Transformative Dollars for a Transformative Future
The Jubilee Initiative, an initiative of the Louisiana Conference of The United Methodist Church, administered and facilitated with support from the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana, is a fund distributing money directly to churches and affiliated ministries of the Louisiana Annual Conference as an investment empowering the local church to meet its greatest needs and have transformative impact in communities across Louisiana.
This two-year initiative intends to help congregations address significant barriers to ministry, strengthen vibrant congregations and affiliated ministries, and accelerate missional momentum throughout our state.
Throughout Scripture, Jubilee represents a time when burdens are lifted and God’s people are invited into a hopeful future. The Jubilee Initiative brings that spirit to United Methodist churches across Louisiana.
The Jubilee Initiative, an initiative of the Louisiana Conference of The United Methodist Church, administered and facilitated with support from the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana. Funding may help relieve capital debt, improve facilities, expand leadership capacity or launch a significant ministry initiative. Each investment is intended to help a church carry out its mission and serve its community more effectively.
The first step is to submit a brief, one-page Letter of Intent introducing your church, the need or opportunity before you and the support you expect to request.
Letter of Intent deadline: October 23
You do not need to have every detail finalized. The Letter of Intent provides a clear starting point before you complete the full application.
Sample Letters of Intent
No Letter of Intent is required for capital debt relief. Churches with qualifying capital debt will be contacted directly.
October 15, 2026
Dear Jubilee Initiative Steering Committee,
Please accept this Letter of Intent from St. Asbury United Methodist Church for our upcoming request for funding for our Communications Re-vamp Project. We look forward to submitting our full application by November 13. Sincerely, Rev. Hope Full
Applicant Information: St. Asbury United Methodist Church, Northeast District, Rev. Hope Full
Project Name: Communications Re-vamp
Project Summary: St. Asbury United Methodist Church is requesting financial support to modernize our communications infrastructure to strengthen our ministry, improve community engagement, and better connect with people seeking a church home. In the past 2 years, we have experienced 250% growth in our church membership in our 30–45 year old age group, with over 10 new families with young children joining our church. Several new members have mentioned inviting friends to our church, but when their friends looked up our church online, they weren't impressed and didn't see evidence of the wonderful children's and youth ministry that has been in bloom these past 2 years. We are requesting a part-time salary (~$20,000) to hire a Communications Director for one year to design and execute a social media strategy that shares the great work St. Asbury is doing and builds our online presence. This position would also support modernizing the design and process for our weekly service bulletins, congregation communications, and email, possibly with the support of AI tools. We anticipate also requesting about $2,500 for camera equipment, editing software, and potential AI tool subscription fees. Anticipated length of project: 15 months (3 months for search and hire, 12 months of employment) Estimated amount to be requested: $22,500
October 15, 2026
Dear Jubilee Initiative Steering Committee,
Please accept this Letter of Intent from Charles Wesley United Methodist Church for our upcoming request for funding for our Preschool Renovation Project. We look forward to submitting our full application by November 13.
Sincerely, Rev. Susanna Wesley
Applicant Information: Charles Wesley United Methodist Church, West District, Rev. Susanna Wesley Project Name: Preschool Renovation Project
Project Summary: Charles Wesley United Methodist Church is requesting financial support to renovate an existing church building to expand our preschool ministry and begin serving infants under 12 months of age. Our preschool has experienced sustained enrollment growth over recent months. We currently maintain a wait list for families seeking faith-based early childhood education and have heard from families in our community that there is high need for affordable infant care in our area. While we can serve toddlers and preschool-aged children, we are currently unable to accept infants due to space limitations and the specialized classrooms required for this age group. The proposed renovation will reconfigure underutilized church space into infant classrooms that meet state licensing requirements, including age-appropriate learning environments, restroom and changing facilities, secure entry access, and outdoor play accommodations. Expanding our preschool will let us serve families earlier in their parenting journey, build lasting relationships with young families, and introduce children to a Christ-centered environment from their earliest months of life. This investment will increase the church's capacity to minister to the community by expanding access to high-quality, faith-based childcare, while strengthening a ministry that serves as one of our congregation's primary connections with families not currently active in a church. Anticipated length of project: 12 months (3 months for design and permitting; 9 months for construction, licensing, and classroom preparation) Estimated amount to be requested: $185,000
Jubilee is intended for eligible Louisiana United Methodist churches and affiliated ministries facing a significant barrier or preparing to pursue an important opportunity. A strong request should clearly explain the church’s current ministry, the need it hopes to address and the difference a Jubilee investment could make.
