Westmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ charges the Board of Community Action (BCA) with the responsibility of managing the church’s outreach program. One way BCA carries out this obligation is through the Community Action Grant Program, which distributes funds raised at the Church’s annual fall bazaar and special offerings at Christmas and Easter.

The Community Action Grant Program serves disadvantaged populations on Westmoreland’s behalf in accordance with its Declaration of Purpose. Priority is given to applicant organizations in which Westmoreland church members are actively involved as volunteers and/or contributors. Preference is given to programs or projects that:

• serve the D.C. metropolitan area or, if serving other areas, have programs consistent with Westmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ’s other activities and have ties to the Church’s membership;
• extend beyond meeting basic human needs by promoting self-help and self-reliance of individuals and communities;
• offer opportunities for ecumenical and intra-denominational cooperation;
• are of a size that a modest grant could make a key difference.

Recent grants have ranged from $500 to $2000 and support activities such as job training, a computer lab and computer workshops, international education, shelter/housing, and health care. Grants are not made to individuals.

Grants are awarded in March.  Grant applications must be received in the church office on or before February 28.