators through conferences, continuing education, and academic courses. The grants are described below. They were made possible by the generosity of persons who cared deeply about religious education and established funds for its welfare.

The Angus MacLean Award for Excellence in Religious Education is given annually by the St. Lawrence University Theological school alumni and the UUA RE Department. Nominations must be received by May 15.

The Clara Bancroft Beatley Fund is for preparing women to work in religious education and may be given to a person wishing to participate in the Renaissance program or other such training.

The Eugene Bowen Fund provides annual $100 grants to twelve congregations for church/fellowship school use, such as purchasing curricula, equipment, etc.

The Earle Fund from the Universalist General Sunday School Association provides scholarships of up to $100 each, for persons wishing to attend summer institutes.

The Josephine T. Gould Scholarship Fund grants $150 annually to further the education of a person preparing to become a minister of religious education in a UU society. This grant is limited to persons who are in candidate status for ministry of religious education.

The Barbara Marshman and Ann Fields Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to one religious educator engaged in graduate study. The $500 prize is given through the generous contributions of those who wish to memorialize and honor the work of these two great religious educators, and through the ongoing financial support of the UUA. Application deadline is May 1.

Continuing Education Grants: The Office of RE Leadership Development has continuing education funds available to lay religious educators, with priority given to those seeking credentialed status within the UUA. The amount of each grant is normally limited to one-half the total cost of the conference or course (including travel) and is limited to $500 to any individual in one year. Ministers of Religious Education seeking grants for continuing education should apply to the Rev. David Hubner in the Department of Ministry.

Landscape Option Grants: The Office of RE Leadership Development has additional funds available to support the professional development of lay religious educators who are working toward recognition in any category of the RE Landscape Options: Basic, Renaissance, Continuing Education Certificate, Credential, or Ministry of Religious Education. The amount of each grant is normally limited to one-half the total cost of the conference or course (including travel) and is limited to $500 to any individual in one year.

Each of these grants and scholarships has its own requirements and restrictions. When you are inquiring or applying, please indicate the name of the award for which you would like to apply. Unless otherwise stated, awards are made throughout the year, but applications received after May 1 will be included in the following fiscal year and will not be processed until July 1. Applicants for grants must have enrolled in the UUA Religious Educators Registry.

For application forms, contact: David Hubner, Director of RE Professional Development, (617)742-6407.

Contact your district and local conference sponsoring groups for additional grants and scholarships that may be available to further your work in religious education.