Ready to Share in the Jubilee?
01
Letter of Intent
Submit a brief, one-page Letter of Intent by the LOI deadline prior to submitting an application by filling out the form below. Introduce your organization, describe the request you are considering and provide the anticipated timeline and estimated amount.
02
Application Submission
After submitting your Letter of Intent, complete the Jubilee application. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CST on or before the application deadline.
Tell us about the need or opportunity, your proposed plan, the resources required and the impact you hope to create.
03
Applications will move through a two-phase review process.
During Phase One, two members of the Blinded Scoring Committee independently evaluate each blinded application. The committee includes clergy and lay reviewers from across Louisiana who use a shared scoring rubric to consider each request fairly and consistently.
04
Funding Decisions
During Phase Two, the Jubilee Steering Committee reviews the scores and comments from the Blinded Scoring Committee alongside the applicant’s identifying information.
The Steering Committee then makes final funding decisions and notifies applicants of the outcome.
Choose the Cycle
That Fits Your Project
Jubilee offers three application cycles each year.
We encourage churches to begin early and contact the Jubilee team with questions they might have.
Cycle | Letter of Intent | Application | Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
Fall | October 23 | November 13 | December 15 |
Winter | February 1 | February 15 | March 31 |
Spring | June 1 | June 15 | July 30 |
Resources
Investing in Churches and the Communities They Serve
Louisiana United Methodist churches are developing disciples, meeting local needs and building meaningful relationships with their neighbors.
Every congregation has its own context and calling. Jubilee provides resources that can help churches respond to their communities and prepare for the future.
As funded projects take shape, this section can feature stories showing how Jubilee investments are making a difference throughout Louisiana.
Jubilee may support capital debt relief, facility improvements, strategic staffing, major ministry initiatives and other significant needs that can increase ministry capacity. These are examples, not a complete checklist. Other significant opportunities may also be considered.
The Louisiana Conference has reached a strong position to strategically direct reserve funds toward the mission and ministry of our local churches. These funds do not come from apportioned dollars, funds designated to meet pension obligations, or funds dedicated to retiree health benefits.
Eligible applicants include Louisiana United Methodist churches, affiliated campus ministries and camps. Applicants must also meet all requirements in the current Jubilee program guidelines. Review the full program guide for final eligibility requirements, or contact the Jubilee team to discuss whether your church or affiliated ministry qualifies.
- Fall Letters of Intent are due October 23.
- Winter Letters of Intent are due February 1.
- Spring Letters of Intent are due June 1.
A strong application expresses clear alignment with the purpose of the Jubilee Initiative, explains the need or opportunity, the church's plan and the impact the investment could make in the life of the church and/or community. Applicants should demonstrate responsible financial stewardship and showcase a plan sustaining the work into the future.
Applicants should prepare their project descriptions, information and plans without identifying information so that the Scoring Committee may remain objective as they review applications based on the scoring rubric. All applicant identification will be removed before the Scoring Committee begins their blind review.
Each application will undergo a two-phase review process. Phase 1 will be a blind review by the Scoring Committee made up of clergy and lay leaders from around the state. Two members of the committee will independently score each blinded application based on the Scoring Rubric. These scores and comments by the Scoring Committee will be provided to the Steering committee, who along with identifying applicant information will make funding decisions. The Steering committee is composed of two designated people from CFA, the Foundation and 1 representative from each District.
The scoring rubric guides the scoring committee in objectively evaluating applications. Applicants are encouraged to reference the rubric, found in the Program Guide, while preparing their application.
This contains all the information needed to understand the Jubilee Initiatives. It contains deadlines, processes and contact information if you have any questions.
The Jubilee team is available to talk through your idea, answer questions and help you understand the program before you apply.
Email us at [email protected]
Submit your letter of intent below.