Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Matthew 9:37-38

At Christ Fellowship, we are people helping people find and follow Christ. That mission doesn’t stop at the church doors—it extends into our neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities. Groups on Mission is an opportunity for your small group to live that out and impact others together.

This church-wide program empowers groups to step outside the circle and into the community. Your group will choose a local nonprofit you’re passionate about, identify a tangible way to serve them, and we’ll help you make it happen.

We believe some of the most meaningful ministry happens when we’re being the hands and feet of Jesus. That’s why we’re offering this grant funding to help make your group’s service project possible—whether it’s supplies, resources, or other project needs.

It’s your group. Your mission. Your chance to bring light and love to our community.

How It Works

1. Identify an opportunity.

Maybe your group has a shared passion for a particular area of ministry, or meaningful connection to an organization or nonprofit in our community. As a group, you can decide on tangible ways to serve and make an impact for them — a building repair project, planting a garden, or providing food or supplies, for example. (If you need some ideas to get you started, check out some of our local partners.) 

Keep in mind, projects will need to be completed by November 22 to qualify for a grant.

2. Apply for a grant.

Identify any supplies, tools, or resources you need to accomplish your act of service. Submit an application by September 30 with all the details and cost estimates for our Missional Life team to review (the sooner, the better!).

3. Get funded.

The Missional Life team will review your application and get in touch within 10 days with any follow-up questions or next steps. If approved, you will receive a cash advance for the funds needed to complete your project (assessed based on the Missions Fund budget).

4. Go on mission with your group.

Go and be the Church in our community! Complete your service project, and let’s show McKinney and Collin County what it means to experience the love of Christ. Don’t forget to take photos and videos so we can share your impact with our church family!

Remember: projects must be completed by November 22.

5. Submit your receipts and photos.

When you’ve completed your project, return to your project form and send in your receipts and photos or videos within one week. If you have any money left over from your grant, you can return it to Christ Fellowship.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to apply for your Groups on Mission grant, simply fill out this application form by September 30. Include as much info as you can about your project, the organization you’re supporting, and the materials you’re requesting funds for.

You can expect to hear back from our Missional Life team within 10 days after submitting your application. If your application is approved, you’ll be eligible to receive funds 10-14 days after approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

What organizations can we choose from?

That’s up to you! We want you to serve where your group feels called — whether it’s a nonprofit organization, an individual or family in need, low-income neighborhood housing, etc. If you need some ideas, we have a list of local partners to get you started.

Are there any requirements for organizations or people that we’re able to support?

If you’ll be serving an organization, it should be not-for-profit, in general. Other than that, the sky’s the limit — however, we will use our discretion for appropriateness and alignment with our church’s values when vetting the grant applications.

What kinds of things can we request grant funds for?

Anything you will need to purchase in order to complete your service activity. It could be physical supplies (think: paint, paintbrushes, wood, caulk, etc.), food items (groceries or complete meals), rental of a UHaul or work truck, etc. We encourage you to think through all the logistics of your project before filling out the application, to provide a complete estimate.

Do I have to be in an already-active group to participate?

No. If you know of some people who share an interest in a particular cause, but you’re not in an existing CF group together, you’re welcome to form a new group just for the purpose of serving together.  

Will we be held accountable for the usage of any grant funds we receive?

Yes. We are thrilled to be able to put some of our Missions Fund dollars into the hands of our congregation to better serve our community, but we are also called to be good stewards of that money. Groups will be required to submit receipts for all purchases made using the grant funding.

How will you decide which groups receive a grant?

Grants will be awarded based on the project type and scope, the organization or group being served, and the amount requested. Our Missional Life team will be reviewing all the requests, and will be happy to answer any questions if your grant is not approved.

When will we know if our project has been selected for a grant?

We will reply to your application with 10 days of submitting it. If you do not receive a reply, please reach out to [email protected].

What if we don’t spend all the money we’re given?

If you end up spending less than anticipated, and have funds left over after completing your project, you will return the remaining money to the church, so it can be used towards other Missions projects within the church.

What if we spend more money than we’re given?

You will be responsible for any money spent above and beyond your original approved grant funding. We encourage you to thoroughly plan out your project prior to submitting your application, to ensure you account for all associated costs.

What if we are not able to complete our project by the deadline?

If you know you won’t be able to complete your project before November 22, we do not recommend applying for this grant. If unforeseen circumstances arise after your application is approved, and you are no longer be able to complete your project before the November 22 deadline, please reach out to us at [email protected], as soon as possible to discuss options.

Share Your Story

Has your group already been serving the community together? We’d love to hear about it! Submit your story using the link below to tell us about the impact you and your group have experienced.