“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you… and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”

The First Baptist Mount Olive Gratitude Project invests in people who want to make positive social change in Mount Olive, NC. The Gratitude Project provides resources to enable more people to live out the mission of First Baptist “to be the presence of Christ” in our community. We are looking to award financial grants to local nonprofits that address the issues of poverty. We also hope to use the skills, experience, and networks of our congregation members to help launch new and innovative ministries and services that transform how we participate in God's mission in and for the world. The Gratitude Project invests in opportunities that:

• Contribute to the spiritual formation process for recipients to live out their faith in the world.

• Leverage our members' strengths, passions, and experience to positively impact the poorest areas of Mount Olive.

• Demonstrate potential for long-term social impact on the town of Mount Olive.

• Accelerate or launch lasting, sustainable programs.

First Baptist has devoted $100,000 to be used as grants through the Gratitude Project.

1. Initial applications will be accepted beginning April 4, 2022.

2. Upon review of initial applications, select applicants will then be asked to complete a more detailed application and present their proposal to the Gratitude Project committee.

3. Final award decisions will be timely announced by the Gratitude Project committee on a rolling basis until the funds have been exhausted.

The Gratitude Project is open to individual members of First Baptist Church (or teams of members), and existing nonprofit organizations.

All applicants must complete the initial online application. A copy is attached to the back of this handout. Applications will require the following information and documentation:

• Contact information such as name, address, phone number, email address

• A brief description of the project in one sentence.

• A more detailed one-paragraph executive summary that answers the following three questions:

  • What is the problem you are trying to solve?

  • How will you solve it?

  • What are your intended outcomes (how will your solution address the lives you wish to serve)?

  • How does your faith inform this idea?

Initial applications through the screening process will be reviewed and evaluated on the following: feasibility, problem understanding, innovation, and congruence with the mission of First Baptist.

We expect to receive a large volume of applications and may be unable to comment on each one. We will make every effort to share the exact reasons for declining your proposal.

The Gratitude Project would preferably support ventures which are focused on the one or more of the following target areas:

• healthcare

• education

• housing

• digital connectivity

• financial health

• access to capital

• job creation

• workforce development.

A perfect example is Keys for Success, an approved proposal from one of our church members to provide free piano lessons to underprivileged students who have an interest in music. Click here for a copy of the Keys for Success application.

The following are additional examples that would be acceptable:

• Afterschool tutoring program

• Weekly program in English as a second language (ESL)

• Financial literacy class

The following are examples of applications which are not acceptable under the stated goals of the Gratitude Project:

• Benevolence proposals such as utility assistance or giveaways for coats, school supplies, food, etc.

• Applications requesting funds for general operating funds of existing organizations.

The following criteria will be considered in determining grant awards:

• Social impact in the Town of Mount Olive.

• Potential to build human capacity, dignity, and economic empowerment.

• Potential to help the applicant live out their faith.

• Compatibility with our mission to be the presence of Christ in our community.

• Ability to use First Baptist congregation members’ strengths, experience, and expertise.

• Talent of applicant and other team members (if applicable) to execute the project.

• A working prototype (proof of concept) and financial model.

• Sustainability of the project beyond initial funding from First Baptist is encouraged.

Applications and awards will be determined by a panel comprised of Gratitude Project committee.

Yes. Proposals should be limited to within the town limits of Mount Olive.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly one-fourth of all residents in the Town of Mount Olive live in poverty. Sixty percent of those living in poverty are either under 18 years of age or 65 and older.

Awardees will be required to keep extensive documentation of all expenditures covered by grant funds as well as for the number of residents served through the project.

Yes. Grant recipients will be required to present their project to the congregation of First Baptist and provide progress reports as requested by the Gratitude Project committee.