Ministerial Excellence Fund
Ninety percent of pastors in debt report high stress in everyday life. Costs of living continue to rise while wages and benefits from churches struggle to keep pace. Ministers often take on debt in undergrad and seminary, without a full understanding of the level of compensation they may receive. Most credit card debt that ministers hold is not from frivolous spending, but is because ministers live on very tight margins, so when an emergency strikes, they are often left with few options. The data is clear that these factors contribute to high daily stress, which negatively impacts the leadership abilities of the minister, which negatively impacts the church.
How the Ministerial Excellence Fund can help
The Board of Benefits Services (BOBS) believes that financial burdens carried by pastors are barriers to effective ministry. If we can change this in a positive way, both pastors and congregations will flourish.
The Ministerial Excellence Fund is used to give grants to pastors to relieve the burden of personal debt, to help pastors save for retirement, and also to fund revitalization experiences to prevent burnout. These grants are generously funded by BOBS, as well as partner donations from ministers, churches, RCA assemblies, and individual donors. Some grants given will even allow churches and pastors to contribute matching funds for an even greater grant award.
Financial burdens carried by pastoral leaders are significant barriers to effective, faithful, and fruitful ministry. BOBS sustains this initiative to help clergy become financially healthy.
Along with distributing money, BOBS will offer financial planning and education to equip pastors to lead well in their ministries.
The Ministerial Excellence Fund aims to:
- Relieve the burden of personal debt for pastors.
- Help pastors get on track with retirement savings.
- Provide financial resources to help pastors afford professional care.
- Equip pastors with financial education so that they may flourish personally and offer financial leadership in the ministries they serve.
- Promote healthier dialogue within the church about money, clergy compensation, and generosity.
- Have long-term sustainability through additional gifts.
Who can apply?
- RCA pastors with a long-term commitment to the RCA: RCA-ordained Ministers of Word and Sacrament (including chaplains and specialized ministers) and Commissioned Pastors who work for U.S.-based employers.
- Retired ministers are not eligible to apply.
- Previous grant recipients are not eligible to apply for the same grant, with the exception of those who have received the Clergy Revitalization Grant three or more years ago.
The grants cover a range of debt, including student loans, medical debt, credit card debt, and other common forms of debt. Average grants given in the past have been $5,000-$10,000. Grant amounts are based on need and criteria met. Retirement grants will be paid directly into the grantees’ RCA 403(b) account and will require a contribution from the recipient as well. Those who are awarded the Retirement Kickstart Grant will receive between $2,000 and $4,000 into their 403(b) account based on the percentage they commit to contribute into retirement savings. To qualify for the Retirement Kickstart Grant funds, clergy must agree to contribute an additional 2-4 percent of their total salary into their RCA 403(b) account.
Helpful tips
- The Ministerial Excellence Fund exists to help you (the grantee) work to become financially healthy. Larger grants require a commitment of time, energy, and resources to work together to achieve financial health. Be ready to work, examine mental models of money, and form new habits!
- Pastors with a sustainable level of compensation, or those willing to seek additional paid employment to become financially healthy, are more likely to receive grants. Pastors working on a volunteer basis (not compensated for ministry work) are less likely to receive a grant.
- An average of 5-10 debt relief grants will be given each year. Not all who qualify will be awarded a grant. Take your time with the application and fill it out thoroughly and thoughtfully.
How to apply
Stay tuned for grant opportunities in 2026! Dates will be published in the BOBS newsletter and on this webpage when available.
Applications are accepted during a specific window of time each year. For more information about the application process, email retirement@rca.org.
If you have previously received one of these grants, you are not eligible to reapply for the same grant.
To view an application in a language other than English, follow these instructions.
Debt Relief
for new applicants
Grants for pastors who have never received a debt relief grant in the past. Grants typically range from $5,000-$10,000, and cover a wide range of debt, excluding tuition for adult children and mortgage debt.
*Please do not fill out and submit the PDF application. These are for previewing the application only so that applicants know what to expect when preparing to complete the application.
Questions?
For questions about the grant, the application process, or to donate additional matching funds, contact us at clergygrants@rca.org.
Donate
Help us achieve long-term sustainability by donating to the Ministerial Excellence Fund. Your gift will be matched, which will allow us to help relieve pastors’ debt for many years.
English 
Español de México 
한국어 
Português do Brasil 
简体中文