The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) General Assembly is delighted to announce the launch of a Small Grants Programme for Tree-Planting Initiatives. This programme is an opportunity for congregations and institutions to live out their faith by taking part in tangible acts of stewardship for God’s creation while also serving their local communities.
Faith in Action: Caring for Creation
As Christians, we are called to care for the Earth, a precious gift entrusted to us by God. This tree-planting initiative is more than an environmental project; it is an expression of our commitment to God’s work of restoration and renewal. Through these efforts, we can protect the land, provide for our neighbours, and honour the Creator.
The programme focuses on three key areas of impact:
- Environmental Restoration: Healing God’s creation by preventing soil erosion, enhancing biodiversity, and addressing deforestation.
- Improved Nutrition: Growing fruit-bearing trees to nourish communities, providing sustenance as an act of love and care.
- Sustainable Livelihoods: Empowering families through income-generating opportunities such as agroforestry and timber production.
Grant Details
- Funding Amount: Up to MWK 700,000 per project.
- Eligible Costs: Includes seeds, seedlings, planting tools, training, and community mobilisation efforts aligned with the church’s mission.
- Ineligible Costs: Administrative overheads, salaries, and non-tree-planting activities.
Eligibility
This grant programme is open to all CCAP congregations and institutions, excluding Synod secretariats and departments.
To reflect our calling, proposed projects should:
- Demonstrate clear benefits for the community as an act of service.
- Collaborate with Village Natural Resources Management Committees (VNRMCs) and local Forestry offices, engaging the wider community in stewardship.
- Include a sustainability plan, ensuring the long-term care of God’s creation.
How to Apply
Submit a concise, faith-centered proposal (maximum four pages) detailing:
- Project Description: How your initiative reflects a biblical call to care for creation, along with objectives, outcomes, and tree-planting site details.
- Community Engagement: Evidence of partnerships with local stakeholders and plans for congregation involvement.
- Sustainability Plan: Long-term strategies to ensure God’s gift of nature is nurtured and protected.
- Budget and Funding Request: A detailed cost breakdown and funding amount requested.
- Timeline: Key milestones and project duration.
Deadline: Submit your proposal by 21 January 2025 to gbrough@churchofscotland.org or via WhatsApp at 099 355 3929.
Key Dates
- Call for Proposals Issued: 21 December 2024
- Deadline for Submissions: 21 January 2025
- Project Implementation Begins: February 2025
Living Our Faith Through Service
Proposals will be evaluated on how well they embody our faith values, their potential community impact, feasibility, sustainability, and stewardship of resources.
Contact Us
For assistance or further information, contact:
Gary Brough, Capacity Development Facilitator, CCAP General Assembly
📧 gbrough@churchofscotland.org.uk | 📱 +265 (0) 99 355 3929
This is a chance for the church to respond to the needs of creation and community. Together, we can plant trees, care for the Earth, and bear witness to the love of Christ through action.