The Manna Grant is intended to support new and continuing projects that work to
alleviate hunger within the Grand Canyon Synod,
address at least one root cause of hunger (e.g., poverty, employment instability, inadequate education, medical issues, lack of childcare, race and/or gender inequity, inferior infrastructure, poor decision-making), and that
demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusivity in leadership and decision-making.
All organized congregations, new starts, synodically authorized worshipping communities (SAWCs), and special ministries of the Grand Canyon Synod are eligible to apply. There is approximately $20,000 total available for funding.
Apply by September 13, 2024
Click here to download the Manna Grant Application as a Word document. Application requirements:
This application form must be completed in its entirety. Omission of any requested information will affect the score awarded to the grant proposal.
The completed form must be sent to office@gcsynod.org no later than midnight on September 13, 2024. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Questions about the grant application or process should be directed to Theresa Thornburgh in the Office of the Bishop at office@gcsynod.org or 602-957-3223.
At our 2022 Synod Assembly, a team from Ascension Lutheran in Paradise Valley (Molly Gary, Karen Olson, Laura Musfeldt, and Rev. Randy Winsand) present a $90,000 check to Bishop Hutterer to fund the Manna Grant, honoring the legacy of member Orpha Hoganson.
About the Manna Grant
The funding for the Manna Grant came from Ascension Lutheran Church in Paradise Valley, honoring the legacy of member Orpha Hoganson.
Orpha was a librarian in the public schools and enjoyed reading to children attending Sunday School. While she did not have a family, many called her “Grandma.”
As a younger woman, she enjoyed the summers off from the school by traveling. She would take a room on a commercial freighter and see the world, often not knowing exactly where the ship would end up. Here she saw poverty and hunger in ways that created her desire to help. Serving in public schools also exposed her to the need for hunger relief in the community.
She decided in her later years she could make a difference. First, she gave money to church members who could go to India to open a clinic where the need for health care was great.
Upon Orpha’s death, her estate gave $180,000 to Ascension Lutheran to be used for local hunger and world hunger. This was managed by the church for twenty years and it was decided it was time to use this in a dynamic way with these Manna Grants.