SEMINARY DEBT RELIEF GRANT

Helping clergy move toward greater financial freedom.

Seminary education is a meaningful investment in ministry, but the debt that follows can place a heavy burden on clergy and their families.

Administered by the United Methodist Foundation of North Carolina, the Seminary Debt Relief Grant provides matching grant support to help eligible clergy reduce qualifying seminary debt over time.

Up to $20,000 in Matching Grants
Five-Year Program

Start Your Application

Why This Program Matters

Seminary debt can create long-term financial pressure during the years clergy are building ministries, supporting families, and serving communities.

This program exists to help clergy move toward greater financial stability while continuing to faithfully serve.

Program Overview

Eligible clergy may receive:

  • Up to $20,000 in matching grant assistance
  • Up to $10,000 for clergy who received full-tuition scholarships

Once accepted into the program:

  • Participants continue making payments directly to their lending institution
  • Proof of payment and budget is submitted annually
  • Matching funds are then paid directly to the lending institution

Payment timing and matching structure may vary based on approved grant terms and remaining eligible debt balance.

Years do not need to be consecutive. If a participant takes leave from ministry, participation may pause and resume upon returning to a qualifying full-time appointment.

Eligible debt may include:

  • Seminary tuition loans
  • Approved living-expense loans connected to seminary education
  • Debt held through an educational lending institution

All matching grant funds are paid directly to the lending institution.

Applicants must:

  • Be ordained Elders or Deacons
  • Be members in Full Connection and in good standing with the NC Conference of the UMC
  • Serving in a full-time appointment within the NCCUMC
  • Complete an approved financial literacy program within the required time frame
  • Submit an updated annual budget demonstrating ongoing financial growth and debt reduction

Before beginning the application, applicants should be prepared to provide:

  • Seminary loan information
  • Proof of completion of Saving Grace Program
  • Annual budget information*
  • Additional supporting documentation as requested

*Applicants will be required to fill out the Annual Budget Form every year.
Applications are reviewed based on eligibility requirements and available funding.

To remain eligible for continued funding through the Seminary Debt Relief Grant Program, returning recipients must complete the Annual Renewal Form each year. The form for returning grant recipients is available below and must include the following:

  • Annual Household Budget Form reflecting current income and expenses.
  • Proof of Payment documenting seminary debt payments made during the applicable grant period. As a matching grant program, grant funds are disbursed only after eligible payments have been verified.
  • The creditor’s payment mailing address and your loan account number (or other required payment information) so that approved matching funds may be remitted directly to the lender.

Please have all required information and supporting documentation available before beginning the Annual Renewal Form.

Ready to apply?

For questions, email us at [email protected] or call (919) 836-0029

Seminary Debt Relief Grant Forms

The Seminary Debt Relief Grant program provides matching grant support to help eligible clergy reduce qualifying seminary debt over time. Before beginning the application, applicants should be prepared to provide Seminary loan information, Saving Grace Program proof of completion certificate, and annual household budget information. Returning recipients must complete the Annual Renewal Form each year.

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