Covenant News
Grants Help Churches Make Buildings More Accessible
CHICAGO, IL (March 15, 2004) - Central Conference churches of the Evangelical Covenant Church will have an opportunity to apply for grants to make their buildings more easily accessible, thanks to the Chicago-based Retirement Research Foundation.Funding is available through the Retirement Research Foundation's Accessible Faith Grants Program that enables Chicago area houses of worship to make their facilities more accessible. With such improvements, older adults and people with disabilities may be able to participate more fully in the programs, services and activities of the facilities. Houses of worship in Cook, Lake or DuPage counties in Illinois are eligible to apply for a grant.
Grants will be awarded for up to 50 percent of a project's total cost – to a maximum of $25,000. Funds can be used for:
- Planning/scoping/design projects involving design consultation with a licensed architect or engineer
- Construction such as installation of elevators, platform lifts, inclined lifts, permanent ramps or restroom renovations
- Purchase and installation of program-related equipment such as Assisted Listening Systems, magnifying machines and Braille printers.
Applications for the first round of grants are due by May 3. Second-round grant applications are due by August 2. Grant award notification will be approximately four months after the deadline with funding available one month after notification.
The Retirement Research Foundation is the nation's largest foundation devoted solely to serving the needs of older Americans and enhancing their quality of life. More about the organization and the grants can be obtained by calling 773-714-8080 or visiting the foundation's website at www.rrf.org.
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