The Meetinghouse Fund

The Meetinghouse Fund is an initiative of the Faculty Center for Teaching and Vocation. Funded through the Lilly Endowment, the Fund provides a total of $10,000 annually for innovative academic projects that sustain our commitment to the theological exploration of vocation. The intent of The Meetinghouse Fund is to design experiences that will cause students to reflect on such questions as these: What will I do with this sacred life I have been given? What is my purpose for existence? What gifts have I been given, and how might I use these gifts to serve God?

Reflection on these and similar questions can take place through course experiences (readings, discussions, field studies, and so on), or through academic experiences that occur outside the context of a class. Thus, faculty may apply for mini grants to assist with course development or the development of new programs or experiences that will enhance students’ understanding of theological commitment and purpose. Examples might include service-learning projects that are an integral part of a student’s academic or vocational preparation, internships that require substantial reflection on one’s faith and calling, and discussion groups that involve significant dialogue and reflection.

Grants may be used during the academic year to provide reassigned time for faculty to develop and/or implement substantial programs or experiences. Similarly, awards may be used to provide compensation during the summer for expenses incurred in developing courses/experiences that will be implemented the following year (e.g., books, materials, study at another institution, etc.). Grants may also be used for the implementation phase of the course or experience, e.g., to provide support for a service-learning component in a course; however, priority will be given to proposals that have the potential to be ongoing and self-sustaining.

Examples of high quality proposals might include the following:

  1.  Collaborating on projects that will result in a particular product, e.g., a performance (e.g., script) or written text (e.g., published book of essays) that explore theological issues or questions
  2. Designing and implementing dialogue groups that would bring students and faculty together to read and discuss a particular text or texts (e.g., spring, 2004 project that involved reflecting upon the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer through reading and discussing his work, The Cost of Discipleship)
  3. Designing and teaching a course such as “Poverty and Wealth: Issues in Economic Justice” that includes both theological content and a service learning component; or courses such as “The Psychology of Loss and Trauma” or “Spiritual Walking” or “International Justice” (all previously funded through the initial grant)
  4. Redesigning a current course to integrate questions of vocation and transcendence
  5. Developing partnerships with local churches or community centers to provide opportunities for students to mentor youth or be involved in other faith-based initiatives
  6. Conducting research that relates to the focus of the grant, with the goal of modifying a current course and/or writing an article that will be shared with the campus community

Faculty from all disciplines are invited to submit proposals. For additional information, please contact Rebecca Powell.

The Meetinghouse Fund: Criteria for Proposal Evaluation

  • The project is consistent with the original intent of the Meetinghouse Fund.
    • The project sustains our commitment to the theological exploration of vocation.
    •  The project will involve the development of new courses or other academic experiences (especially those that involve cross-cultural experiences, service, and reflection) that have the potential to have a lasting impact on students and faculty.
  • The project is consistent with proposed outcomes of the Meetinghouse Fund.
    •  The proposed course, program and/or initiative will expand the practice of theological exploration of vocation.
    •  The proposed course, program and/or initiative will enable students and faculty to explore vocation through innovative classes and projects.
    • The proposed course, program and/or initiative will enhance the student’s academic experience at the College.
  • The project focus is clearly theological in nature.
    • The project utilizes written and/or oral texts that will contribute to vocational discernment.
    • The project involves new experiences that will contribute to vocational discernment.
    • The project incorporates reflection of previous, present, and future life experiences.
    • The project includes a transcendent component; there is a clear link between faith and work.
    • The project will provoke significant theological reflection on vocation.
  • The budget is consistent with established funding guidelines.
    • The budget is detailed.
    • The budget is reasonable.
    • When the request is large, other funding sources are also being utilized.
    • Alternative funding sources have been identified, where applicable.
  • Funding this project will have long-term benefits to the campus community.
    • This project will enhance the curriculum by providing new or innovative experiences for students and faculty.
    • This project has the potential to continue in future years without additional funding.
    • The project application is detailed and of high quality.