What is a peer group?
What is the peer group program?
Who is the program for?
How does the funding work?
What kind of proposal is required?
What do I have to do to submit a proposal?
How long does a peer group grant last?
How often is the peer group required to meet?
What size grant will be given?
Are any in-kind or other matching contributions required?
What will the grant money cover?
What happens when a proposal is approved?
Is there a deadline for submitting proposals?
Are there any reporting requirements?
What is a peer group?
A peer group is a gathering of individuals in similar life circumstances who share common or related experiences. In this program, group members are individuals who are married to pastors.
What is the peer group program?
It’s a program to encourage groups of four to eight Christian Reformed Church (CRC) pastors’ spouses to gather together for support, encouragement, sharing, and prayer. The Sustaining Pastoral Excellence (SPE) project has funds available to support the peer groups. We believe that meeting with peers can nurture healthy relationships and minimize isolation. Healthier spouses contribute to healthier pastors who in turn, foster healthier congregations.
Who is the program for?
It’s intended to assist individuals whose spouses are pastors serving in congregational ministry in the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA). Pastors’ spouses from other denominations may be a part of a peer group if the majority of members are CRC. Ordinarily, a person may not be a part of two different peer groups that begin at the same time. The groups must be made up of peers, with no one person acting as a coach or mentor for the group. The group’s focus is to support and encourage its members - particularly in their role as pastors’ spouses.
How does the funding work?
The SPE project is made possible by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. In turn, SPE offers grants to groups of pastors’ spouses who covenant to gather together. Spouses submit proposals which are then reviewed and approved by the SPE Implementation Team. Because funds are limited, some proposals may not receive funding.
What kind of proposal is required?
We encourage a variety of proposals. A one-size-fits-all approach would be inappropriate. Plans can include prayer, worship, Bible study, an overnight retreat, mutual mentoring, events planned with the pastor spouses or a topic of study of the group’s choosing. Proposals that are based on a regular meeting schedule will be preferred over those which request funding for a series of episodic events.
What do I have to do to submit a proposal?
• Use the pastors’ spouses’ peer group grant application form
• Designate one group member as the coordinator – The coordinator must be a spouse of a
CRC pastor.
• Designate one group member as the treasurer (may not be the same person as the group
coordinator)
• Submit the proposal by either April 1 or October 1
How long does a peer group grant last?
The grant period is one year - understood as either as a ten month “school year” or a full twelve months. Our hope is that groups can be self-sustaining after this amount of time. However, applications for renewal will be considered. Ordinarily, first year applications will be given priority over second or third year applications.
How often is the peer group required to meet?
Peer groups are required to meet a minimum of four times but are encouraged to meet more often if possible. Groups with members who are geographically spread out are encouraged to include conference calls as a way to meet without having to travel.
What size grant will be given?
We choose not to specify how much a group can request in grant funds; however, we encourage moderation. If proposals are thoughtful, creative, and responsible they will be given careful consideration. The implementation team may, in some cases, suggest that a proposal be modified and resubmitted.
Are any in-kind or other matching contributions required?
No. However, peer groups are encouraged to make such contributions when they can, as a way of enhancing their ability to continue beyond the term of the grant. These funds may come from peer group members, the churches involved, or other sources.
What will the grant money cover?
Peer grants are intended to cover a range of possible expenses including: one local/regional retreat, learning resources (books, videos, etc.), travel to the meetings, refreshments for meeting times and childcare expenses during the meeting. Grant money may not be used to: attend a conference; offset other organizational or personal expenses; cover activities initiated prior to the grant; cover the purchase of any equipment; pay for items not listed in the grant proposal or compensate either the coordinator or the treasurer for their work with the grant nor any other administrative expenses associated with the peer group.
What happens when a proposal is approved?
A proposal agreement and instructions will be sent to the coordinator. The agreement must be signed by group members. The coordinator is responsible for implementation of the agreement. The signed agreement, and revised proposal if required, are to be returned to the SPE office within 90 days. Failure to do so results in the grant being reversed.
One half of the grant amount will be sent to the group treasurer. (An amount greater than one half may be sent, but only if warranted by the nature of the proposal.) The other half will be sent after six months, pending receipt of the group’s mid-year written and financial reports. At the end of the proposal year, unused funds must be returned.
Is there a deadline for submitting proposals?
Yes. Peer group proposals are considered twice a year. The deadlines for submitting them are April 1 and October 1. Receipt of proposal will be acknowledged with an email to the coordinator.
The SPE project will notify applicants by May 1 and November 1 about grants awarded.
Are there any reporting requirements?
The group coordinator is asked to submit a simple mid-year report that describes the group’s experiences. The group treasurer is asked to submit a financial report, including receipts, which accounts for use of the grant funds. On receipt of both reports, the remainder of the funds will be sent. At the end of a group’s year together, the coordinator provides a year-end report of activities, outcomes, and learning. The group treasurer provides a final financial report with receipts.
Note: Upon approval of a peer group proposal, specific reporting information and forms will be sent to the coordinator.
Information in peer group proposals and reports to SPE may be used by SPE on its web site, in its promotional materials, or in its reporting to Lilly Endowment Inc.
For further information please contact:
Holly Koons
SPE Administrative Assistant
at 877.279.9994 x4267 or hkoons@crcna.org
