1. The New York State Convention of Universalists (NYSCU) shall, at the discretion of its Executive Board, consider applications for, and award grants and/or loans to, Unitarian Universalist congregations in New York State as well as to other eligible organizations for select projects that conform with the objectives of item (2) below. 
2. The objectives of the NYSCU Grant and Loan program shall be to:
   1. Support the development of innovative programs which will enhance the effectiveness of congregations or benefit their local communities or region.  Programs in this category will include, but not be limited to, those associated with social concerns, growth of the congregation or of Unitarian Universalism, or improved methods of operation within a congregation.  Support of organizations associated with Unitarian Universalism is included under this clause. 
   2. Support the operation of the Central East Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), including select special programs administered by the Region. 
   3. Support the documentation and dissemination of Universalist history and the ongoing significance of Universalism within the Unitarian Universalist movement. 
   4. Support select capital projects. 
3. Organizations eligible for consideration of a grant or loan award include New York State Unitarian Universalist congregations, the UUA Central East Region, groups affiliated with the UUA, and other nonprofit organizations that, in the opinion of the NYSCU Executive Board, engage in a mission which is compatible with the values of the UUA and Universalism.  Preference will be given to organizations that exhibit the following qualities:
   1. For congregations, a history of commitment to full payment of UUA Fair Share dues, and member participation in the Chalice Lighters program and other UUA Central East Region programs. 
   2. Demonstrated action to advance all forms of accessibility of their programs. 
   3. Demonstrated intention to actively work towards dismantling systems of oppression. 
4. All grants shall be funded from the predicted income of the General Fund in the year in which the Grant is made.  Grants shall not be made which require assignment of income from future years. 
5. The Executive Board shall allocate between 25 and 30 percent of available grant funding for any given year to the UUA Central East Region, including select special programs. 
6. Limited grant money may be awarded for partial costs of staffing—salaries, wages, or stipends—in support of a program that meets the objectives listed above but shall be limited to one-time funding for temporary positions or “seed money” to fund an initiative. 
7. Limited grant money may be awarded for partial costs of a capital project that meets the objectives listed above.  In no case shall a capital project grant exceed $5,000.  Capital projects which are awarded grant money shall not be eligible for an NYSCU loan. 
8. The Board may invest a percentage of the principal of the General Fund in loans for capital projects.  The total amount of all loans approved and outstanding at any time shall not exceed ten (10) percent of the market value of the General Fund at the time a loan is approved.  If the General Fund borrows monies from the NYSCU Service Gratuity Fund for the purpose of a loan, that amount shall be included in the foregoing constraint on the amount allocable for purposes of loans. 
9. The Board shall be the sole judge of the applicability and merit of proposed projects. 
10. Recipients of Grants or Loans shall agree to provide a written annual report of project progress by 30 September and a project completion report to the NYSCU at the project’s completion.  (Reports can be submitted online.)  Funds not requested by 31 December of the granting year shall be forfeited. 
11. Applications for support of projects shall be submitted to the Grants & Loans Chairperson no later than 31 January of the year in which the funds are required.  At its discretion, the Board may accept emergency applications at other times. 

Revised 13 May 2023