Ministerial Education Fund Grants for Seminary Debt Reduction Assistance

Seminary graduates with a master’s degree in an appropriate field from an approved seminary may apply for a grant of up to $2,000 annually towards repayment of seminary debt while they are serving in appointment in the Minnesota Annual Conference, or, if they are members of the Minnesota Annual Conference, while they are serving in extension ministry. 

A maximum of five annual grants of $2,000 each may be awarded.  Grants will not be given in excess of current, demonstrated debt amounts for the master’s degree for which debt was incurred. 

Grants may be awarded up to ten years following graduation.  For example:

• May 31, 2012        Graduation
• May 30, 2013        End of 1st Year
• May 30, 2014        End of 2nd Year
• May 30, 2015        End of 3rd Year
• May 30, 2016        End of 4th Year
• May 30, 2017        End of 5th Year
• May 30, 2018        End of 6th Year
• May 30, 2019        End of 7th Year
• May 30, 2020        End of 8th Year
• May 30, 2021        End of 9th Year
• May 30, 2022        End of 10th Year
• May 31, 2022        Eligibility is discontinued.

Grant applications are normally reviewed monthly by the Board of Ordained Ministry.  Once approved, payments are typically processed within one week.