About the College of Pastoral Leaders

How it works:

Groups of 4-6 ministers will submit a CPL grant application. They must define pastoral excellence and describe what they need to hone, inspire, invigorate, and rejuvenate pastoral excellence, as they describe it, in their lives and ministries.

Grants will be accepted until October 31 each year. Grants received after October 31 will be reviewed the following year. Grants will be reviewed during the month of November, announced in December and funds will be available for use beginning January. All funds must be used by December of the grant's second year or the funds will be forfeited.

The College of Pastoral Leaders creates an account for each group. As funds are spent, group members will be reimbursed for their expenses.

A quick recap:

• A cohort group is comprised of at least 4 ministers.
  
  
• Cohort groups may come from any denomination and may be interfaith, but the clergy must be recognized as “ordained” by their religious body.
  
  
• Annually a limited number of $10,000 grants will be awarded.
  
  
• CPL grant applications will be accepted through October 31, 2011
  
  
• Grants will be announced in December of 2011 of each year with funds released on January 1.
  
  
• Granted funds must be used by December 31st  of the 24th month of the grant period.  Unused funds are forfeited.

What you can expect:

CPL will send a quarterly spending report to the group leader. In this manner the group can keep a clear accounting of its funds.

CPL asks for a quarterly statement from the group outlining its activities. This is NOT a major undertaking. We want to know:

• How often you meet

• Where you meet/how you meet (in person, on line, via phone)

• Who did you have join you for deeper discussion

• What have you read

• What activities have you engaged in (art classes, working in soup kitchens, writing workshops, spa days)

• Anything else you want us to know