African American Methodist Heritage Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2023
UPDATE: DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS EXTENDED TO JUNE 30, 2023
AFRICAN AMERICAN UMC HISTORY PRESERVATION GRANT AVAILABLE
Bishop Forrest C. Stith 2023 Award Offers $5,000
Madison, N.J. – The African American Methodist Heritage Center, Inc. (AAMHC) is now accepting applications for the Bishop Forrest C. Stith Grant for preservation of the history of United Methodist African American congregations. The $5,000 award is named for retired Bishop Forrest C. Stith, the Center’s first president and current President Emeritus who retired from the Board in 2011.
How to apply: The successful candidate must submit an application in English to include the following:
- Biographical information
- A description of the project, including its significance, what resources will be used, and how it will be made available to the public, no more than 3 pages.
- A timeline for the project, including the expected date of completion.
- A budget.
- A description of how the results will be disseminated.
- Three letters of recommendation in English from persons who can attest to applicant’s ability to complete project
Submitted proposals should be postmarked no later than June 30, 2023. Grant recipients will be announced and notified by July 31, 2023.
Purpose and Eligibility: To provide support for local United Methodist African American congregations doing/planning innovative ways to recover, preserve and/or present their histories; or to individuals doing historical research or projects on African Americans in Methodism. Funds may not be used for equipment or researchers’ salary.
Awards: The grant is available every other year, and applicants may re-apply if not chosen. An evaluation must be submitted within one year of receiving the grant.
How the recipients are chosen: Selection is made by a committee consisting of at least three persons--one member of the Board of Trustees of the African American Methodist Heritage Center, one person from the General Commission on Archives and History (GCAH) and one other person who has exhibited knowledge and interest in church history.
Evaluation: An evaluation of the project must be submitted within 12 months of the date of notification of the award of the grant. If the project extends beyond 12 months, an evaluation must be submitted within the next 12 months providing the status of the project and a final evaluation must be submitted upon completion of the project.
Upon completion of the project, the grantee must provide a copy of the final product which will be deposited with the archives of the African American Methodist Heritage Center (AAMHC). The AAMHC may send copies to United Methodist general agencies, as appropriate. In consultation with the African American Methodist Heritage Center, the author will retain control of the permission for the product to be quoted.
Submit materials electronically (preferred) to [email protected], Ms. Carol L. Travis, Executive Assistant or by postal mail to: Carol Travis c/o AAMHC, 6501 Hillwood Dr., Riverdale, MD., 20737.
###
About African American Methodist Heritage Center
The AAMHC's mission is to establish and provide for the maintenance of an African American Methodist Heritage Center, connected with a historically Black institution, that will preserve and protect artifacts and be accessible for research about African American people in Methodism.
For more information, visit AAMHC-UMC.org.
Media contact:
Crystal Caviness
[email protected]
615-306-3401