It started with a question: What are we holding that could be shared?

For one congregation, the answer was right in front of them—underused space and growing relationships with community partners. With support from the Michael Peeler and Virginia Casey Funds (MPVC), they began reimagining their building, creating room for organizations serving neighbors in tangible, everyday ways, including one that supports local refugees. What changed wasn’t just the space. It was how they understood it—not as something to preserve, but as something to offer for the sake of the world.

That kind of shift is at the heart of the MPVC grants.

Across our synod, these funds have supported congregations and partners as they collaboratively live into our shared purpose: to be church together for the sake of the world. They reflect our core values of relationship, generosity, reconciliation, and putting Christ at the center—not just in theory, but in lived, local ministry.

Sometimes that looks like deepening a partnership that’s already bearing fruit. For Sudan Rowan, a ministry connected to St. John’s in Salisbury, a collaboration focused on education provided tablets for exam prep at two partner schools in South Sudan, boosting test scores, confidence, and community along the way.

For Good Shepherd in Goldsboro, a practical audio upgrade made it possible for more people to fully participate in worship, removing barriers and expanding connection for those both in the room and joining from afar.

St. Paul’s Preschool in Durham expanded its outdoor classroom, Luther Woods, adding essential materials to support both gross and fine motor skill development while teaching creation care to the youngest students.

At Our Saviour in Southern Pines, funds for meal supplies and distribution helped expand the Matthew 25 Ministry to 170 weekly lunches in Moore County, increasing access to consistent, reliable meals for those facing food insecurity.

On the surface, these projects may look quite different. But underneath, they share something essential: they are rooted in a willingness to respond to real needs with the gifts already at hand.

At their best, MPVC-funded projects aren’t just about what gets built, purchased, or improved. They’re about what those things make possible.

A room becomes a place of welcome.

A resource becomes a tool for learning and growth.

A building becomes a bridge to the community.

And often, the most meaningful projects begin not with a grand vision, but with a simple noticing: There’s a need here. We have something to offer. What if we tried?

If you’ve been holding an idea like that—something just beginning to take shape—this is your invitation to explore it.

These funds are intended to support ministry that serves neighbors and strengthens the life of the church and community. Priority is given to work in areas such as education, leadership development, youth and young adult programming, food access, social services, mission development, and other responses to community need. In some cases, this may include modest adaptations to existing space when it is necessary for that ministry.

There are $11.8 million in funds that have been shared over the years to support ministries across our synod. Those resources exist for congregations like yours. Not just for the ones with polished proposals or big, impressive plans.

For the ones who are paying attention.

For the ones who are wondering.

For the ones who are ready to take a faithful next step.

So take advantage of what’s already been set aside for the sake of the gospel. Imagine what might be possible in your context. And then take a step toward it.

Applications for MPVC grants are due April 30. Apply today.