The Church Improvement Fund at the Community Foundation of West Georgia has issued grants totaling $56,010 to five local churches. Receiving the grants are Griffin Chapel United Methodist Church, King Street Christian Church, Moore’s Chapel United Methodist Church, Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church and Piney Grove Baptist Church.

With an initial endowment of $300,000, the fund provides grants for capital improvements to churches that primarily serve African American communities in Carroll County. Funding priorities are primarily for brick and mortar projects that will improve the physical condition of churches and help them better serve their congregations and the community. An estimated $50,000 is available for grants from the fund each year.

Applications for grants from the fund are accepted annually from churches that have been in existence at least 10 years. Applications are evaluated on demonstrated need, including plans, cost estimates, community service, etc., as well as financial stability of the church. A match of 25 percent is required, with the applicant church responsible for 25 percent of the project costs and the fund providing 75 percent. Multi-year grants are allowed; however, a church cannot receive more than two grants in a five-year period.

Priority is given to churches that have limited ability to raise funds above normal operating costs. A committee appointed by the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation reviews funding requests.