Each year, ELM supports ministry by publicly-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer rostered leaders by giving out Ministry Grants. We have provided over $850,000 in funding for ministry by LGBTQ leaders since 1995. This year we received $133,000 in grant requests but had only $62,000 to give. Go here to make a gift today to support our ministry. The grant recipients are selected by the Grants program, led by Margaret Moreland.

Check back in with our blog at elm.org this week to learn the stories of those you support though your gift to ELM.

East Bay Lutheran Youth Program, Oakland: Rev. Craig Minich, $5,000  

The East Bay Lutheran Youth Program is a joint youth ministry program made up of five congregations, which ministers to youth and their families from birth to post college. To the left is the  Senior High Youth Group serving at Rebuilding Together-Oakland in October 2011 with Oakland Mayor, Jean Quan.

This ministry has been thriving for eleven years and is served by pastor Craig Minich.  This grant will support the program by ensuring Craig can stay on as a full time minister and support the program during unforeseen financial changes in the congregations that make up the ministry.